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Brick spalling—which refers to the crumbly, flaky, or pitted appearance that can develop over time—is caused by a few different conditions. These include:

• Climates with constant freeze-thaw cycles

• Use of non-breathable sealants

• High-pressure water cleaning

• Improper installation

While you can’t do anything about the weather, you can preserve your bricks by cleaning them with soapy water and a good old-fashioned scrubbing. Pressure washers may be satisfying to use, but they can eventually wear away the surface of your bricks. If you don’t have advanced-level DIY skills in masonry, you can hire a reputable masonry contractor in your area for your project.

Yes. Black stains are more than an eyesore. Some black stains can pose health concerns, especially for those with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory conditions. Some stains can also damage the brick’s structural integrity, harming the mortar and resulting in more expensive repairs.

You can use a regular drill to make pilot holes for gutter brackets in the wooden fascia board around the top of your house, but it’s not the best tool for brick. Instead, you’ll need a heavy-duty power tool like a hammer drill with a carbide tip bit.

You should worry about brick wall cracks when they are wide and growing, or in a horizontal or stair-step pattern. Additionally, they may be accompanied by other signs of structural stress. In these cases, a foundation specialist should inspect your home.