Most of us dedicate considerable time and effort to keep our interiors clean, tidy and in the best condition, but what about the exterior? Keeping your brickwork clean is important to avoid any future issues with maintenance. Brick restoration involves everything from cleaning to removing damaged bricks and repointing. Brick is one of the most popular masonry materials for good reason, but it does require proper maintenance.
As your building ages, brickwork can begin to look tired, discoloured or simply dirty. Soiling and cracks in brickwork and mortar can ruin the appearance of your structure and if left, can lead to deterioration which can be damaging for the integrity of the whole property.
The elements, weather and pollution all contribute to the exterior of a property looking less than pristine. Cleaning the exterior of your building may be something you leave to the professionals but there are some things you could do yourself. The hose is a low-pressure way of giving bricks a quick freshen up. Higher pressure or power washing is never recommended for bricks as you can strip away their top layer and also damage the mortar between them. Chemical cleaning is also suitable for most types of brick as long as the right ratio of cleaning chemical to water is used.
The most stubborn stains may require closer attention, but acid cleaning is never recommended for brickwork. It can damage the integrity of the bricks and make them even more susceptible to crumbling and breaking away.
In older properties it is also common for mould, mosses, and mildew to build up on the brickwork. Again, this kind of issue should be treated with a chemical cleaning solution as well as light pressure to ensure it is fully removed from the brick. Not dealing with these kinds of problem can lead to significant maintenance concerns as the bricks are weakened.
Repointing is necessary for most brick buildings. It is a method of renewing external parts of the brick mortar joints and helps to restore the appearance of the brickwork. Old mortar is simply chipped away and replaced with fresh mortar giving the premises a just-new appearance once again. Repointing can also help with issues inside the structure, such as leaks or damp.
If a brick has deteriorated and there is no chance of brick restoration, then you may need to consider replacing it. Working with a professional brick restoration company ensures any replacement work can be carried out safely and without risk to the overall structure of the house. Finding bricks as close as possible to those used in your property is also something a professional brick restoration company can help with.
Your building’s exterior needs as much care and attention as its interior. Looking after your brickwork helps to ensure it looks as good as new for as long as possible. Regularly maintaining and cleaning your brickwork also means you will spot any potential issues early before they become a serious problem.
It’s important to think carefully before beginning any project and of course, working with brick cleaning and restoration specialists ensures a professional level of cleaning throughout.
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