Weathering refers to the process by which rocks and stones are broken down over time. Bricks are sturdy building materials, but they too are vulnerable to weathering.
- Weathering refers to the process by which rocks and stones are broken down over time.
- Bricks are sturdy building materials, but they too are vulnerable to weathering.
Classes of Weathering
There are three main types of weathering: physical weathering, chemical weathering and biological weathering. Brick buildings are primarily susceptible to physical weathering.
Porous Bricks
Bricks are naturally porous, meaning they have small holes in them. This makes it easier for water and other elements to get into the brick and break it down over time. In general, the more porous a brick is, the quicker it will break down.
Ice Wedging
Ice wedging (also known as ice crystallisation) occurs when water gets into a crack or pore in a brick, and then expands as it freezes, fracturing the brick and potentially breaking pieces of it off.
Salt Crystallization
Salt crystallisation is much like ice wedging. This occurs when a saline solution enters a brick and expands as it crystallises. Salt crystallisation is normally only a concern in coastal areas and in hot, dry environments.
Wind and Rain
Bricks are also exposed to rain and wind. Although no single weather event significantly erodes brick, the effect of wind and rain over decades and centuries will eventually help to break it down.