One aspect of masonry restoration that can’t be undersold is restoring the color of faded bricks. Because bricks are relatively maintenance-free, it isn’t a process that needs to happen often. However, exposure to the elements like rain, dirt, or sunlight can eventually cause your bricks to lose their bright, original color. Fortunately, through the power of masonry restoration, it’s possible to restore your bricks and make them shine just like they did the day they were made. Let’s take a look at this critical aspect of masonry restoration and see what the process of restoring color in faded bricks actually looks like.
Light Cleaning
Start off with a very gentle power washing, which may be enough to get rid of the dust and dirt that is causing discoloration. More stubborn stains and more robust masonry restoration may call for scrubbing the bricks with a stiff brush in addition to hosting the bricks down. If this isn’t enough, you may need to seek out professional masonry services to dig in and get those bricks looking right.
Applying Sealer
If you do turn to a pro, they may perform sealer applications that can rejuvenate older bricks and make them look bright red once again. They do this with pro-grade pneumatic sprayers, guaranteeing that the application of the sealer is efficient and thorough. The amount of sealant you’ll need is going to depend on the products used. Some call for multiple coats, others only need one, but a professional is going to know how much to apply and when.
Further Issues
Oftentimes, your faded bricks could be a sign of something more serious that is underlying, like efflorescence. This is a salty, white substance that will form on brick and is caused by moisture. In this case, it’s important to address what’s causing that moisture to prevent future efflorescence instead of just cleaning the bricks off or applying brick paint.
Using Tuckpointing
Some masonry services will use tuckpointing, which is a good way to create an excellent, lasting finish. Tuckpointing requires removing faded mortar and applying new mortar, using contrasting colors to help create a clean, beautiful look. If you’re unsatisfied with the vibrancy of your brickwork, tuckpointing is a creative solution.
Contact Del Prete Masonry Today!
Whether you are ready to start your next masonry project or are still hesitant and have questions, Del Prete Masonry is here to help. We have the experience and expertise to get it right the first time. Questions? Want to visit some of our residential or commercial projects? Ready to set up a consultation? Feel free to give us a call at 410-683-0650 or visit us online. We are happy to serve Baltimore City and County, Harford County, Carroll County, Anne Arundel County, and Howard County. To see examples of our work and to keep up with our new and exciting projects, be sure to Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Tags: Commercial Brick Restoration, commercial masonry work, masonry restoration