When we talk about damage to masonry and brick buildings, we usually focus on age, weathering, and water damage. However, damage can come from another, perhaps unexpected, source: the sun. That’s right, even good weather can damage masonry over time. When our team at Abbot Building Restoration assesses a masonry restoration project in Boston, we typically see four types of damage to masonry from sunlight: UV radiation damage, damage from thermal cycling, moisture damage, and algae or moss growth.
Here’s how we repair various types of damage from sunlight in a Boston masonry restoration project.
UV Radiation Damage
Over time, UV radiation from the sun can deteriorate bricks, mortar, and other elements of the masonry. We take these steps to repair the damage:
- Cleaning: We clean the surface to remove dirt, debris, and surface contaminants that may have accumulated and exacerbated UV damage.
- Coating or Sealing: We apply UV-resistant coatings or sealants to provide a protective barrier against UV radiation.
- Surface Repair: We use appropriate repair materials to repair any surface damage caused by UV exposure, such as discoloration, fading, or deterioration.
Thermal Cycling Damage
As the sun heats and reheats the masonry, the materials expand and contract, causing microcracks and reducing the strength of the stone.
- Crack Repair: We repair cracks and fissures in the masonry caused by thermal expansion and contraction using specialized masonry repair products such as epoxy injections or mortar patching.
- Expansion Joint Installation: We install expansion joints or flexible sealants in areas prone to thermal cycling to accommodate movement and prevent future damage.
- Insulation: We add insulation to the masonry structure to minimize temperature fluctuations and reduce the impact of thermal cycling.
Moisture Damage
Direct sunlight heats any water trapped in the masonry. The heat expels it from the materials, and then the water condenses on the surface, leading to further water damage.
Heating, expelling, and condensing water
- Water Repellents: Apply water-repellent coatings or sealants to the masonry surface to prevent moisture penetration and reduce the risk of efflorescence, spalling, and other moisture-related damage.
- Waterproofing: involves installing waterproof membranes or barriers behind the masonry to prevent water infiltration from behind the surface.
- Repairing Mortar Joints: Repairing deteriorated mortar joints and repointing them to improve watertightness and prevent moisture ingress.
Algae and Moss Growth
Warm materials retain moisture, creating an environment for algae to grow. The continued sunlight also creates the conditions for photosynthesis, encouraging further growth.
- Cleaning: We remove algae, moss, and other organic growth from the masonry surface using appropriate cleaning agents and techniques, such as pressure washing or chemical treatments.
- Biocide Treatment: We apply biocidal treatments to inhibit the growth of algae, moss, and other organic matter on the masonry surface.
- Improving Drainage: We ensure proper drainage around the masonry structure to prevent water accumulation and create less favorable conditions for algae and moss growth.
