Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 18 hours ago
Concrete and brick are two of the most commonly used building materials but how they react to water is very different. Did you know concrete actually absorbs quite a bit of water? That water is released over time. Brick, however, especially historic brick which tends to be a bit softer, only absorbs enough water for the outer layer to become saturated and then it repels additional water.
Since these materials handle water differently, challenges can arise when concrete is poured right against historic brick. Join us as we visit the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Vernal, Utah to take a look at what this can mean for a historic building.
Concrete and brick are two of the most commonly used building materials but how they react to water is very different. Did you know concrete actually absorbs quite a bit of water? That water is released over time. Brick, however, especially historic brick which tends to be a bit softer, only absorbs enough water for the outer layer to become saturated and then it repels additional water.
Since these materials handle water differently, challenges can arise when concrete is poured right against historic brick. Join us as we visit the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Vernal, Utah to take a look at what this can mean for a historic building.
