Brick Restoration - Facts

1. BRICK RESTORATION – THE FACTS

2. Bricks are made from clay. Thus, their natural composition gives them a classic earthy finish. It also makes them very strong and durable. Brick structures often outlast those made out of wood, cement, and other materials. Some brick structures date as far back as several centuries. However, over time, brick structures start to show signs of wear and tear due to exposure to extreme temperature and moisture. The bricks take on a dull finish, and the mortar may begin to crumble. The best way to handle this problem is to clean and fix the old and broken bricks. Brick restoration is also a sure way of increasing the value of a piece of property. Here are some brick restoration tips that you can follow.

3. Things to take note of During the process of brick restoration The first thing to note in the process of brickwork restoration is that the replacement mortar must be compatible with the previous one. This compatibility is essential to avoid irreparable damage to the bricks. When the replacement mortar is incompatible with the previous one, it could cause the bricks to deteriorate, crack, or rot. It is best to use traditional mortars to avoid compatibility problems.  It is also pertinent to ensure that the colours of the new and old mortar are matching. According to Jeff Price of Virginia Lime Works, one way to ensure this is to match the colour of the new mortar with the interior of the old mortar. 

4. Surface treatments in brick restoration Surface Treatments are often used to protect the host masonry from damage. However, they are also used as decorative finishes. Examples of these treatments include stucco, colour wash, limewash, and pencilling. Stucco offers more protection than other surface treatments like paint or wash. It also makes for a beautiful decorative finish. Colourwash is usually used on masonry. It is a combination of water, glue, pigment, and potassium alum. It is very much like the fixing agents used in dyeing wool.  Limewash is a mixture of water and lime, and any other thing that may have been added to enhance its durability. Some of them include milk, salt, and blood. Pencilling is a coating made from glue, water, and chalk. It is painted over brickwork, with or without colourwash, to protect the walls.

5. Protecting brickwork from damage caused by moisture When paint bubbles up on the inside of plaster walls, it is a sign that moisture is seeping through the walls. The solution to this problem is not repointing as many people think. The simplest way to avoid this problem is to use traditional paint like limewash or distemper. Brick Repointing When repointing, it is important to be cautious about changing the exterior brick’s character. The first thing to do when repointing is to scrutinise the structure. It is essential to be aware of the building’s unique points and its intricate details.

6. Repainting Painted Bricks If the brickwork has been previously painted, one must carefully examine the paint before doing anything to it. Using regular or modern paint can cause bricks and mortar to retain moisture. If you choose to repaint the brickwork, it is best to remove the old paint first.  Replacing Missing or Damaged Bricks You don’t need to worry if your old brick building has a couple missing or damaged bricks. The solution is simple. Examine the old bricks to be sure of their colour and texture. Then, consult architectural salvage companies that keep bricks of demolished historic buildings. several masonry supply companies sell a wide range of products. Some of these products are bricks made in the same way they have been made for years. Brick Cleaning Over time, brickwork may become stained by graffiti, oil, or paint. Weeds and other plants and algae may even begin to grow on their surface. This would make the bricks look dirty and unattractive. Thus, they would need to be cleaned. It is much safer to buy one from a masonry company because they would be able to give you one tailored to your needs.

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