FAQ
Repoint
How do you incur a building defect?
A building can have a defect issued from the local government body based on the building code of Australia. This may be due to poor materials, products or building method being used; either due to the age of the building, lack of maintenance, poor advice or building application. Older buildings, or buildings that are out of their warranty period may not comply with these standards but must be judged against the standard at the time of construction or refurbishment.
It is important to obtain professional advice prior to attending to the necessary work to rectify any defects, thus ensuring the correct materials and appropriate methods are used in the process.
What are examples of building defects?
Building defects are where the building does not meet the building code e.g. structural cracks in brickwork; damage or deteriorated brick walls; concrete spalling or cancer; non-compliance with pest prevention i.e. termites; excessive structural roof sagging; poorly fitting windows and doors; shower or bath leaks and sagging ceilings; building dampness.
Can you recycle bricks?
Yes. Since bricks are made from a natural product (clay) they can be reused. Recycled bricks are used in buildings, road construction, paving and landscaping.
Can a brick be spoiled by the wrong cleaning process?
Yes. Therefore, the correct application of products (usually hydrochloric acid) should only be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and carried out by a professional tradesperson. The chemicals used for cleaning bricks are highly corrosive and should be used with caution especially when applying indoors (when adequate ventilation is required).
If a house has a variety of brick colours due to several additions; can we change the colour of the house bricks permanently with a dye or stain?
Yes. This process is called tinting, and is a permanent modification of the colour and treatment of the brickwork. This has no direct adverse effects on the durability or structure of the bricks. The procedure consists of applying a colourfast oxide based pigment in a potassium silicate medium, resulting in a permanent tint to the surface of the brickwork.
BRICK SEALANT PRODUCTS
BRICKWORK REPAIR & SEALING SERVICES
As part of our commitment to offering our clients the very best in brick repairs and sealing solutions for their home, Repoint proudly offer a complete range of repair, repointing and sealing solutions using the very best mortar and brick sealant products available.
In fact, our brick sealant products are specifically designed to meet the demands of the Sydney climate and environment, giving you the peace of mind that your repaired and restored brickwork will retain its good looks for many years to come.
For more technical information about commercial brick sealants call Repoint’s service staff today.
WHY IS THE REPOINT BRICK SEALANT THE LEADING CHOICE?
Brick sealants are another way of preventing moisture infiltrating into the brickwork, particularly in a commercial environment.
A clay brick sealer e.g. SW 244 -40 TM, is VOC compliant 40% silane-based water repellent, is a clear, penetrating, breathable repellent used for exterior above-grade concrete, brick masonry and some natural stone work susceptible to water penetration.
Designed for commercial use in buildings, parking stations, garages, highway and bridge structures our brick sealant has a very small molecular structure for deep penetration of surfaces.
This material reacts with moisture in the air and in the substrate in the presence of an alkaline or acidic environment to produce hydroxy groups. These hydroxy groups will bond with the substrate and itself produce a hydrophobic treatment that inhibits water absorption into the substrate.
Products e.g. SW 244 -40 TM as brick sealants have benefits for commercial and industrial use including, resistant to chloride ion intrusion, resistant to wind-driven rain; resistant to alkali attack; compatible with most paints; protection against corrosion of reinforced steel and is not affected by glass or metal surfaces. The treated surface is resistant to discoloration, blushing or yellowing.
A-Tech Masonry and Brick Sealer TM has 10% Siloxane content giving concrete substrates, brick or stone protection against water penetration. This product reduces chloride ion (salt) content in concrete and is used as a sealer on brick pavers in patios or sidewalks.
The A-Tech Masonry & Brick Sealer TM penetrates below the surface of the brick, giving a clear finish while maintaining the original texture, feel and traction of the brick surface.
WATER REPELLENT
Moisture is naturally present in most forms of brickwork, masonry and concrete – both externally from rain and air and sometimes from internal sources.
Our Repoint water repellent products are applied to brickwork to prevent water infiltrating into your bricks. Our Repoint water repellent products (which are a modified siloxane) are applied to both bricks and mortar to penetrate deep into the surface e.g. 3/8 inch thus preventing water penetrating the outer skin of the brickwork in cavity wall construction.
These special siloxanes in our water repellent products react to form a strong chemical bond beneath the treated brick surface. The bond created will allow the product to become a physical part of the brick structure thus acting as a long lasting water repellent and protection against damp.
This coating forms inside the tiny passageways of the bricks and mortar thus repelling water and at the same time allowing the passageways to remain open for the bricks to breathe which allow for water vapours to escape.
This Repoint water repellent product is designed to give the brickwork a high structural strength and greater durability without altering the natural appearance of the brick.
To learn more about our brick sealant products, and for a free quote on all brickwork repair and sealing solutions, call us today on 0408 417 648 or click here to send us an online enquiry.
