ABSTRACT
The paper provides characteristic of the factors affecting the durability of brick masonry, such as changing the texture of mineral material, frost destruction, salinity and the development of microorganisms. Their destructive effect occurs as a result of physical, chemical and biological processes. In actual conditions, these impacts usually have a synergistic effect. The range of influence of the factors can be described as superficial, limited to deterioration of the aesthetic appearance of the building, as well as volumetric, more dangerous as it concerns processes resulting in change to entire volume of the material, and thus also affecting the mechanical properties. The condition of all processes related to the reduced durability of materials is the presence of water. Water is a factor that is a threat in itself, because under its influence the texture of the material changes, which may result in deterioration of mechanical properties. In addition, its presence is a necessary condition in the process of chemical corrosion, resulting in efflorescence and subflorescence salting, resulting in a deterioration in the aesthetics and strength of the material, respectively. Water is also a priority for biological corrosion. The development of both organisms and microorganisms is only possible in a humid environment.
