Bricks: a variety of defects can arise in brickwork, primarily resulting from poor design, materials, specification or detailing. Examples include frost damage, soluble salts on the building surface known as efflorescence, staining – for example, vanadium salts, iron or manganese – sulphate attack, and weathering of mortar joints. Being able to identify the defect and diagnose the cause is essential for surveyors, as is an ability to recommend practical and cost-effective remedial actions.