Resilient and aesthetically pleasing, brick has long been used within the construction industry for building structures of all shapes and sizes, and with its durability, strength and energy efficiency, it’s little wonder it’s so popular. Structures made from bricks can even last for a hundred years or more (provided they’re cared for and maintained appropriately), making bricks hard to beat as a building material. Even if damage occurs to a brick structure, restoration techniques can be very effective.
With such durability and dependability in mind, your brick home deserves to be treated with respect, and to keep it looking and performing at its best for as long as possible, here are 3 things you can do to keep the exterior of your home in tip top condition:
- Check it over every once in a while
While you can check your home’s brick exterior for signs of damage as often as you wish, you must make sure to do so at least once a year. Walk all the way around it and look closely for any cracks, bricks that are crumbling, formation of mold, a build-up of mildew and spots where moss may be growing.
If water has been causing an issue with your home’s exterior, you may notice that some of the bricks have begun to bulge due to moisture seeping into the joints, and causing the walls to swell and expand outward. This issue has the possibility of causing considerable damage to the structural integrity of your home, so if you do see bulging or bowing bricks, reach out to a masonry contractor at the earliest.
2. Clean your brickwork
Because the walls of your home are continually exposed to the elements, it’s highly likely that your brickwork will become grimy over time, and when left untreated, it can make your home look dingy and uncared for.
Fortunately, it’s easy to clean your brickwork and restore your home to its former glory, with a simple solution of water and mild detergent. Scrub the bricks with a brush, and pay close attention to those areas that are discolored due to dirt or mildew. By doing this annually (or hiring someone to do it for you), you can keep the exterior of your home looking presentable.
3. Look for weep holes
Bricks are typically built with weep holes, which are small openings that allow moisture to drain out of them. While they are highly effective at preventing issues like bulging and bowing, and significantly reduce the risk of mold and mildew formation, if they become blocked up with dirt and dust, they may stop working effectively. One way of testing the weep holes in your brickwork is by spraying them with a garden hose and watching to see if the waters run out in a steady stream. If this doesn’t happen, they are likely blocked and you might be able to unblock them with wire or compressed air.
If you’re in any doubt as to the condition of your brickwork, it’s best to seek expert guidance from a masonry contractor before a potential, or existing problem, gets any worse. Maintain it properly, however, and your brickwork could look good and perform well, for many decades to come.