I'm renovating my mudroom, which has this old brick half wall built back in 1963. It's got a few holes that let bugs in, and since we need storage, I'm thinking about adding cabinetry in front of it. I know that painting brick isn't usually recommended, but is it a good idea to seal or paint this wall before putting up the cabinets? I'm mainly concerned about keeping bugs out while not causing moisture problems behind it.
2 Answers
You might want to check where those holes are first. If the mortar is crumbly, you could repair that with some re-pointing to block the bugs out. It’s important to seal those entry points adequately!
If you're covering the brick with cabinets, why not just put drywall over it first? Just keep in mind to monitor moisture levels behind there afterward, as it might trap some if it's not ventilated well.
Good point! Is there a way to prevent moisture build-up behind the drywall?
That makes sense! So fixing the mortar could be a first step before any painting.