Do climbing plants like ivy or virginia creepers damage walls?

Factual Questions
1

I have a large expanse of brickwall on my house that would really suit a virginia creeper, IMO - would look beautiful after a few years. IM wife’s O, only a lunatic plants a virginia creeper at the base of their house - due to the damage it can apparently cause to brick work.
What is the SD here? Assuming the wall is in good order, will an ivy or a virgnia creeper, do some damage to a house wall?

In my case the plant would likely reside in a pot (I would need to remove some stonework to get it in the ground). This would presumably prevent it from growing out of control.

2

Not sure where you got the pot idea. Sounds like a bad idea.

Short answer: depends on the wall. Old and crumbly, ivy will make it worse over time. Strong and well maintained, less so.

Alternatives: a lattice framework and a twining vine, like wisteria or campsis, instead of a vine that roots into the wall, like your examples.

Some good basic info:

3

I warned my neighbor several times about vines that had worked their way up his foundation and under the aluminum siding. Years later nothing had been done. I saw remodeling work being done and learned the vines had invaded the attic. Damaged the sheetrock and some other stuff. I think they had a roof leak too.

4

the vines prevent inspection and easy repair where they cover.

the vines may leave that wall damper or wet longer which might lead to damage. plant tendrils do break through bricks and mortar weakening them.

5

If your roof is tiled or shingled, ivy or creepers can play havoc when they reach it - growing into the gaps and cracks, then lifting and widening them.

6

It might not end well.

7

Thanks - interesting stuff. The wall I have in mind is big - prob 20 m x 20 m, so trellising it would be hard. It is also 80 years old, but in good condition. It’s been re-pointed at some stage. I’m thinking a creeper in a pot dead centre would grow in a controlled fashion, so I could keep an eye on its development.

8

As far as I can see, most of these creepers would not grow to 20 metres so the roof is unlikely to be a problem.

Bear in mind that there are several different varieties with different habits and appearance. You should get advice from your local garden centre about what will be best. I am doubtful about your idea of growing it in a pot though.

9

You have to be careful to keep it away from shutters and windows. It gets between/behind the woodwork and can damage it rather quickly.

10

How about a rose or something? Much more manageable. Or even something simple like hollyhock will make it look cheery.
I just chopped up the stem of the ivy climbing into my weeping ash and the fucker didn’t even die! It gets its nutrients from the weeping ash itself. Ivy is my nemesis.

11

if it’s a climbing plant then it will get into anything with in a foot or two of the trellis eventually.

12

I’ve had virginia creeper growing up the side of my Victorian house for 28 years now, and there is absolutely no sign of damage to the brickwork. It will, however, get under the eaves and invade the attic given half a chance. As a plant it it’s very easy to deal with if it gets too pushy.

In contrast, my big mistake was to plant ivy at the bottom of the garden. That stuff is evil.

13

Vines can also creates a pathway for rats and bugs and whatever other kind of nature may decide they like your home.

14

Climbing plants also have the problem that they can hold moisture against a wall while the ideal wall is always trying to repel moisture. Mold can become a problem as well as water that can’t drain properly freezing and expanding and breaking things apart quickly.

15

This. People who are averse to creepy crawlies, e.g. spiders and various vermin, often find themselves fighting off invasions that come with vines growing around window sashes. Consider the residents.