How to Protect Your Bricks & Masonry: A Complete Guide for UK Home – DIY Refurb

Bricks and masonry are the backbone of most UK homes, prized for their durability and timeless aesthetic. But over time, exposure to weather, pollution, and moisture can degrade even the toughest walls. Protecting your brickwork is essential if you want to avoid costly repairs and maintain your property's kerb appeal.

Whether you're a homeowner, landlord, or DIY enthusiast, this guide will help you understand how to safeguard your bricks and masonry from the elements and keep them looking their best for years to come.

Why Do Bricks and Masonry Need Protection?

While bricks and mortar are designed to last, they're not immune to environmental stress. In the UK, our climate can be particularly challenging:

Rain and frost cause bricks to absorb water, which can freeze and expand, leading to cracking and spalling.
Pollution and dirt accumulate on surfaces, causing discolouration and encouraging moss or algae growth.
Salt and efflorescence leach out of bricks, leaving unsightly white marks and degrading mortar.
Rising damp can affect internal walls and structural integrity if left unchecked.

Proper protection can dramatically extend the life of your masonry and prevent expensive damage down the line.

Signs Your Bricks Need Protection

Look out for these common warning signs:

White powdery residue (efflorescence)
Crumbling mortar joints
Damp patches or peeling paint indoors
Moss, algae, or mould on walls
Flaking, cracking or broken bricks (spalling)

If you notice any of these, it's time to take action.

How to Protect Your Brickwork: Step-by-Step

1. Clean the Surface Thoroughly

Before applying any treatment, ensure the surface is clean and dry.

Use a masonry cleaner or diluted brick acid (carefully) to remove grime and efflorescence.
Scrub gently with a stiff brush—avoid power washing as it can damage old bricks.
Rinse and allow the wall to dry completely—ideally for 24–48 hours.

2. Repair Damaged Areas

Fix any cracks, loose mortar, or damaged bricks before sealing.

Repoint mortar joints with the correct mortar mix for your property type (lime mortar for period homes, cement mortar for modern builds).
Replace any severely damaged bricks.
Seal any cracks using an exterior-grade filler or repair mortar.

Our Official Guide on Repointing Mortar Joints.

3. Apply a Masonry Waterproofer

Once cleaned and repaired, it's time to protect.

Use a breathable masonry water repellent like a silane/siloxane-based sealer.
These products prevent rain penetration while still allowing moisture to escape.
Apply with a brush, roller, or low-pressure sprayer—follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

Top Tip: Always test the product on a small area first to check for colour change.

4. Add a Protective Masonry Paint (Optional)

If you prefer a painted finish, use a high-quality exterior masonry paint that’s breathable and weather-resistant.

Ideal for walls exposed to driving rain or coastal weather.
Provides extra UV and water protection.
Available in a wide range of colours to freshen up your façade.

Our Official Guide on How to Apply Masonry Protection Creams.

What About Internal Brick Walls?

Exposed brick walls indoors are a popular design feature. To protect them:

Clean using a vacuum and a soft brush attachment.
Seal with a clear masonry sealer or brick sealant to reduce dust and staining.
Use breathable products to prevent trapping moisture inside the wall.

Bonus: Protecting Stone & Render Too

If your home also features natural stone, render, or reconstituted masonry, the same general principles apply:

Clean thoroughly.
Repair any cracks or flaking areas.
Use a breathable, suitable stone sealer or render protector.

Make sure to choose a product compatible with your specific surface type.

Year-Round Brick Maintenance Tips

Task	Frequency
Inspect walls for damage	Twice a year
Clean moss/algae	Spring & autumn
Repoint loose mortar	As needed
Reapply waterproofer	Every 5–10 years
Clear gutters & downpipes	Every 6 months

Different Types of Masonry Protection Products

Many homeowners are familiar with terms like “masonry paint” or “brick sealer,” but the variety of available products can be confusing. To choose the right solution, it’s important to understand the different types of masonry protection products and how they perform in real-world conditions.

Why This Matters

Using the wrong product can trap moisture, damage old bricks, or lead to premature failure. Each surface type and condition requires a tailored approach. Here’s how the main product types compare:

Types of Products Explained

Water-Repellent Creams: These penetrate deeply into the brick, creating a long-lasting invisible barrier that keeps rain out while letting moisture escape. Ideal for period properties and solid walls.
Liquid Sealers: Surface-level treatments that protect against water and dirt. Easy to apply by roller or spray. Choose breathable formulas for exterior walls.
Masonry Stabilisers: Designed for chalky or flaking surfaces, these products bind loose particles and prep the wall for painting or sealing.
Breathable Masonry Paints: Offer both colour and protection. Unlike regular paints, these allow damp walls to breathe and dry out naturally.
Biocidal Washes: Kill and prevent moss, algae, and mould on masonry. Use as a pre-treatment before sealing or painting, especially on north-facing or shaded walls.

What to Consider When Choosing

Age and material of the wall: Older bricks need breathable, gentle products.
Exposure level: Coastal and weather-facing walls benefit from deeper penetrating sealants.
Finish required: Some products are clear, while others offer colour and texture.
Underlying issues: Stabilising or treating biological growth first can extend protection.

Eco-Friendly & Listed Property Considerations

For heritage or listed properties, avoid modern cement-based products and use traditional lime mortar and breathable limewash.
Many eco-friendly sealers use water-based formulas and are free from harsh solvents.
Always check with your local conservation officer before treating listed brickwork.

Final Thoughts

Brick and masonry protection might not be the most glamorous DIY job, but it's one of the most important. With the right maintenance and protective treatments, you can keep your home looking sharp and structurally sound for decades to come.

Whether you're sealing a garden wall, reviving an old chimney, or protecting your entire house, a little effort now saves a lot of money later.