German schmear to put on spalling brick or no?

[alucard]

Our old house is falling apart already with light spalling but I want to restore it before my father comes home from the hospital (in 2 weeks). Is it possible? Can I work on it using mortar wash or is it a bad idea? It's impossible to address the moisture issue itself because I'm no God and can't change the climate lol so this is the only thing I can think of.

 

[TrustNo1]

Our old house is falling apart already with light spalling but I want to restore it before my father comes home from the hospital (in 2 weeks). Is it possible? Can I work on it using mortar wash or is it a bad idea? It's impossible to address the moisture issue itself because I'm no God and can't change the climate lol so this is the only thing I can think of.

Really evaluate if it's light spalling or if you really need to completely do a rebuild instead. Right now you don't need mortar wash bu the way, there are bricks the same color as yours most likely. If the costs outweigh your expenses outside your old house, is it worth the nostalgia?

 

[BLK153]

Our old house is falling apart already with light spalling but I want to restore it before my father comes home from the hospital (in 2 weeks). Is it possible? Can I work on it using mortar wash or is it a bad idea? It's impossible to address the moisture issue itself because I'm no God and can't change the climate lol so this is the only thing I can think of.

Hey it's been a while. I hope you were able to surprise your dad with peace of mind that the house won't fall apart anymore.

 

[W4llCraft3d]

Good points, totally agree. No sense jumping into a full rebuild if it's just light spalling. And yeah, matching bricks are usually out there if you look. Gotta weigh the cost vs the sentimental value for sure. Curious, are you leaning toward patching it for now or a full redo later?

 

[purriitttooo]

Have you been able to identify the source of the moisture? Even if you use a mortar wash to cover the light spalling, it will be only temporary.

 

[Alan]

Bricks with that color already on their faces are available for purchase. If someone applied a wash to a clay brick, I would be suspicious. It can lead to more problems in the long run.

Also, all that dirt piled up against the brick at the base of the wall is not good for the brick; I'm not sure if you get snow and frost where you live. For clay brick, you typically need four inches of soil clearance.