How to Fix and Maintain Bricks

Three Strategies for Ideal Brick Maintenance

One of the most attractive surfaces you can use for a new home is a simple brick finish - available in a variety of colors, brick surfaces give your home a warm and "hearthy" touch that other surfaces can't match. Although brick can sometimes be expensive, it will also mean you won't have to worry about as much repair. That is, of course, if you're able to maintain your brick surfaces around the home. Here are three strategies for keeping your bricks looking like new and avoiding repairs down the road.

Strategy #1: Customize Your Maintenance to Suit Your Bricks

For an ideal maintenance strategy that causes as little stress as possible, you'll have to know what kind of bricks you're working with. Are they sealed or unsealed? If you have a sealed brick finish, chances are that your maintenance will mostly consist of surface cleaning strategies, such as dusting and the occasional washing. If you have unsealed bricks, you can look into sealing them and sometimes attempt more lavish repairs should your finish require them. Remember to make sure that your strategy is customized to your individual bricks - be sure to check with a local hardware store professional if you need to know more about your brick type.

Strategy #2: Set a Cleaning Routine With the Right Tools

Once you've determined what your bricks need the most, it's time to prepare a regular routine. Don't worry - you can restrict this routine to "Spring cleaning" duties or a once-a-season type affair. If you need to, you can even incorporate brick maintenance into your regular cleaning routine, especially if you have sealed bricks.

What are the right tools? That will depend on your types of bricks, but you'll typically want to find some cleaning solutions that can "brighten up" your bricks on a fairly regular basis. A little work up-front will mean that you'll have the tools to last for years of brick maintenance.

Strategy #3: Avoid Over-Cleaning Older Bricks

Bricks can become brittle with age, so if you have an older home, make sure to check the quality of your bricks before you begin any hard maintenance. Test a corner or two of the bricks to see if they can withstand the type of cleaning you'll be doing - this will help you get an idea of their strength. If your bricks can't handle a thorough cleaning, make sure to simply sweep them from time to time.

Photo Credits: Laenulfean

Originally posted 2009-08-12 05:20:12.

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