Brick houses are a classic and have been around for as long as anyone can remember, as evident in photos we see from many years ago. Red bricks are more ancient, and black ones are more modern. Whichever color you have, you’re sure to have a home that’s not just aesthetically pleasing but also durable.
Bricks can stand the test of time. They may need a little polishing, but the quality stays the same. Many might gravitate towards bricks being a thing of the past, but this isn’t necessarily true.
Even modern country homes may still have a few brick elements, particularly those leaning towards an industrial-style home.
If you have an old brick house, then consider yourself lucky as there are many ways you can give it an upgrade. Consider starting with these ideas:
1. Clean It
Suppose you want to upgrade your home but a significant renovation project may not necessarily be on your budget at the moment. Don’t be dismayed because you can still upgrade your home’s bricks cheaply. You can do this by cleaning them, or giving them an acid wash or a limewash.
Acid washing your brick home can help restore it to its natural color. However, this has to be done by a professional as strong chemicals like hydrochloric acid will be used.
Apart from acid washing, you can also give your home’s brick walls a good scrub and a power wash in the same manner as you would your concrete driveway. If you have a pressure washer at home, then this is something you can do by yourself. With this, you’ll remove any buildup of moss, algae, grime, and molds.
2. Repair The Damaged Bricks
A few damaged bricks would lead to brick restoration. You don’t have to bring the entire wall down, just a few destroyed bricks.
This upgrade is as beneficial for your home’s visual appearance as it is for its functionality. Restoring the outdated bricks will make your home’s foundation stronger.
You can repair damaged bricks in many ways, but two of the most notable ones are as follows:
- Repairing the damaged mortar, which is the cement mixture in the middle of each brick (also known as brick repointing)
- Replacing loose bricks (also known as spalling)
3. Change Your Brick’s Color
Red is the most prevalent choice of brick color. It may have worked for your home many years back, but perhaps now you want it to look more modern. You can change your brick color in the following ways:
- Paint. If you decide to repaint your bricks, be ready to do this once every three to five years to maintain their color. Remember that this is an irreversible process, so you must be sure about your decision. Once you paint your brick walls, there’s no way you can bring them back to their original color.
- Stain. This is a more permanent and long-lasting alternative to painting. The stain you apply on the brick acts like a dye. Instead of layering new color on top of the brick, with staining, you’re letting the new color bond with the existing brick color.
- Whitewash. This is the best strategy for homes with bricks screaming with color, like in bright red or bright yellow hues. Whitewashing can help tone down its color while adding a transparent layer of color on top.
4. Re-Envision How To Use Your Brick Walls
If you want to overhaul your home, do so, but be careful about removing all the brick walls altogether. Think thoroughly about the design, so you can find a few areas where you can keep those bricks.
For example, you may want a few brick walls left as accents in your home. Or, you can use it to define some areas (e.g., leave the bricks and then repaint them black or white for your living room). Let your creativity and imagination shine because when you do, you may bring new life to the bricks and use it to transform your space entirely.
Conclusion
Although bricks are known for their durability, this doesn’t mean they’ll also look the part. Bricks have that natural charm yet they will be calling for a makeover eventually. When you’re thinking about redoing your home, keep the bricks for their special focal point. Besides, they are expensive nowadays, so make the most of how your home already has them. The tips here should only be your guide because the decision should ultimately be on your preference and what your home truly needs.
