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Painted exterior brick does not usually need sealing. Brick is a porous material, so you don’t want to apply a sealant that could trap moisture inside the bricks and cause erosion and structural damage. The risk of moisture-induced damage after sealing is higher in colder climates where trapped moisture can expand if it freezes. On the other hand, it makes sense to seal really old brick or kitchen backsplashes, where moisture from cooking can weaken the brick.

Unless you’ve worked in the masonry industry before, it is in your best interest if you hire a pro for any masonry needs. Masonry-related jobs require a high skill level and can be extremely time-consuming. If anything goes wrong, a licensed and insured masonry contractor would be able to take care of the subsequent repairs, giving you additional peace of mind.

Drilling into brick doesn’t have to be a dangerous project if you prep and approach it with the right tools and techniques, but it does come with risks if it’s not done correctly. It can lead to significant issues, such as damaging the brick or affecting the wall’s structural integrity. Applying too much force can crack or chip the brick, while incorrect placement might compromise its load-bearing strength. 

Stone houses used to be much more practical, but with the advent of stronger and cheaper materials like concrete, they aren’t seen as much anymore. There are some parts of the world where it makes sense to build with stone, and they are usually next to a stone quarry. Stone is, however, very weather-resistant, which is why many homes near the sea and on mountains are still built with local stone.