What Does Brick Restoration Typically Involve?

While bricks aren’t just found on older buildings, because brick is such a durable and long lasting construction material, when restoration work is required, it tends to be on older buildings.

When brickwork on any kind of building has become noticeably impaired, such as when it’s beginning to crumble, crack or fade, it can be restored to its former gloryby professional masonry contractors, using a number of techniques. Not only are they able to make the brickwork look as attractive as it once did, but they can also restore the buildings’ structure to its original integrity, which is essential for its health and longevity.

Below are some of the processes typically involved in professional brick restoration and repair: Brick pointing

Welding the bricks together firmly and securely, mortar can suffer over time, and when it does, it can cause any number of potentially serious issues for a building, including but not limited to, coloration, structural integrity and overall safety. Caused by excess moisture, weather conditions or nature (or a combination of all three), bricks and mortar can fall into disrepair and begin to look unsightly, while posing a threat to the integrity of the building as a whole.

When restoring brickwork, a masonry contractor will carry out a process known as brick pointing, in which the quality of finish between each of the bricks, is increased. Damaged material will be carefully removed, and liquid applied to the bricks and mortar during the restoration process.

Revitalizing bricks

Oftentimes, faded and discolored bricks may be noticed long before any structural issues are seen or suspected, and are usually a sign of straightforward wear and tear. Whether caused by nature, excess water or contaminants absorbed into the bricks themselves, faded bricks can quickly make a property look unloved and uncared for. Fortunately, a masonry contractor can power wash, vacuum and scrub the discolored bricks before applying a new stain designed especially for bricks, to revitalize them and get the building back to what it originally looked like when first constructed.

While discolored and faded bricks aren’t necessarily an indication of further problems with the building and its structure, it pays to monitor the brickwork closely for any signs of degradation, and to have the brickwork professionally revitalized if it is beginning to look tired and worn.

Replacing bricks

As mentioned previously, mortar can crumble and deteriorate over time, and if left untreated, can quickly lead to bricks becoming loose. Some bricks simply get too loose to be restored, and under these circumstances, need to be fully replaced instead of repaired. If this is required, by working with an experienced masonry contractor, you can ensure that the integrity of the building’s structure isn’t impacted in the slightest.

During the process of brick replacement, the old mortar is meticulously removed and the cavity is thoroughly cleaned. If the loose bricks can be salvaged, then they’ll be reused, but if they’re too damaged, they’ll be replaced by new ones.

Replacing bricks on a structure is a complex technique involved in the restoration process, and should only ever be carried out by qualified and skilled masonry contractors.

Even the very best DIYers in the country shouldn’t tackle brick restoration unless they are specifically trained in this area of construction, as it could cause significant harm to the structure and compromise its integrity. As such, this kind of work should always be carried out by those qualified to do so.