Brick is a popular and durable building material that can last for centuries. However, like any other material, it requires regular maintenance to keep it looking its best. Neglecting the upkeep of your brickwork can lead to a range of problems, including structural damage, water penetration, and unsightly stains. In this blog post, we'll explore the importance of regular brick maintenance and provide tips for cleaning and repairing your home's exterior

Why Regular Brick Maintenance is Important

Brick is a porous material that can absorb water, which can lead to a range of problems. If water is allowed to penetrate the brick, it can cause the material to weaken and become prone to cracking and crumbling. This can lead to serious structural damage to your home, which can be expensive to repair. In addition to structural damage, water penetration can lead to unsightly stains on your brickwork, which can detract from the appearance of your home.

Regular brick maintenance can help prevent these problems by keeping your brickwork in good condition. This includes regular cleaning, repair of any damage, and sealing to prevent water penetration.

Cleaning Your Brickwork

Regular cleaning is essential for maintaining the appearance of your brickwork. Over time, dirt, grime, and other debris can accumulate on the surface of your bricks, making them look dull and dirty. Remove any loose dirt and debris with a soft-bristled brush or broom to clean your brickwork.

Next, mix a water solution and a mild detergent or brick cleaner. Apply the solution to your brickwork using a soft-bristled brush or a pressure washer. Using a pressure washer, use a low-pressure setting to avoid damaging the brick. Rinse your brickwork thoroughly with clean water and allow it to dry completely.

Repairing Brick Damage

Brickwork can become damaged over time due to various factors, including weather, age, and impact. Cracks, chips, and other forms of damage can weaken the structural integrity of your brickwork, which can lead to serious problems if addressed.

If you notice any damage to your brickwork, it's important to address it immediately. A mortar repair kit or brick filler can repair small cracks and chips. For more serious damage, replacing individual bricks or sections of brickwork may be necessary.

Sealing Your Brickwork

Sealing your brickwork can help prevent water penetration and protect your brickwork from stains and other damage. A range of brick sealers is available, including penetrating and surface sealers.

Penetrating sealers are absorbed into the brick, providing long-lasting protection against water penetration. Surface sealers, on the other hand, create a protective barrier on the surface of the brick. Both types of sealers can be effective, depending on your needs and the condition of your brickwork.

Signs Your Brickwork Needs Maintenance

It's important to watch for any signs that your brickwork may need maintenance. Some common signs include:

• Cracks or chips in the brickwork
• Loose or missing mortar
• Water stains on the brickwork
• Efflorescence (a white powdery substance on the surface of the brick)
• Fading or discolouration of the brickwork
• Vegetation growing on or near the brickwork
• If you notice any of these signs, addressing the problem is important before it becomes more serious.

DIY vs Professional Brick Maintenance

While some aspects of brick maintenance, such as cleaning and minor repairs, can be done as a DIY project, more complex jobs may require the help of a professional. A professional brickwork contractor has the expertise and equipment to safely and effectively address more serious problems, such as structural damage.

Before undertaking any brick maintenance project, it's important to assess your skills and experience, as well as the scope of the job. If you need more clarification about your ability to safely and effectively complete the project, consulting with a professional is always best.

Preventative Measures for Brick Maintenance

In addition to regular cleaning and repair, there are some preventative measures you can take to help maintain the condition of your brickwork. These include:

• Keeping vegetation away from the brickwork, as plants can cause moisture buildup and damage

• Installing gutters and downspouts to divert water away from the brickwork
  
  
• Avoiding the use of harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on the brickwork, as these can cause damage
  
  
• Regularly inspecting your brickwork for signs of damage or wear
  
  
• By taking these preventative measures, you can help prolong the life of your brickwork and reduce the need for more serious maintenance in the future.

Common Cleaning Techniques for Brickwork

Cleaning your brickwork is essential to regular maintenance, as it can help remove dirt, grime, and other buildup that can cause damage over time. Several common techniques can be used to clean brickwork, including:

Pressure washing: This involves using a high-pressure water spray to remove dirt and buildup from the surface of the brick. However, it's important to use the appropriate pressure setting to avoid causing damage to the brickwork.

