Spalling happens when moisture gets into brick and freezes. As water expands, it pushes the face of the brick outward until it flakes off. In Cincinnati, repeated freeze-thaw cycles can accelerate the problem.
Common causes of spalling brick
- Failed mortar joints letting water penetrate deeper
- Cracked crowns, caps, or flashing failures on chimneys
- Hard, incompatible mortar on older/historic brick
- Improper sealers trapping moisture inside the wall
- Poor drainage near foundations and retaining walls
What to do (and what not to do)
Don’t paint over spalling or smear caulk into joints—those can trap water. The goal is to restore mortar integrity, replace damaged brick where needed, and stop water entry at the source.
Depending on the cause, the right fix can include tuckpointing, targeted replacement, or sealing/waterproofing after repairs. If the damage is chimney-related, review chimney flashing & waterproofing.
Get a masonry evaluation
We’ll confirm the root cause and repair scope.