Breathable paint allows moisture to escape from your walls, which is essential for traditional brickwork. Bricks naturally absorb and release moisture — it’s how they stay dry and structurally sound over time.
Non-breathable paint, on the other hand, traps moisture inside. It forms a sealed barrier over the brick, preventing water vapour from escaping. Over time, this trapped moisture can lead to damp, frost damage, crumbling mortar, and decaying bricks — especially on older properties.
In short:
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Breathable paint = moisture can escape, brickwork stays healthy
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Non-breathable paint = moisture gets trapped, damage builds over time
That’s why it’s so important to use the right type of coating — or to safely remove any non-breathable paint before it causes long-term problems.