Indications of a Water Leak Behind a Brick Wall

What Causes Water Leaks Behind a Brick Wall?

There are several ways water can penetrate a brick wall and cause damage. The most common are related to the installation methods. For instance, mortar mixed with too much moisture will shrink when dried. This creates gaps and holes in the dried mortar, which can result in leaking between bricks.

Another common problem with brick installation happens when contractors don't scrape away the extra mortar from the back of the bricks. The extra dried mortar blocks the water from clearing down the weather-resistant barrier, which prevents water from properly draining from the house. The weather-resistant barrier then erodes from constant pooling, and water begins to enter the house.

Go Smart Bricks lists other causes of water leaks behind brick walls, such as:

• Leaky pipes
• "External wall defects"
• "Paleness in water-resisting components"
• "Wind-blown rain through the vertical joints"
• Landscaping soil sitting too high on the brick foundation.

Signs of Water Leaks

Perhaps one reason that many homeowners don't recognize leaks behind brick walls is that leaks aren't always obvious, especially on the outside of a home. Most homeowners don't routinely inspect the outside brick for indications of leaks, and by the time they notice a change in their brick walls, there can be substantial water damage.

Additionally, if water has penetrated the weather-resistant barrier, there can be signs of water damage to the inside of the home.

Water Leak Signs From The Inside of Your Home

What are the signs of water leaking inside your home? wikiHow gives some advice on what to look for:

• "Discoloration" on the walls - A water leak will result in a washed-out stain on your wall or ceiling. The discoloration is also "likely to be irregular."
• Changes in the wall's texture - In addition to discoloration, a water leak can cause your wall to warp or form a bubble (or more than one bubble) that sags downward.
• Check for mold or mildew - Water leaks that have been present for some time can result in mold or mildew growth. These begin as small patches of "black or brown dots" but can quickly take over a whole wall. You may notice a musty or stale smell when close to the infected wall.

Water Leak Signs From the Outside of Your Home

When looking at the outside of your house, one of the easiest signs of a water leak to spot is efflorescence. Efflorescence is a crystalized deposit of salt on the exterior of brick; the salts remain on the brick after the water evaporates. Efflorescence has a white or greyish color and can have a powdery or scum-like appearance.

While efflorescence isn't a cause for panic--it doesn't always mean a water leak--it's advisable to have a home inspector or mason examine the area of concern to determine the cause. 

Prevent Water Leaks Behind Brick Walls

Since water leaks behind brick walls can be difficult to determine until significant water damage has occurred, it's clear that prevention is the best policy for keeping your home safe! Here are some simple steps you can take:

The best prevention is solid, quality brick installation. If you're building a new home, be sure to get the best masonry contractors and bricks within your budget. The better your bricks are installed, the less you'll have to worry about in the future.

If you live in an already constructed home, regularly inspect the inside and outside of your home for problems areas. On the inside of your home, look for discoloration, warping, bubbles, and mold or mildew on the walls and ceilings of each room.

On the outside brick, carefully check for efflorescence. Just like mold & mildew, efflorescence starts in one small area and gradually grows. A hasty examination could lead to bigger problems later on, while a thorough inspection could save you lots of time and money.

Additionally, inspect your home for leaks twice or more a year, especially after periods of heavy rain. The extra moisture could absorb into the brick if it doesn't have adequate time to drain or evaporate. 

Another prevention method is to call in the experts. A routine inspection from a mason or other professional every few years (or whenever your mason recommends) will give you extra insight into any current or potential problem areas.

Finally, prevent saturation most commonly caused by piling soil high around the brick foundation. The high levels of water retention in the soil can erode the water-resistant barriers of your brick walls. Also, ensure that water drains away from your house. Gutters or pipes can sometimes drain right at the foundation, once again causing brick saturation.

What Should I Do If I Spot a Water Leak?

First, do your best to determine the source of the leak. A home inspector can also help determine the source. Once you've located the source, in most cases, you'll need to call in a mason for sealing or flashing. If the leak is caused by leaky pipes, you may also need to call a plumber.

While these steps stop the leak, you may still be left with water damage. This can take many forms, such as discoloration or warping, mold or mildew, or efflorescence.

Conclusion

There are many factors at play when it comes to brick water leaks. The quality and installation of the bricks, outside drainage systems, landscaping, pipes inside the home, all play important roles in maintaining a healthy, water-resistant barrier in your brick walls.

Discoloration, bubble formation, or warping of a wall, and mold or mildew indicate a water leak on the inside of your home. On the outside brick, efflorescence is an indication that the water-resistant barrier of the brick wall has eroded. Routine inspection--either by you or a professional--can help prevent water leaks before damage occurs to your home and that includes brick saturation.

Sources

• https://gosmartbricks.com/wall-leakage-7-common-causes-of-brick-leaks/
• https://www.wikihow.com/Detect-Water-Leaks-in-Walls