I chose the title due to the lack of knowledge from consumers concerningclimbing vines. Although they look nice, climbing vines do a tremendous amountof damage to a structure. They embed their roots into brick, mortar, and woodwith ease. What people don't understand is that the roots can causecatastrophic damage to a structure.

Brick becomes week and susceptible to moisture damage as the roots embedthemselves. This makes spalling (moisture intrusion that freezes within brickcausing the face to chip off) likely in winter months. Not only do the vinesaffect brick, but they also cause moisture damage and wood rot to siding andstructural members. They are also conducive to insect infestation givingtermites and carpenter ants a clear avenue to their next meal.

In short, if you have to have vines climbing on the outside of yourhouse, build a trellis or something for them to climb on. This will save youthe frustration of calling exterminators and the unsavory expense of repair.