Trust the professionals to restore commercial brick with care.
Commercial brick buildings carry a sense of timelessness, thick walls, rich color, and architectural character that modern materials can rarely replicate. However, even the strongest brickwork will eventually show signs of age. When deterioration sets in, the challenge for property owners and restoration teams is clear: how to restore commercial brick without losing the historic charm that makes these buildings special.
At DelPrete Masonry, we understand that every brick tells a story. Here’s how professional masons approach brick restoration while preserving your property’s authenticity and longevity.
Conduct a Careful Assessment Before Restoration
Before any work begins, a detailed assessment is critical. A professional masonry team will evaluate:
- The extent of damage (cracks, crumbling mortar, or water infiltration)
- The type and age of the brick and mortar
- The building’s historical construction methods
This analysis ensures that the right materials and repair techniques are used. Matching the original masonry elements is essential when you restore commercial brick in a way that preserves historical integrity.
Use Period-Accurate Materials
One of the biggest mistakes in restoration is using modern materials incompatible with historic masonry. For example, newer mortars are often too hard for older bricks, causing cracking and long-term damage.
To restore commercial brick properly, professionals select:
- Lime-based mortars that are softer and breathable
- Replacement bricks sourced or custom-made to match the original size, texture, and color
- Cleaning solutions that remove stains without stripping the natural finish of the brick
These details ensure your structure maintains its original look and performance characteristics.
Repoint Mortar Joints with Care
Repointing is a cornerstone of any brick restoration project. It involves removing deteriorated mortar and replacing it with fresh material that matches the original composition and color.
Professional masons take the time to:
- Hand-tool joints for a historically accurate appearance
- Use precision to avoid damaging surrounding bricks
- Match the mortar’s shade to blend seamlessly with existing masonry
When performed correctly, repointing not only enhances your building’s appearance but also strengthens it against moisture and environmental stress.
Clean Without Overdoing It
It’s tempting to want old bricks to look “brand new,” but overly aggressive cleaning can remove the protective outer layer and alter the historic look.
Experts recommend gentle, low-pressure cleaning techniques or non-acidic chemical washes that remove dirt, pollutants, and biological growth while protecting the brick’s natural patina. This ensures the building remains clean and vibrant without sacrificing authenticity.
Apply Water-Resistant Coatings Thoughtfully
While sealing brick can protect against moisture intrusion, it must be done carefully to allow the material to breathe. Professional-grade water repellents are vapor-permeable—keeping water out while allowing trapped moisture to escape. This prevents issues like efflorescence or spalling that can occur when moisture gets trapped beneath the surface.
When you restore commercial brick, the goal is not to “seal” history away but to preserve it against the elements.
Replace Only When Necessary
Historic restoration is about conservation, not replacement. Skilled masons replace only the most damaged bricks, ensuring any new materials match the existing ones in size, shape, and tone. Selective replacement helps maintain structural integrity while keeping as much of the original masonry as possible.
Preserve the Past, Strengthen the Future
When you partner with experienced professionals like DelPrete Masonry, you can restore commercial brick without compromising the authenticity that makes your building unique. Through expert assessment, precision craftsmanship, and historically informed techniques, your property can maintain its original character while standing strong for decades to come.
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 follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Tags: brick restoration, historic buildings, masonry restoration