Brick homes are an attractive choice and easy to maintain for hundreds of years. You can keep your brick home’s exterior looking great with a few simple steps. However, you should contact your brick supplier to repair any serious damage.
Get rid of all the bricks
Sometimes, you will need to clean outside the house. To remove any debris, you should spray the sides of your house with a water hose once a year. Keep an eye out for mildew and mold as you clean. Use a water hose to soak the wall. Next, mix 1 cup bleach with 1-gallon water. Then use the mixture to scrub the area using a synthetic brush. If this doesn’t work, you can call your brick supplier to find a stronger solution.
Examine Weep Holes
While you are cleaning the walls, it is important to inspect them. There will be weeping holes that allow moisture to drain. These holes should be cleaned to ensure there is no water buildup, which could lead to damage.
Look for Efflorescence
The chalky substance found outside your home could be a sign that water has penetrated the surface, leaving behind salt crystals when it dries. This is called efflorescence. The salt crystals can be cleaned with a stiff brush and dried. If that fails, spray water at an angle on the surface, then scrub. You’ll end up with the same problem if you spray the water directly.
Prune Vines and Plants
Although Ivy and other vines can give your home a beautiful look, they can be very destructive as they stick to bricks and cause damage. Cut any plants that are growing in your house and allow them to fall naturally. You should not remove them as this can cause more damage.
Repair damaged sections
Sometimes, you may need to replace damaged parts of the exterior of your house. You will need to first remove the damaged brick by removing all mortar. Then, dampen the opening with water or bonding agent and then spread new mortar over the bottom. Then, place the brick into the opening. Mortar the sides and top. Finally, run your finger along the mortar to create a small depression. Clear away any residue. It is easy to replace mortar that has been damaged. You can remove the damaged section by chiseling, moisten the mortar with a bonding agent and then apply the mortar. Finally, run your finger through the mortar to finish. Clean up any remaining residue.
Brick is a beautiful material for building. However, it is not difficult to maintain. Although you can do most of the maintenance yourself, if you aren’t comfortable, contact your brick supplier for professional assistance.