How Caulk Causes Damage To Brick And Why Repointing is the Right Solution

[@sdoken]

In this video, you are showing a customer that seems to have literally put caulk EVERYWHERE on the mortar, and they seem to have left no area of the mortar uncovered by caulk which obviously trapped moisture perhaps because their mortar was decaying everywhere. I don't know that you'd have the same problem if they put it on a specific area where there is a crack. The moisture can still escape through the surrounding mortar, no?

[@winslow68]

Can I use caulk made for masonry ? like QUIKRETE Joint Sealant Polyurethane Masonry Sealer for Mortar .

[@vincepellegrino]

Hi, I agree with your video, the caulk will restrict the moisture from drying out and will cause deterioration. However, the repair I am looking at doing is on cracks in the actual bricks that are about 1/16" wide or less and from what I see are a result of settling of the foundation of the house. I have about 10 or bricks like this. I am thinking that in this case puting a bead of caulking over the crack may be better than concrete as it is more likely to withstand any movement that may occur over the winter. By the way, we are in Ontario, Canada with cold winters. Your suggestions would be appreciated. Vince

[@jhmstagg9104]

thanks for the information clearly told.

[@sherrynoel33]

We hired a contractor to tuck point our 2 story building. Unfortunately, he was putting silicone in between the bricks!! How do we go about removing it? Another section was done a year ago. How long before deterioration to occur?

[@danp129]

Hi, I'm sorry to hear about what that contractor did. What did you end up doing and did all turn out ok in the end?

[@sdoken]

Can we ask for an update? Did your bricks get damaged due to the caulk? Did you remove them?

[@Austinroofingcontractors]

A good video - caulk is never a good substitute for proper building techniques and materials.

[@reedwischhusen5376]

Caulk done more damage then leaving it alone.