Amazing Paint Colours for Your Brick Exterior Walls

Brick comes in different colours and usually looks good when left in its natural tone. However, if you want to revamp the exterior of your home, it does not mean you have to stick to that colour. There are many ways you could complement the brick’s natural colour, or change it completely. If you do not know how to go about repainting your brick exterior, your next step could be getting some advice from an expert designer.

In this article, we will walk you through some basic design practices and theories that are guaranteed to produce a stunning brick design. We will also take you through some considerations and the planning involved in painting your brick exterior. Dive in.

1. Exteriors Look Stunning with a 3-Colour Combination

This statement is a general thumb rule of design. Utilising a three-colour combination enables you to strike a balance between the primary background colours and any other colour. It helps you create a cohesive and magnificent design that is sure to draw a ton of compliments.

  • The Main Colour

It is also called a field colour. It is what would be the stucco colour or original siding. It should have an attractive, vibrant tone which you can enjoy for a while, or be neutral enough to work for a resale eventually. An easy way to switch up the appearance of a main neutral colour is to ditch the “nice and easy” complementing colour. You can carry out this tip in areas like the shutters or front door.

It is pertinent that you exercise wisdom in this regard. Therefore, you should consider the general design of your house amd scrutinise heritage colours carefully. These colours are typically mature colours that can be said to have withstood the test of time and are still trendy. You should also consider whether you want to achieve a cohesive feel with the other houses around you. This is typically the best option unless you want to “stand out from the crowd.”

  • The Secondary Colour

It is also called the secondary grouping. It is usually found in the stonework on the front facade, such as brick. It may also be used as a window trim or fascia. If you do not have so much stonework, you could try a neutral secondary colour and pair it with a different trim colour. You could also match the trim colour with the stonework, and this also qualifies as a secondary grouping. Your secondary grouping should not cover too much area as you do not want it to overwhelm the main colour of the home.

Your secondary colour helps to visually break up your house’s façade and provide depth to what may appear as a flat, large rectangle. It also helps to highlight the architecture of the house. Often, it is best to have plenty of contrast between the primary and secondary colours.

  • The Complementing Colour

It is also called the accent colour. This colour is typically bolder and more attractive than the others. However, it should be used in small areas. You could make use of it in making a statement or expressing your personality and style. It need not be loud and intense; it can be a light pastel shade.

2. The Most Suitable Ratio For Exterior Paint Design

This ratio which provides for the primary, secondary, and accent colours has been said to be 60:30:10. The colour of your brick ought to come under one of the three colours. It is usually the primary or secondary colour, paired with another secondary colour.

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3. Find Out the Brick’s Tone

You ought to determine the tone of the brick of your home before picking out colours. Taking a picture of the overall structure of the brick can help you figure out what colour it is. This tip would go a long way in helping you select the best colours to use for your home’s exterior.

4. Consider Your Landscaping

You ought to ensure that your landscaping looks terrific with the new paint scheme. This would involve taking an objective look at your plants. If you have plants with bold colours, you should consider matching the house’s façade with the colours. Another option is to consider transplanting the plants.

5. Consider Your House’s Architectural Features

You should put the colours of the architectural features of your home into consideration. Take an objective look at the roof, stucco, railings, etc. Although you might be able to repaint some of them, there are some features you would have to take as they are. These features can still fit in the grand scheme of things, especially with the correct paint combination.

Finally, with all said and done, we are confident that you are ready to make the best choice concerning your home exterior.

painting your brick exterior

Historic Building Restoration

For many people, the term “historic” means “old.” Old things may not be worth any trouble. However, there is a saying: “Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder.” For contractors, there are lots of valuable, practical and cultural reasons for historic building restoration. And, preservation. Historic buildings are a part of your city’s history and heritage. They can offer opportunities for the future growth of your society.

Historical buildings are made with durable and long-lasting materials. The materials make them a considerable investment. Also, they often have a specific kind of craftsmanship and architectural design. The designs cannot be duplicated. Perhaps you deal with historic buildings. Maybe you need more knowledge on mansory and brick restoration, reading through this would help you a great deal.

Approaches To Handling Historic Properties

There are set standards on how you can treat historic properties. Treating them well will maximize their benefits. There are four approaches to managing landmark buildings. They are rehabilitation, reconstruction, preservation, and restoration. We present these approaches from the least, to the most intervention.

  • Rehabilitation

Rehabilitating a historic building acknowledges the requirement to add or alter the property. This is so it meets its changing or continuing uses. At the same time, it should retain its historic character. This is a simplified approach to treating historic buildings. And, there are flexible standards regarding the rehabilitation of historic properties at the local, state and federal level.

