Brick structures are known to be durable and maintenance-free. They have a unique aesthetic appeal and they’re energy-efficient. But even so, they’re susceptible to damage like fading or losing their original color. Oftentimes, the cause is the elements such as long exposure to sunlight, rain, scouring winds, and winter blizzards. To restore its appeal, here are tips on how to restore faded brick exterior:
Deep Clean
The first method when it comes to brick color restoration is deep cleaning. Cleaning eliminates algae, mold, debris, and dirt on the surface. For starters, you can use a vacuum cleaner to clear any dust on the surface. Thereafter, use a brush and water to gently clean the surface. However, if the surface is large, then the practical cleaning method is using the garden hose with a spray nozzle.
It’s an aggressive approach but an effective one for deep cleaning. In areas with algae and mold buildup, you’ll have to scrub gently with a brush, especially the grout. But on the surface, spray cleaning will do. After 24 hours, you can inspect whether the result is satisfying or if it needs more treatment.
Apply a Sealer
If cleaning the bricks restored their color, the next step is applying the sealer. A sealer will help rejuvenate the original color of the brick and restore its aesthetic appeal. When applying the sealer, there are several ways you can do this. For instance, if the surface is smaller such as an outdoor kitchen or countertop, a paintbrush will do.
However, if you’re working on a large building or large surfaces such as the driveway, you can use a pneumatic sprayer. Most importantly, stick to the manufacturer’s instructions to get the best results. Speaking of instructions, some sealer requires multiple applications to get desirable results, while others require one.
Drying
Remember, the job is not done until the sealer dries up. Unfortunately, each sealer has a unique drying period. Some may take one day to completely dry, while others may require up to 3 days. Further, the thickness of the coat and the number of layers also affect the drying period of the sealer.
With that said, allowing traffic sooner, if it’s a drive away will leave a foot and tire print mark on the surface. And if it’s about to rain, ensure you cover the surface to reduce bricks’ exposure to moisture.
Painting
If the bricks have faded extremely, then painting is the best method for restoring their beauty. At this point, coating them with a sealer will not help. Just like woods, the elements can strip off the bricks’ color to a point that you can’t reverse the effect. And the only viable solution at this point is painting or staining to make the bricks lively once more.
If your brick wall has recessed joints, then feel free to use a paint roller to paint or stain them. This method will prevent paint or stain from getting into the joints. However, if they’re flushed joints, then prepare painting one brick at a time until you complete the entire structure. And once the paint or stain dries, you can apply the sealer to protect the color from weathering.
Getting Started
Restoring faded bricks is a daunting affair. It’s even more backbreaking if they have flushed joints. Considering you still have to apply a sealer once the paint dries, it may take forever to completely restore it. Luckily, you don’t have to strain yourself with this job.
Contact Turnbull Masonry. They’ll evaluate the state of your bricks first and thereafter come up with an effective restoration plan. What’s more, they’re the best company to work with if you want the best outcome.