Chemical cleaning: This involves using a chemical solution to dissolve buildup on the surface of the brick. However, it's important to use the appropriate chemicals and follow safety guidelines to avoid damage to the brickwork or harm to yourself.

Manual cleaning involves using a brush or scrubbing tool to remove buildup from the brick's surface manually. This process can be time-consuming, but it's often the safest and most effective option for delicate or historic brickwork.

Before selecting a cleaning technique, it's important to assess the condition of your brickwork and choose the most appropriate method for your specific situation.

Repairing Cracks and Chips in Brickwork

Over time, it's common for brickwork to develop cracks or chips that can compromise the wall's structural integrity. These issues should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Some common techniques for repairing cracks and chips in brickwork include:

Tuckpointing involves removing the damaged mortar and replacing it with new mortar to strengthen the wall.

Patching involves using a mortar mix to fill in cracks or chips in the brickwork.

Brick replacement: In cases where a brick is severely damaged, it may need to be replaced entirely.

When undertaking repairs, it's important to use the appropriate materials and follow safety guidelines to ensure the job is done safely and effectively.

Hiring a Professional Brick Maintenance Contractor

If you need more clarification about your ability to safely and effectively complete brick maintenance tasks independently, it's always best to consult a professional. A professional brick maintenance contractor has the expertise and equipment to tackle complex jobs like structural repairs or historic restoration projects.

When hiring a professional, it's important to research and choose a contractor with a proven track record of success. You should also ask for references and ensure the contractor is licensed and insured.

Regular brick maintenance is important to keeping your home's exterior in good condition. By cleaning your brickwork, repairing any damage, and taking preventative measures, you can help prolong the life of your brickwork and reduce the need for more serious maintenance in the future. Whether you're tackling a DIY project or seeking the help of a professional, it's important to prioritize the maintenance of your brickwork to ensure the longevity and structural integrity of your home.

© Evto Bricks Restoration Ltd

Have you noticed that the brick masonry on your building looks a little tired, or even damaged? Doing some inspections may reveal this to be true, and it is up to you to take the necessary steps to ensure that the problem is looked at. Normally, this means employing the right company for the task. 

Brick repair and pointing are not simple tasks. While you may try to deal with them as part of a DIY project, you may end up doing a sub-par job, which means more trouble in the future. There are many companies in London you can turn to for help. But having so many choices also means that you should be careful not to enlist a company that will do a poor job. It is important to have the right experts for such a task. To help you out, we have compiled a few tips that will lead you to the right company. 

1. Consult with your neighbours and friends

One of the best ways to get the appropriate service on your side is to hire the same company that some of your neighbours or friends have used. If they found that the company did a good job for them, the chances are that you too can take advantage of the same service. Whenever you decide you are going to use a brick repair company for your property, ask your neighbours and friends around. Perhaps they will point you to the right company and save you a lot of time and effort on research. 

2. You should check online

The Internet is an irreplaceable fountain of information on brick repair companies. After a simple search, you will be able to find a few companies that deal with the service you are after. You can even check what their clients think, but take every review you read with a grain of salt. At the very least, you will be able to find out more about the company, to make a more informed decision. 

3. Find out what services the company provides

As you search through the recommendations, it is important to keep an eye on the service portfolio. Perhaps you need brick pointing, which is a more specific service and only a handful of companies offer such. In any case, it is up to you to find out exactly what the company provides and make sure that it is what you are after. 

4. Get an estimate from a few companies

Once you have found a few brick repair companies, it is a good idea to ask for an estimate from them. That way, you will get a clear idea of how much you will need to pay to get the job done. Some companies might even include an estimate for additional services, such as brick cleaning. At this point, you must be clear on the expenses and what the service covers. Keep in mind that an accurate estimate is a good thing because it shows the company is dedicated. 

5. How much experience do they have?

Last, but not least, it is important to check how long the company has been in business. While an emerging company may offer better rates, do you really want to leave such an important task in the hands of inexperienced workers? It is best to hire an established company, which will do the job to a decent standard. 

Knowing how to hire a brick contractor for your repairs is essential for keeping this particular part of your property in good condition. 

© Evto Bricks Restoration Ltd