How to Restore the Color of Faded Brick Exteriors?

Basics of Brick Maintenance

Brick and stone have long been popular choices for building homes and structures thanks to their natural beauty and resilience. These sturdy walls can withstand many weather events with proper maintenance. Over time, however, exposure to rain, wind, freezing temperatures and more can cause fading, cracking, or moisture issues in walls without regular sealant applications.

Before undertaking a restoration project, take time to examine your structure’s brickwork. Check for signs of water damage or cracks in the mortar holding together each brick or stone. Crumbling or discolored mortar is a clear sign it is time for repairs. It’s also important to consider New Brunswick standards of the national building code if your home has historic designation.

With gentle periodic cleaning and resealing of surfaces, masonry exteriors can stay vibrant and attractive for decades. Maintaining your brick walls helps prevent costly issues like cracks forming or moisture trapped inside. Small issues addressed today can avoid much bigger repairs tomorrow. Proper maintenance keeps water outside where it belongs, allowing masonry to withstand weathering with its natural charm intact.

Why brick color fades?

Sun Exposure

As the most powerful weathering agent, the sun’s UV rays progressively lighten fired clay bricks’ color over many years of exposure. The sun’s beams harm brick pigments, especially reds containing iron oxide which fade more readily. Unprotected areas facing sun see most damage daily.

Weather Effects

Repeated wetting and drying from rain and wind slowly degrades bricks’ surface patina. Water can seep into pore spaces carrying minerals that deposit unsightly white marks called efflorescence over years of weathering. Stains formed may lighten or darken bricks’ original tones. Harsh windborne particles like sand also erode softer brick surfaces faster.

Improper Cleaning

Using high-pressure hoses or harsh chemicals on dirty bricks removes protective outer layers, exposing softer inner brick to further weathering effects. This accelerates fading and creates dull, patched surfaces. Avoid abrasive scrubbing which scours away exterior clays’ color pigments and weakens bricks’ structure over time.

Efflorescence

This whitish crystalline deposit forms on brick surfaces from moisture migration. Groundwater carries dissolved salts that are drawn to the brick-mortar interface by capillary action. On reaching the surface, water evaporates, leaving the salts behind to manifest as a faded look.

How to Restore the Color?

Restoring faded brick involves:

Gentle Cleaning Practices

Avoid abrasive scrubbing or chemicals that could damage the brick. Gentle cleaning methods like a low-pressure power wash are safest. A power wash uses water pressure equivalent to rain to dislodge dirt, grime, and efflorescence from the brick’s surface pores and crevices without harming the material.

For tougher stains, a professional mason can dampen brick with water before scrubbing the area gently with a non-ionic, pH-neutral cleaning solution that won’t degrade the brick. Natural bristle brushes are ideal for manual cleaning as they are not rough enough to erode the brick over time. Always rinse cleaning agents off thoroughly with a hose or wet vacuum to remove residues.

Sealant Application

Sealers work by penetrating the brick to fill its pores and form a protective barrier, shielding the brick from weathering effects of water, de-icing salts, and pollution gases. Breathable sealers that still allow vapor transmission are best for brick applications. They maintain the masonry’s ability to “breathe” naturally while repelling water entry.

Penetrating sealers are ideal because they become an integral part of the brick without forming a noticeable saturated surface. Minimum two or maximum three thin coats are sufficient for sealers to soak deep into the brick body. Light sanding between coats helps the sealer fully bond together for long-lasting coverage.

Addressing structural issues

Potential underlying problems may require diagnostic testing and repair work. For example, cracked or deteriorated mortar joints allow water inside the wall cavity, where it can become trapped. This moisture triggers brick discoloration and efflorescence blooms. Damaged base course bricks at ground level are also common entry points.

Fixing any drainage or grading issues helps eliminate sources of excess moisture attack. Experienced masons can thoroughly inspect brickwork, test for wet areas, and make targeted repairs like repointing cracks or installing dampproof coatings to address issues at their root.

Tuckpointing

Tuckpointing renews mortar joints using reversible methods that don’t harm historic brick. Pro masons carefully chisel or saw cut loose or disintegrated mortar from the joints in sections before replacing with a softer, breathable new mortar mix slightly recessed from the brick face. This creates a reliable weather-resistant seal while allowing structural movement. Mortar formulas closely match the historic composition, texture, color and permit vapor diffusion. Tuckpointing preserves the aesthetic of walled buildings when needed to prevent moisture intrusion issues.

When color restoration is not fruitful?

Faded colors on an old historic building may be part of its history and charm. Improperly restoring such brick could compromise its historic integrity and value. It’s best to consult preservation guidelines and hire professionals familiar with appropriate restoration methods.

Individual bricks that are extensively cracked, spalled or crumbling may require repair or rebuilding sections of the wall rather than solely restoring faded color. Professionals can properly evaluate structural stability and perform repairs like replacing severely compromised bricks to ensure safety.

If bricks were previously painted with a low-quality paint that is now peeling or flaking, trying to restore the original color may be difficult or impossible without complete paint removal. Paint could be trapping moisture behind the surface, causing unseen damage over time.

Contact your Local Masonry Contractor in Fredericton

For brick and stone restoration in Fredericton, call Atlantic Brick and Stone. As a company that has been serving the Fredericton, NB for over fifteen years in masonry construction and repair, we can inspect your brickwork to diagnose any issues. Our team of masonry experts will assess the condition of your bricks and mortar to determine the best masonry restoration approach. A free quote will then be provided following our inspection. Contact us to schedule an evaluation for brick wall restoration or reconstruction work.

Summary

Proper cleaning and sealing are key to prevent bricks from fading. Arrange a pro visit every 5-7 years for recoating to maintain protection.

Inspect for and repair any moisture issues causing efflorescence blooms before restoring color. A dry wall resists damage over time.

Consider tuckpointing where mortar joints show signs of erosion. This improves structural integrity while enhancing aesthetics.

Consult qualified masonry experts for complex restoration jobs or homes with historical value. Proper techniques preserve integrity.

With routine maintenance, the vibrant hue of your brick exterior can last for decades delighting you and increasing your home’s curb appeal. Remember red brick is a timeless signature of quality craftsmanship.