Exterior bricks are virtually maintenance-free and very long-lasting. However, they are not indestructible. Eventually, your exterior bricks will begin to fade and lose their luster. This is especially true in outdoor environments where the Sun, debris, and weather work against the surface of the porous bricks. Luckily, you can restore the color to old brick and keep it looking like new. Here are a few tips to restore faded exterior bricks on your building.
Regular Cleaning
The first step to restoring any exterior brick surface is properly cleaning it of any dirt, debris, mold, and other natural elements. While you can use a standard hose to get a rough cleaning, the best option is to use a power washer to deep clean the brick surface. Some more challenging areas, such as those with mold or dirt buildup, may require some elbow grease to clean the brick and the grout joints. Make sure you allow 24 hours for the brick surface to dry completely.
Apply A Sealer to the Brick
A professional sealer application can help restore faded brickwork and bring out its bright red coloring. Using professional-grade spray equipment can ensure efficient and exceptional sealing work. Some brick sealants will require multiple coats, while others will protect brickwork with only one layer. So you should pay close attention to the directions and procedures of the sealer of your choice.
Identify Underlying Issues
Sometimes faded bricks are caused by more serious problems such as efflorescence. Efflorescence is a white, powdery substance that forms on brick walls. In this situation, it is crucial to consult a professional masonry service to identify the source of moisture causing efflorescence before applying any sealant or brick paint.
Painting
In the event of prolonged aging, a simple coat of sealant may not be enough to restore faded bricks. Exposure to sunlight can eventually strip the bricks of their color. In this case, painting the bricks is a good course of action. Depending on how the bricks are installed, you can either use a paint roller or brush to apply a coat of paint to your exterior brick. You want to make sure that you do not get paint on the grout joints or the mortar. You can also apply a sealer after the paint dries to lock in the color and protect it from fading.
Contact Del Prete Masonry Today!
Whether you are ready to start your next masonry project or are still hesitant and have questions, Del Prete Masonry is here to help. We have the experience and expertise to get it right the first time. Questions? Want to visit some of our residential or commercial projects? Ready to set up a consultation? Feel free to give us a call at 410-683-0650 or visit us online. We are happy to serve Baltimore City and County, Harford County, Carroll County, Anne Arundel County, and Howard County. To see examples of our work and to keep up with our new and exciting projects, be sure to Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Tags: Commercial Brick Restoration, masonry contractor, masonry restoration