  • Reconstruction

This approach recreates the non-surviving or vanishing aspects of the historic building. Reconstructing these aspects are for interpretative objectives. Their restoration does not mean the total change of the broken artifacts or their disposal. It means remolding them but sustaining their former significance.

  • Preservation

Preservation of historic buildings focuses on maintaining their stabilization. It also involves the repair of their existing historic equipment. Preserving historic properties means its retention in property form as it evolves.

  • Restoration

Restoration of a historical building depicts that the property is in existence at a precise time in its history. Consequently, the evidence of it being available in other previous times are removed. It may be that some aspects of the building have lost their heritage. Restoring the building brings back such significance.

Benefits Of Historical Building Restoration

historic building

  • Restoring Buildings Strengthens Communities

Restoration of historic buildings is assets to your community. In some cities, reconstruction can look absurd if the historic buildings are constructed in the middle of an ancient society. This can make it challenging to rent out or sell the reconstructed property. The Advisory Council for Historic Preservation asserts that home values within a historical environment rise faster. These values are more prominent there than in modern areas. Hence, buyers will be willing to pay a premium for buildings in historic districts.

  • Historic Buildings Are Culturally Rich

A community is said to be rich in culture when it has a substantial appearance of historical eras. Even the residents are prideful of their community’s history. Instead of demolishing your historical buildings, their restoration and rehabilitation will give a positive effect on your neighborhood.

  • Historical Buildings Are Visually Appealing

Restoration of historic buildings does not only present opportunities for money saving. This is because preserving the building materials is a responsible way to invest in visual appeals. Also, historic building restoration preserves natural resources. It provides you with attractive and usable buildings on developed lands. It is beneficial to contractors as it gives them existing elements of architectural history that cannot be duplicated. As a centre of attraction for tourism, you can benefit some revenue from historical buildings.

  • Historic Buildings Are Unique

Restoration of historical buildings safeguards their uniqueness. So much that it is difficult to find another building similar to the old ones, or with the same significance. When visitors enter historic buildings, they experience a nostalgic feeling each time which no other kind of structure can provide. Thus, every landmark building is unique in itself.

Dangers Of Not Restoring Historic Buildings

As stated earlier, the restoration of historic buildings gives them intrinsic value. They are assets to the communities in which they exist, as well as to the residents of such communities. Tearing down an ancient building is not a great move. You never can tell exactly what you are destroying in it. Some of these buildings are of a particular era, and they constitute rare materials such as heart pine or hardwood. These materials are got from old-growth forests which may not exist any longer.

Destroying the historic building can lead to damaging elements of history that you can never retrieve. Apart from this consequence, you may lose the opportunity to use the building as a historic landmark which serves as its selling point. The potential buyers would like to know the history of the buildings they want to move into. This is because the foundational history of the building contributes to the personality of such a building. Historical restoration aims to keep the identity and character of the building intact, to attract not only but also tourists and foreigners to the building.

How Does Historic Building Restoration Work?

The restoration of a historic building is usually done with a doff cleaning system. Using high-pressure steam, the doff system involves cleaning all kinds of mansory, concrete, and stonework. The temperature is high, but the volume of water is low. When this is used with gentle pressure, it easily removes grime, dirt, and debris on the building.

The doff cleaning system is compatible with historic buildings during restoration. The cleaning machines refrain the quantity of water required. Every drop goes to coursing the structures without any waste. Besides the minimal energy needed to operate and the lack of caustic or harmful chemicals required, the doff steam cleaners provide a low carbon footprint. This is a high selling point for people who deal with large historic buildings and wish to remain and contribute to a neater environment.

Due to the low pressure of this method, the surface of the structure or building does not become saturated with moisture. And, when the temperature is on an average level, the exterior of the building can dry within minutes. This, therefore, is perfect for historic properties or structures which are constructed with unusual, potentially delicate materials. The materials require a more sensitive touch.

Many masonry and brick managers rely on the doff cleaning system to terminate algae, fungi, and moss. This is due to the elimination of live and visible spores. Hidden spores are killed too. This method prevents the regrowth of these organisms. Thereby, it keeps the surfaces clean for several years. The doff cleaning system eliminates the requirement of a chemical biocide for protection against unwanted biological activities.

Other Uses Of The Doff Cleaning System In Historic Building Restoration

Cleaning with the doff system is exceptionally versatile. It is useful in removing many common and hard blemishes and stains. They include:

  • Removing wax coatings
  • Removing paint coatings
  • Remove paint from brick
  • Destroying bird fouling or unsightly vermin
  • Removing certain kinds of graffiti

Listed Building Restoration

The success of your restoration project, especially when it involves listed buildings, depends solely on the experience and skills of the workers you employ for it. If your building is listed, the entire structure will be protected. It includes internal features. This means that any restoration will require consent for the listed building. The planning period is initially critical. It will distinguish between the merely adequate and perfect result.

