Preventing the green will prolong brick life.
New brick is baked at temperatures that incinerate all organic materials. When the brick is exposed to organic materials and moisture in the outdoor air, moss and mildew spores receive the nutrients they need to grow in the cracks of the brick. Sealing the cracks in the new brick helps prevent the initial growth of moss and mildew, but annual applications of a moss and mildew preventative solution are also required. It's important to prevent moss and mildew because they retain moisture that can cause bricks to crumble when it freezes. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Wash the brick with clean water, spraying off all dust with a garden hose. Allow the brick to dry for 24 hours. It may take longer if the temperatures are below 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Pour brick sealer and water into a garden sprayer. Mix the sealer and water according to the sealer manufacturer's ratios found on the label.
3. Lift the sprayer's handle up and and push it back down several times to pressurize the liquid in the chamber. Shake the sprayer back and forth to allow the sealer and water to mix thoroughly. Lock the pump handle in place at its lowest position.
4. Put on a pair of safety goggles. Hold the garden sprayer in your left hand by gripping the handle. Hold the spray wand in your right. Spray the brick steps until they are saturated with the solution. Allow the sealer to dry for a few days.
5. Fill the tank of the sprayer with a moss and mildew preventive and water. Mix the two together according to the mixing ratios on the manufacturer's product label. Apply the solution over the brick steps once a year or as often as the manufacturer recommends.
Tags: moss mildew, sealer water, brick steps, cracks brick, garden sprayer