How to Maintain a Brick House: 8 Tips for Homeowners

Brick homes have a timeless appeal that many homeowners find attractive. They are not only visually pleasing but also incredibly durable. However, owning a brick home requires regular maintenance to ensure it maintains its strength and integrity. So, what does it take to keep a brick home in top shape?

In this blog post, we'll delve into the essential maintenance tips and techniques every brick homeowner should know. From addressing common issues to preserving the longevity of your home's exterior, we'll cover everything you need to know on how to maintain a brick house, ensuring it looks beautiful and standing strong.

Why Homeowners Should Know How to Maintain Their Brick House

Many homeowners mistakenly believe that brick homes are indestructible and that maintenance is unnecessary. This couldn't be further from the truth. Neglecting maintenance can lead to a host of potential problems that could have been otherwise avoided. To avoid these problems, it’s crucial for homeowners to know how to maintain their brick homes properly.

Some of the issues that can arise from neglect include cracks and damage to the brickwork, moisture issues, and even structural damage to the property. To avoid these problems, it’s important to stay on top of regular maintenance tasks.

How to Maintain a Brick House

If you own a brick house, it's important to take care of it properly as it holds significant value. Here are several steps to consider in how to maintain a brick house:

Tip #1: Inspect Your Brick Masonry Annually

Take time to inspect your brick masonry at least once a year, and look for signs such as cracks, spalling, and efflorescence. Early detection of these problems can help prevent further deterioration and save you money in the long run.

Tip #2: Have Your Brick Masonry Sealed

Sealing your bricks can help protect them against moisture and weather damage. It is recommended that you have your brick masonry professionally sealed on a regular basis with the appropriate type of sealant.

Tip #3: Unclog Your Weep Holes

Those weep holes might seem like a small detail, but are actually important for ventilation and proper drainage. Make sure you give them a quick check and clean every so often. Keeping these little elements helps ensure your home stays well-ventilated and dry.

Tip #4: Clean Your Bricks With the Right Tools

Cleaning your bricks is important, especially using the right tools to prevent causing damage. Avoid using harsh chemicals or strong pressure washers to clean your bricks, as these can strip off the protective seal and damage the masonry.

Tip #5: Keep Your Home Mould-Free

Mould can have a detrimental effect on the integrity of your brick masonry as well as your home's overall health. Prevent mould growth by keeping your brick surfaces clean and dry, and by ensuring proper ventilation in your home.

Tip #6: Get Rid of Pesky Plant Growth

Say goodbye to those pesky climbing plants! They might look nice, but they can seriously damage your brick walls. Just trim the vines short and remove them by hand or scraper to safely remove them.

Tip #7: Repoint Ageing Stone or Brickwork

Repointing is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity and appearance of ageing masonry. Look for signs that brickwork needs repointing including cracks, gaps, missing mortar, and water stains on the wall.

Tip #8: Don’t Be Afraid to Consult a Professional

Hiring professionals for complex brick maintenance tasks can save time, money and effort. They have the experience, expertise, and equipment to provide accurate solutions and repair work. Don't hesitate to seek professional help for your brickwork maintenance needs.

Let Keystone Pointing Help You in Maintaining Your Brick House

Maintaining a brick house can be a bit daunting, especially without the right expertise. That’s where Keystone Pointing steps in, we’re experts in heritage restoration and offer top-tier services like brick repointing, tuckpointing, and wall tie replacement. Our experienced team is passionate about keeping your brick home in its tip-top condition and ensuring its charm and strength stand the test of time.

If your brick house needs a professional touch, don’t hesitate to contact us today and book a consultation to avail of our professional services. Just call us at 0437 505 423 or use our form to get started. We’re all about preserving the beauty and character of your home while keeping its history alive.