Who To Employ For Your Listed Building Restorations

At the least, you should hire an architect for your listed building to bring restoration ideas. Then you need a structural engineer. The engineer should advise you on the best way to achieve those ideas. Also, you need reputable consultants. They will ensure that your listed building restoration project conforms to the instructions of planners. And, it will be acceptable to listed building officials.

How To Get A Listed Building Restoration Consent

Getting a listed building consent to validate your restoration process is obtainable. This is possible when you submit your application to the council. However, if you plan to work on both the exterior and interior parts of the building, you will also need to tender an application. The application is for planning permission. Although, the controls of listed buildings take precedence. You may also need to reconsider your restoration project if the listed building situates in a conservation area.

Being the owner of a listed building does not mean that you are prevented from creating an exemplary space. Space which perfectly harmonises with its historical context. That is, before the original listing. Find a company that will help you achieve this restoration. Your contractor and local conservation team should assist you. They should design your whole building without compromising the unique features of such a structure.

At Basildon Stone, we are competent in historic building restorations. Also, in stone conservations, repairs, cleaning, and protection. We employ a vast range of techniques. We aim to attain the required and appropriate solution to problems affecting your old buildings. Our consultants give accurate advice on the proposed restoration project of your building. Preserving the originality of your historic building is our utmost interest!

historic building restoration infographic

How to Restore Brick Exterior

It is a great feeling and a huge investment to own a nice home. Whether you are buying a new home or building one from scratch, this is an undertaking and investment that requires a lot of commitment and extensive research. You have to make a massive decision on the kind of house you want. All in all, no one wants to own a house or a home that has myriads of maintenance issues, and will just depreciate in value with time.

There are many materials used to build houses. Brick has been used in the construction sector for many years. The demand and popularity of brick homes over the years has also led to the evolution of colour brick wall or exteriors. Brickwork provides homeowners with a one-of-a-kind and handsome house exterior that can last for many years.

Brick may be a viable masonry material, but it sometimes requires right maintenance. Brick homes also get faded and require proper care, occasional cleaning as well as relevant repair to make the exterior brick look new again.

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Before you can even know how to restore brickwork, there are a number of reasons as to why you should opt for a brick exterior. Take a look;

High-Quality Home Insulation

Those who own brick homes or houses with brick siding will tell you that brick is different from other materials used in construction. Bricks are known to provide an extra layer to a house that safeguards you against extreme temperatures. Heat from outside is insulated easily by brick walls than other materials. You thus don’t need to rely on artificial heating or cooling, and you will save extra money on utilities down the line.

Easy to Maintain

There is no better way to save your money in the long run than owning a house that requires less maintenance. Brick homes may not be maintenance free, but it is wise to know that the brick surface does not easily show signs of dirt and tear as compared to other materials.

 

This means that you don’t have to clean your brick exterior surfaces regularly. If you have an old brick house, you will need regular maintenance services like tuckpointing to restore the surfaces.

Fire Resistant

There are many calamities that hit homes on a daily basis. Fortunately, if you own a brick house, bad weather and fires are hazardous possibilities that you should not fret about. Brick walls are resistant to fires and bad weather and will help keep you and loved ones safe and secure.

As you undertake brick restore, keep in mind that brick is made from non-combustible materials and can handle a lot of heat. So, feel free to opt for thicker bricks that are more fire resistant for your home.

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Increases Home Value

Brick homes are always in high demand in the housing market. Brick exteriors are gorgeous and will attract every onlooker as well as home buyers. The classic design of bricks should motivate you as you try to restore faded brick walls on a house you want to put on sale. Bricks are also durable and sturdy and buyers in the market know the value of the property they intend to buy.

Eco-Friendly

You will not waste a lot of natural resources building a brick house. There are many materials available to make bricks. These material are also non-combustible and will not harm the environment.

Restore Brick Exterior Hassle Free-What to Know

If you are wondering, how to make the old brick look new again, there are exceptional ways to change the physical look of your brick exterior. A detail-cautious homeowner will not tolerate loose and dirty bricks. There are many architectural problems that can arise from an old brick exterior, if not taken care of as soon as possible.

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Luckily for you and many other brick homeowners, you can easily restore brick colour. With time and a little expertise, you can make your brick walls look as good as brand new. It takes a lot of dedication, determination and commitment to undertake and successfully complete the brick restoration procedure.

There are preferable ways that you can rely on and figure out how to restore bricks without much hassle. Here are exceptional restoration methods you can rely on;

  • Clean Dirty Bricks

You don’t need sophisticated tools to restore brick colour. You can use easy to handle household tools like a vacuum cleaner to suck away any dirt and dust from the bricks. You can also brush away dirt and use soap and water, if there is dirt still attached to the bricks.

