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Dry brickwork as effectively as possible – natural evaporation is the best method if the weather is dry. A brick dries out at about an inch a month so be aware that it may take several months for the brickwork to completely dry out. Brickwork, particularly old bricks, may deteriorate and require repair work.
Wet brickwork is susceptible to frost damage and can spall and flake or even crack. Bricks may shrink or crack as they dry. Record any cracking and, once the crack movement has stabilised and the cracks are fully open, fill them. However do not re-point or repair cracked brickwork or masonry until the foundation soil has dried out and foundation movements have stopped. During the drying out stage you may see a white salt growth on bricks and concrete. This will stop when the wall is fully dried and should be removed with a bristle broom. If the brickwork is painted then allow it to fully dry before attempting to re-paint, wet brickwork will stain through emulsion and lift off oil based paint.
If the brickwork fails to dry then obtain samples of the masonry and have them tested them for moisture content and hygroscopic salts. This will indicate whether there is a rising damp problem, in which case, seek specialist expertise.
It is important that any air bricks are removed once the flood has receded, as they are essential in allowing ventilation of the wall cavity. Removing air bricks will aid in drying the building out and allow any trapped water to dissipate.
Do not light fires in brick fireplaces for at least 2 weeks after the flooding and then only light small fires until the firebricks have dried out.
Check the section on walls for further information.
20 November 2002