Brick cleaning and waterproofing are easy to mess up and very expensive to fix if done wrong, so this page should clearly explain what you do, what you avoid, and why a real mason should handle it, not just a cleaning company.

Brick Cleaning & Waterproofing in Montreal

Montreal’s brick buildings take a beating from pollution, deicing salts, and constant freeze thaw cycles. Over time, facades get stained, dark, and saturated with moisture. Quick fix power washing or the wrong sealer can trap water in your walls and actually speed up damage.

Longfield Masonry offers brick cleaning and waterproofing that protects your building’s structure first, and improves its appearance as a result not the other way around.

Why Brick Cleaning Needs a Mason, Not Just a Pressure Washer

Brick is porous and layered. Aggressive cleaning can

• Strip off the protective fired face of the brick

• Force water deep into the wall

• Damage mortar joints and open new paths for water

We approach cleaning as part of masonry preservation, not just making it look new.

We evaluate

• The type and age of the brick

• The condition of the mortar joints

• The type of staining (carbon, rust, biological growth, efflorescence)

• Existing coatings or past sealers that may need removal

Our Brick Cleaning Services

Gentle Surface Cleaning

When the brick is structurally sound but dirty, we use controlled methods to remove surface dirt, soot, and grime while preserving the brick face and mortar.

• Low pressure rinsing (no blast and hope)

• Appropriate cleaners based on stain type

• Targeted spot treatments where needed

Efflorescence & Salt Removal

White, powdery deposits on the surface of your brick (efflorescence) mean salts and moisture are moving through your wall. Simply washing it off without addressing the cause guarantees it comes back.

We

• Identify moisture sources contributing to efflorescence

• Clean affected surfaces appropriately

• Recommend repairs or adjustments to keep water out and let the wall dry properly

Biological Growth & Organic Stains

Algae, moss, and other growths can hold moisture against the wall and make surfaces slippery.

We:

• Clean growth with appropriate solutions

• Avoid harsh methods that damage brick or mortar

• Can recommend sunlight, grading, or drainage changes to reduce regrowth

Waterproofing vs Breathability Doing It Right

Waterproofing brick is not as simple as spray on a sealer. The wrong product can trap moisture inside the wall, leading to

• Spalling brick faces

• Blistering, cracking, or bulging

• Interior moisture and mold issues

For most masonry walls, what you want is water repellency with breathability, not a plastic-like coating.

Our Waterproofing Approach

1. Assessment Before Sealing
   We never seal over active problems. If joints are missing, bricks are damaged, or water is getting in through cracks, those are corrected first.

2. Choosing the Right Product
   We select penetrating treatments designed for masonry that:

   • Repel liquid water from the surface

   • Allow water vapor to escape from inside the wall

   • Do not create a shiny, plastic looking surface

3. Targeted Application
   We focus on the most exposed and vulnerable areas first

   • Parapets and tops of walls

   • Window heads, sills, and transitions

   • Areas with high splash back or run off

Masonry contractor in Montréal specializing in brick, stone, and chimney repairs, historic restoration, and custom masonry.

Brick Cleaning & Waterproofing