If you have one or more brick structures in or around your home, you’re in good company. Brick is one of the most commonly used building materials in the country, and a quick drive through almost any neighborhood will show it being used in all kinds of ways.
But just because brick is durable and widely used doesn’t mean everyone knows how to care for it properly.
In fact, some common cleaning and maintenance methods can do more harm than good. Knowing what to do, and what to avoid, can help protect your brickwork and keep it looking its best for years to come.
Here are some important do’s and don’ts for caring for brick and protecting any brick structure.
4 Major Don’ts of Brick Care
Some of the most common DIY techniques used to clean and/or repair brick are actually huge mistakes. Make sure you don’t fall victim to these four don’ts, or you risk more harm than good when it comes to your beloved brick structures.
Rough Cleaners
In many homeowners’ minds, brick structures need rough cleaners to scrub away dirt and grime. But don’t reach for items like copper sponges or metal brushes. These extremely abrasive tools can damage the brick and mortar by chipping away at the outer layers.
Additionally, any particularly weak area can crack or even crumble under the pressure of a metal scrubber. These risks multiplied tenfold if you consider using a pressure washer. We’ll get into more details about why you should leave that to the pros.
Harsh Chemicals
Similarly, a lot of people who attempt to clean their own brick end up using harsh chemicals in addition to the scratchy tools mentioned above. But what many people don’t realize is that these chemicals can compromise the integrity of the structure by breaking down key components.
Further, harsh chemicals can penetrate the porous nature of bricks and cause issues like staining, lingering odors, or internal damage.
Paint
While painting over damaged or dreary-looking brick may seem like a good – and potentially inexpensive – idea, it is often only a temporary solution that allows underlying problems to continue getting worse.
Ignore the Surrounding Area
Some homeowners get so focused on the structure, they forget that everything on their property is connected. Landscaping, drainage, trees, shrubs, and nearby vegetation can all impact the life and appearance of brickwork.
For example, poor drainage can allow water to collect and penetrate the brick, especially if any sealant is damaged, and water is one of the quickest ways to weaken a structure.
Also, plants growing too close to outdoor brickwork can also cause problems, especially when roots, vines, or branches find small cracks and openings to push into.
3 Things to Do Instead
Instead of following incorrect advice and ruining your brick, try these three tips to make sure you’re enjoying your investment for years to come.
Routine Inspections
The most important thing you can do for any brick structure is routinely check it for damage. After all, you can’t fix what you can’t see. By routinely looking it over, you’ll be able to notice subtle changes so you can act fast and avoid a costly issue.
Mild Cleaners
If you have no choice but to clean a spot, then you should gravitate toward mild or natural cleaners. Always start with a soft brush and just water, then work your way up to a mild cleaner as needed. If you find you’re using a lot of force or tempted to use chemicals, it’s time to step back and consider calling in the experts.
Call a Masonry Construction Expert
When it comes to brick care, special tools and protocols allow professionals to get amazing results while maintaining the integrity of the brick A professional masonry contractor will know how to clean, repair, and maintain brickwork without compromising the integrity of the brick or mortar.
They can also determine whether pressure washing is safe for your structure, or if a gentler cleaning method is a better choice.
Protect Your Brickwork with Expert Masonry Care
If you want to preserve the strength, appearance, and long-term value of your brickwork, Primo Contracting can help. Our experienced brick masons provide the proper care, repairs, and restoration needed to keep brick and mortar in excellent condition.
Based in Rochester Hills, Primo Contracting has provided expert brick masonry and construction services throughout Metro Detroit for more than 20 years. From brick repair and restoration to block walls, foundations, renovations, custom masonry, and new construction, our team is ready to handle your next project. Call today for a free estimate.