Which Stabiliser for external 1930 brick wall.

[Bouba]

Would like to paint the external pebbledash of my house.The bottom section of the house has peeling and chalky red paint.The bricks are red bricks from 1930ish..

Been reading conflicting advice about bricks need to breathe.
Who is right then?

If you apply stabiliser then how will the bricks breather as it makes them waterproof.

Neighbour's have had some crumbling brick and they had it smooth rendered on the advice of builders.Again how will the bricks breathe..

Am i wrong in assuming that bricks need to be waterproofed or sealed, so that they last centuries.If so any recommendations for a stabiliser please..

 

[Bouba]

Apologies.Just realised this should be in painting and decorating section.Mods please move it as they see fit.

thanks.