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The Problem- Moisture Penetration
Without moisture and salt penetration, masonry can last an incredibly long time. Just look at the pyramids still standing in the arid climate of the Giza plateau. However in Ottawa, Ontario, our climate and road treatments in winter are the enemy for the life expectancy of most masonry materials. Moisture penetration coupled with our frequent freeze thaw cycles, particularly in the Spring, can cause brick spalling and the rapid deterioration of moisture prone masonry systems.
Salt Fretting
These vulnerable areas can erode even faster when exposed to de-icing salts. De-icing salts on exposed masonry cause more freeze thaw cycles to occur which leads to cracking, efflorescence and exfoliation.
Problem Areas
Strip malls are notorious for having heavily salted walk ways to keep pedestrians safe during our icy Ottawa winters. The shops and department stores cladded in masonry brick or stone end up salt fretting right at their base. Salt fretting can cause rapid erosion of the masonry work especially on manufactured thin stone veneers. I personally have seen new malls cladded with thin manufactured stone veneer skirts rapidly deteriorate after only a few years from salt exposure.
After a few decades, many water susceptible areas on a home’s masonry typically require maintenance such as brick replacements at the front door and parging around the garage because of moisture and and salt exposure. Inside the garage, road salts brought in by vehicles can cause rapid deterioration of exposed foundations or parging.
Expensive Stone Options
Denser materials such as granite or Adair limestone can be used to clad the bottom 4-12 inches of a masonry wall as they resist moisture and salt penetration much better. However, these materials can be costly especially for a larger restoration project.
Cost Effective Solution
Intraguard is a proprietary watered based, penetrating sealing compound by W.R. Meadows. It is a clear solvent that when applied properly, leaves no residue/film. The product penetrates the pores of masonry to help prevent salt-fretting and water ingress. The best part is that it still allows your masonry to breathe which prevents moisture from building up.
A small test spot should always be done before applying Intraguard to an entire masonry product. I have had this product slightly tint concrete in the past. All new masonry should be allowed to cure for 4 weeks before application for best results. Re-application should be done annually for heavy traffic areas and every 4 years for vertical masonry surfaces less vulnerable.
If your masonry whether its brick, block, stone or parging is beginning to deteriorate due to salt/water damage, have it replaced or restored by a licensed mason like Kavanagh Masonry. We offer specialized restoration services including parging, repointing, brick replacement, chimney repair or chimney rebuilds to the Ottawa and surrounding area. Locations exposed to road salts and water ingress should be restored back to its original integrity and can be sealed in with Intraguard to make your repairs last.
For more information on Intraguard, please visit the spec sheet or contact your local distributor. If you are interested in receiving a free quote to have your masonry repaired or sealed, please feel free to reach out on our Request a Quote Page.
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