There are many caulks on the market, so when do you need to reach for brick caulk? This specialty caulk withstands harsh conditions, which means your project will not only look great but stand up to the elements. We’ve got the guide on red brick caulk as well as other masonry caulk.
Brick caulks are designed to form permanent seals that are waterproof and weatherproof. Furthermore, brick caulks are specially formulated for use on gaps and joints in masonry and concrete, meaning they can withstand harsher conditions than many other caulks. Quality brick mortar caulk resists stress resulting from movement, weather, and other sources better than most generic products.
Gather tools. You will need a utility knife, a caulking gun, and a tool to puncture the cartridge seal. Remember to wear gloves to protect your hands.
Joint preparation. The brick caulk depth should be half of the joint width, if the joint is wider than 10 millimeters. Read the product information concerning maximum joint dimensions, which backer rods you can use if your joint is too deep, and essential information about application temperatures and moisture.
Surface preparation. Surfaces must be structurally sound, dry, and free of all contaminants.
If you are re-sealing previously sealed joints, remove old brick caulk mechanically before sealing. This includes caulk between brick and siding. The surfaces below the old caulk must be clean when you apply fresh product. Depending on which caulk you use, you may need to prime the surface.
Apply brick caulk. Load the cartridge into the caulk gun. Cut the nozzle at a 45-degree angle to desired bead size and puncture the inner seal. Apply the brick caulk with steady pressure, forcing it into the joint from the bottom. Avoid bridging the joint, which could form air bubbles.
Clean-up. Clean tools and uncured brick caulk residue immediately with mineral spirits in a well-ventilated area. You may carefully cut away cured caulk with a sharp-edged tool. Wash your hands afterwards.
Caulk for brick mortar must withstand the ambient conditions surrounding your seams. If your bricks will be subject to extreme weather, you need a particularly robust brick caulk. Also make sure your brick mortar caulk can bond to all the building materials involved.
Loctite PL Concrete Non-Sag Polyurethane Sealant is specially formulated for projects involving bricks, stone, concrete, and masonry and does not require primers for these materials. You can use it on expansion joints because it remains flexible and thus contracts and expands when construction material moves. This brick caulk forms permanent waterproof and weatherproof seals for all exterior gaps and joints in concrete and masonry.
Depending on your project, you might consider combining a brick caulk with a landscape block adhesive like Loctite PL 500 Landscape Block Adhesive.