brick sealing vs regular inspections - which saves more hassle?

I've done both over the years, and honestly, sealing bricks has saved me a lot of headaches down the road. A few quick thoughts:

- Sealing upfront is a bit of a hassle initially - prep work, cleaning, applying - but once it's done, you're pretty much set for several years.
- Regular inspections and spot repairs seem easier at first glance, but trust me, those little repairs add up over time. Plus, catching every tiny crack or chip isn't always realistic.
- Had a section of brickwork I didn't seal initially...ended up dealing with moisture issues and some crumbling mortar later on. Learned my lesson there.
- If you're in an area with harsh weather (freeze-thaw cycles especially), sealing is definitely worth it.

Either way, good on you for thinking ahead - brick maintenance isn't glamorous, but staying proactive saves you from bigger headaches later.

Totally agree, sealing bricks is the way to go. I've also noticed it helps cut down on mold and algae growth, especially in shaded or damp areas. One thing I'd add though - make sure you're picking a breathable sealer. Non-breathable ones can trap moisture inside, causing more harm than good. Learned that the hard way when I had to redo a patio section...not fun.