Even if a brick repair is structurally sound it can still look wrong when viewed from the road. The wall might be stable, the joints might be tight and the damaged section might have been fixed correctly. Yet if the replacement brick stands out too much then the eye will immediately notice the repair.
That is the reason why matching bricks is important.
If you are replacing a small number of bricks, reconstructing a chimney, or extending an existing wall, the new masonry has to fit in with the existing structure.
It is not necessary to achieve a perfect match, since it is difficult to exactly duplicate old brick. What is wanted is a repair or addition that appears natural on the building and doesn’t attract unwanted attention.
It’s not enough just to select a red brick from a supplier and to hope that it looks similar.
Older Brick Changes Over Time
A brick which has remained on a house for many decades does not have the appearance that it had when it was first delivered to the site. The effects of the sun, rain, snow and regular use all cause changes to its surface. A few bricks grow darker, some become lighter in colour and others show a slight variation in colour which is only noticeable when a new brick is placed next to them.
The fact that the home has aged is part of its character, but it does make the repairs more difficult.
Even if a new brick in theory matches the original in colour it may still look too clean when it has been installed; the surface could be smoother, the edges sharper and the tone might be similar indoors but different when seen in daylight.
Which is why you ought to evaluate a match based on the building, not merely on it being viewed under warehouse lighting or from a small sample photo.
Size And Texture Matter As Much As Color
Although colour receives the most attention, it by no means is the only factor in the match. The size of the bricks can differ, particularly in the case of older houses. Even a slight difference can affect the appearance of the wall when the courses are laid.
Texture is also a factor. Certain bricks have a more rugged surface. Others have a wire-cut appearance. Some are softer in edge or show more surface variation. The repair might still be noticeable if the replacement brick is too smooth compared to the existing masonry, even if the colour matches.
When a mason is carrying out a repair he also has to take into account the way the brick is laid, since the bond pattern, the width of the joint and the alignment all have an effect on the final appearance; a repair which neglects these details will look like a patch rather than as if it belongs to the wall.
Mortar Can Change The Whole Repair
Mortar is easy to ignore until it is incorrect.
A mortar joint which is too light, too dark, or too wide when it’s newly laid can make the repair noticeable. The brick itself might match well, but the joints will highlight the difference in a way that makes it obvious.
The colour of the mortar alters as it cures and older mortar will have been exposed to the weather for many years. The shape of the joint is also important since a recessed joint produces a different sort of shadow from a tooled one. The repair should therefore match the existing joint style as closely as is practical in order that the new work may visually blend into the wall.
It is particularly important when looking at the front of a house, in the area of a chimney, or close to an entrance since people see the masonry at close range.
Additions Need Careful Tie-In Planning
When new building work is carried out adjacent to an existing structure, it is all the more important that the bricks match. For example, a small extension, a porch wall, an enlargement of the garage, or an exterior renovation might involve new brickwork placed right next to older brick.
It is at the transition that the work will be judged.
In some cases the best course is to make the match as close as possible; in others a clear design break may appear better than a near match which fails to fully align. A corner, a trim detail, a change in plane, or a deliberate masonry feature can make the new work seem thought out rather than forced.
The decision ought to be made before work begins, since delaying it until the bricks arrive on site may restrict the available options and increase the likelihood of a noticeable mismatch.
Why A Mason Should Inspect Before Ordering Brick
A good match begins with a careful examination of the existing masonry, since the mason might need to look at different areas of the building as the brick tends to weather in a different way from one wall to another; for example, a wall in a shaded position may appear different from one that is sunny, and the brick close to the ground may have more moisture staining than the brick higher up.
Though photographs can be of some help, they are not always sufficient. Changes in lighting affect the colour. Camera settings can cause a distortion of tone. Only by seeing the brick in person can a mason get a better feeling for its actual texture, size, the colour of the mortar, and the layout.
It also allows one to determine whether the repair is merely cosmetic or is in fact related to a more serious problem; if the brick has been damaged by moisture, settling, rusting steel, or inadequate drainage, then matching the replacement material is only one element of the work.
A Good Match Makes the Repair Feel Intentional
Brick matching is one of the things that people notice most when it is carried out badly, but when it is done well they usually don’t notice the repair at all.
That kind of simple outcome is usually the aim. When a section is rebuilt it should protect the structure and retain the appearance of the building. A new addition must seem to be connected to the original masonry even though it shouldn’t pretend that the task was easy.
Expert Brick Repair and Masonry Services in Rochester Hills
If your home or commercial building needs brick replacement, chimney rebuilding, masonry repair, or new brickwork tied into an existing wall, Primo Contracting can inspect the current masonry, help select materials that fit the project, and complete the work with attention to both strength and appearance. Our brick masonry and construction services have been trusted by homeowners and businesses throughout Rochester Hills and Metro Detroit for more than 20 years.