Bricks are a common building material used for apartments’ exterior and interior. Brick exteriors require zero maintenance and, being sturdy, provide structural support to your building and apartment. Bricks also enhance the beauty of your building by providing aesthetic appeal.
A faded brick exterior is a common problem for many buildings. Over time, bricks can become faded and lose their color, due to continuous exposure to the environment, sunlight, rains, heavy winds, and fog in the extreme cold which can make your apartment look old and tired. But don’t despair, there are ways to restore the beauty of your faded bricks. You can bring back the luster to your building’s exterior with a little time and effort.
In this article, we’ll discuss what faded brick is, what causes it, and how you can restore your faded bricks to their original glory.
What is a Faded Brick?
Continuously changing weather, heavy rains, snow, high-speed winds, and high humidity start deteriorating the color of bricks exposed directly to the elements mentioned above. Brick whose color has changed from its original is known as faded brick.
Additionally, discoloration of brick can also be caused by the use of certain cleaning products or chemicals.
Most Common Causes of Faded Brick
As we mentioned earlier there can be different causes of brick discoloration or staining. Major contributing factors include sunlight, harsh environment, moisture, humidity, and microorganisms. Let’s explore some of the most common types of brick discoloration causes here:
1. Weather Conditions
Weather can be a major harmful factor damaging the color of brick masonry. Such weather conditions include:
I. Sun Light
Although we love sunlight, we can bear it to some extent. Similarly, bricks can only withstand sunlight to limited exposure. Nowadays, sunlight is a major source of UV rays. These radiations affect not only human health but also brick masonry, causing staining and deterioration of the brick color. Exterior walls that are in constant contact with sunlight face major problems regarding brick fading.
II. High-Speed Winds
Winds are a major source of depositing dirt and other debris over the bricks, diminishing their beauty. When this dirt is combined with moisture present on the wall, it pastes on the bricks, which is unpleasant and causes staining on the brick wall.
III. Rains – Water Infiltration
Rain or water infiltration can damage your apartments in terms of both durability and beauty. When there is high moisture in bricks, unwanted growth such as bryophytes, mosses, algae, fungi, and many more will affect the aesthetic properties of bricks.
2. Efflorescence
As previously discussed water infiltration is a major cause of staining but if that water is hard means having a concentration of salts and minerals then the process of staining is to boost up. Such kind of water turns the surface of your brick to a white powdery surface and this type of chemical reaction between brick, salt, and water is known as efflorescence.
3. Mold
Mold is a type of fungus that only needs moisture and damp conditions to grow. Usually, a white type of mold is formed on bricks that are mostly confused with efflorescence. The spores of mold not only affect the beauty of your apartment but also can be harmful to humans as well. It is easy to remove mold than efflorescence.
4. Rust
Rust is a kind of material that has an almost orange color and is formed as a result of the corrosion of bricks. This unwanted rust forms an orange color stain over the bricks which usually makes the brick look unpleasant.
5. Detergents or Cleaning Products
Faded brick can also be caused by the use of certain cleaning products or chemicals. If you use such chemicals improperly then it will provide more harm than good.
How to Restore the Beauty of Faded Brick
If you’re noticing faded brick in your home, don’t worry – there is a way to restore its beauty. Restoration of faded bricks can be done by following methods
1. Deep Cleaning of Dirty Brick
Cleaning is the first step in any kind of faded brick restoration. For cleaning different equipment and chemicals can be used.
- Use a vacuum cleaner to remove any kind of dust and debris.
- Before applying any kind of cleaning agent it is essential to wet your brick wall with the help of a garden hose or spraying machine because if you apply it over drywall, bricks will absorb all the cleaning solvent and become faded and discolored over time.
- Using an acid cleaner is necessary to cover the surroundings because such cleansers are corrosive and can damage the surrounding structures.
- After applying a cleaning agent, let it be there for almost 15 minutes before scrubbing it with the help of a brush and washcloth.
- After that cleaning agent must be hosed down with the help of simple water.
Types of Cleaning Agents
Different kinds of cleaning agents can be used to clean the dirt brick or faded brick such as given below:
- Soap – For basic cleaning
- Bleach – For mold, mildew, and moss.
- Vinegar – For basic and interior cleaning
- Muriatic Acid – For rust, soil, and mortar stain.
2. Sealer Application
If after cleaning the faded brick is restored it is necessary to apply any kind of sealer that will help to regain the genuine color and brighten the beauty of the brick. Sealers can be used with different types of equipment such as
- Paintbrush – For smaller working surfaces.
- Pneumatic spray machines – For larger working surfaces such as buildings, driveways, etc.
3. Drying
If you want your sealer application to be useful then it is necessary to dry it. It is only possible if you give the sealer proper time to dry. Time taken for a sealer depend on
- Type of sealer used – some sealers take only 24 hours while others may take up to 72 hours to completely dry off.
- Thickness of coating
- Number of layers
- Humidity
- Time of year
4. Repaint The Faded Bricks
If the bricks are extremely faded and you think simple cleaning and sealer application will not solve the problem then it is necessary to paint or repaint the faded bricks to restore the beauty of the walls of apartments or buildings. Different kinds of brushes and rollers can be used to paint your walls. It is necessary to apply a sealer after painting to protect it against weather conditions. But it is necessary to hire professionals to match the color of your bricks with the previous one.
5. Replacement Of The Faded Bricks
You can also replace the faded bricks with new ones. This is a more expensive option, but it will give your home a brand-new look.
Instructions
- Before restoration, it is necessary to find the factor causing the problem and solve it accordingly to avoid the recurring discoloring of bricks. For example, if there is any kind of water leakage then deal with it first.
- Always use safety gloves to avoid contact with the acid cleaner.
- Use a face mask if dealing with the molds to avoid the inhalation of spores.
- Always cover any surrounding structures made of metal, wood, or any other material to prevent damage.
Are You Looking for the Restoration of Faded Bricks? No Worry
Valet Works offers a wide range of services to restore the beauty of your faded brick exterior. We have the experience and expertise to clean, repaint, or replace your bricks to make your apartment or building look new again. We use only the highest quality products and materials to restore your property to its original condition. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We look forward to serving you!
Frequently Asked Question
How do you revive exterior brick?
Depending on the severity of the fade, there are several ways to revive exterior brick. Simple cleaning and sealing may be all that is needed for light fading. You may need to repaint or replace the bricks for more severe fading. Always consult a professional to determine the best action for your specific needs.
How do I make bricks darker?
There are a few ways to make bricks darker:
- Apply a dark-colored sealer or paint to the bricks.
- Replace the faded bricks with new, darker ones.
- Use a muriatic acid cleaner to restore the brick’s original color.
Can you power wash bricks?
Yes, you can power wash bricks. This will remove any dirt, grime, or other debris on the bricks’ surface. Power washing is a quick and easy way to clean bricks, and it will not damage the brick material.