Make sure you get the bricks wet before you can use cleaners. The simplest way to keep your restoration bricks wet is by using a garden hose to wet exterior bricks. You can also fill a spray bottle with water and saturate the surfaces when the need arises.
white brick wall

You need to scrub the dirty bricks with a mixture of table salt and dish soap. The spreadable paste will work well if you are using a bristle brush. Once you have removed the paste with a washcloth, go on and use a sealant to keep the bricks in tip-top condition.

A siloxane sealant will work exceptionally well if the bricks are dry. If you don’t know the brick sealants to use, you can consult widely and pick the best types for restoring brick.

  • Get rid of stubborn stains on the brick exterior

If you don’t know how to make old stained bricks look new, there is an easy to comprehend strategy to apply. You can easily remove deep-set stains on bricks using acid cleaners, and one recommendable product is muriatic acid. However, as you use acid cleaners, be cautious. These cleaners are corrosive and can damage any object they come into contact with if not properly used.

If you are doing it yourself, wear safety rubber gloves and goggles and stay safe. Acid cleaners work well when mixed with water, and you should not forget to wash away the acid and let the clean bricks dry.

  • Repair the exterior of brick mortar joints

Repointing is a common criteria used in masonry and more so when it comes to restoring brick colour. It is simply a method of renewing the external parts of the brick mortar joints. To restore the look of the bricks, you need to chip away the old mortar using a chisel and hammer.

red brick wall

After removing the unwanted mortar, use a wire brush or garden hose to remove the dirt. Leave the bricks to soak up water. The next day you can put new mortar into the brick joints and ensure it is properly inserted in the right places.

  • Replace loose bricks

To clear your doubts and learn more on how to restore brick colour, you need to opt to replace the loose bricks. Start by removing the old mortar until the loose brick is easy to twist. Then remove the dirt on the brick and cavity.

Dampen the cavity and place wet mortar where you will lay the brick. Ensure that the joints around the brick are properly sealed to keep it waterproof. Don’t forget to leave the mortar to dry and then remove any unwanted mortar from the brick exterior. The new brickwork will change the general appearance of your house.

What to Know About Painting Brick Exterior

Painting is another unique way of restoring brick colour. A good brick colour design will bring out your home’s personality. It is a doable procedure that involves making sure the bricks are properly cleaned, removing old mortar that does not shine through and picking the best exterior house paint.

It is advisable to contact a brick expert to aid you with efflorescence. The expert you seek help from should also provide you with clear-coat product directions, if you don’t know the brick painting criteria to undertake.

blasindon giphy

Today’s homeowners don’t take painting as a reliable means of restoring bricks. It thus advisable to be careful when painting old bricks as you may end up causing unimaginable damage. There are professional chemical paint removers that you can rely on and help restore the original striking colour of your old structure.

These are experts who understand the paint removing procedure, and will not rely on removal methods like mechanical techniques and sandblasting that can damage old bricks. So, before you paint your faded brick exterior, seek the necessary information or let experts do their work.

How to brighten up my brick exterior?

You may just want to brighten up your brick exterior, there are multiple ways to brighten your brick exterior:

Using a hose

Using a garden hose is a great way to brighten up a brick exterior, direct the water spray at the top of the wall and move side to side going downwards to wash the grime away. In the more grimier parts allow the water to stay on the spot for a more thorough cleaning. Clean the brick once a year to stop dirt coming back.

Pressure Washer

Using a pressure washer is one of the best ways to get rid of grime from your brick exterior, use a pressure washer of 3,000 pounds per inch so you do not damage the bricks, using the same method as a hose you can clean your brick exterior easily.

Removing Moss, Mould or Mildew

Some areas of brick may have built up mould, especially the parts that appearing as green or black patches on the walls. To remove mix 1 cup of chlorine and 1 gallon of water of a bucket, we would recommend from using wire tools as it may create stains, spray the brick with the solution before cleaning it and remember wear protective gear when dealing with chemicals.

To Sum Up

Adding brick siding to your home is a great investment that you will never regret. Restoring the look of your brick exterior will increase the value of your home, and give you peace of mind for the next decades to come. Whether you are looking forward to red brick restoration or general brick restoration, there are exceptional ways you can rely on.

If stuck and don’t know how to restore brick, don’t give up. You can improve the look of your home by seeking professional brick restoration help. Basildon Stone is a brick restoration firm that you can trust and will satisfy your needs. You can also trust the company for brick restoration cost analysis and related services. Make that call today and learn more on how to revamp brick exterior.

how to restore exterior brick wall

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