Brick cream, also known as masonry protection cream, is a treatment designed to protect brickwork and masonry from water penetration and damp. It works by filling the porous voids within the brick or masonry without blocking them, allowing the materials to "breathe". This prevents moisture build-up.
Key Features of Brick Cream
- Water Repellency: The primary function is to provide long-lasting protection against water ingress.
- Breathability: Unlike some sealants, brick cream allows trapped moisture to escape, preventing internal damp issues. As the reference states, it achieves this “by filling the porous voids within the substrate without blocking them.”
- Damp Prevention: It helps prevent the spread of dampness within masonry.
- Longevity: It offers a long-lasting solution for masonry protection.
How Brick Cream Works
The cream is typically applied to the external surface of brickwork or masonry. It penetrates the material and fills the microscopic pores, creating a water-repellent barrier. This barrier prevents rainwater from being absorbed into the structure but still allows water vapor from within the brickwork to escape to the outside, therefore letting the structure breathe.
Benefits of Using Brick Cream
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Prevents Water Penetration | Keeps water from entering the masonry, reducing the risk of structural damage from freeze-thaw cycles |
| Inhibits Damp | Protects against the growth of mold, mildew, and other damp-related problems. |
| Allows the masonry to "breathe" | Reduces potential for trapped moisture to cause internal issues. |
| Extends the lifespan of bricks | Helps to preserve the integrity and appearance of brickwork over time. |
| Reduces energy costs | By keeping masonry dry, less energy will be needed to heat or cool a property. |
Application of Brick Cream
- The surface to be treated should be clean and dry.
- Apply the cream with a brush or roller.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the appropriate quantity to apply.
- Most creams have a curing time, so it is vital to avoid rainfall during this period.
In conclusion, brick cream is an effective protective treatment that helps maintain the integrity and longevity of brickwork by preventing water penetration and damp without compromising the breathability of the material.
