Do You Need a Chimney Heat Shield?
With winter on the way, many of us will be firing up our fireplaces to stay warm and cozy for the holidays. When was the last time your chimney was inspected? If it’s been a while, you may want to have it checked out, especially if it is older. Many get worn down over the years and homeowners are none the wiser to the state of their flumes. Cracks, gaps, and deterioration can form with prolonged use, causing leaks, smoke buildup, structural weaknesses, and even fires. Luckily, there’s a solution. Applying a chimney Heat Shield might just be the best thing you could possibly do for your fireplace. But what is it? And do you really need it?
What is a Chimney Heat Shield?
Before deciding whether or not you need a Heat Shield, it might first be helpful to understand what exactly it is as well as its benefit to your chimney. Essentially, a Heat Shield is created by adding a sealing layer all throughout the inside of the chimney to plug up any cracks or spaces in the flue. It can be made out of a few different materials, such as a chamber coat or cerfractory foam. These coatings are smooth, sealing, and heat resistant, allowing smoke and heat to escape without causing damage to the chimney or endangering your home. Chamber coat is applied manually by a chimney sweep, while cerfractory foam is applied via spray and smoothed out with a large brush. Some methods involve lowering the material down through the top of the stack and applying it on the way back up.
How Much Does a Chimney Heat Shield Cost?
The cost of installing a Heat Shield can be measured in more ways than one. As far as the traditional cost goes, the cost can lie anywhere from $2,400 to $3,600. That being said, the cost to have your chimney completely redone is much more expensive. Not to mention the cost of repairs in the event of a fire caused by a poorly made or clogged smoke chamber! It is also a much quicker process than building a new one, especially where there is no need for a total replacement. You’ll also save money in the long run by fortifying your current chimney with Heat Shield, as the sealant will work to protect it from deterioration for many, many years. It is definitely the best solution to ensuring longevity for your fireplace.
Why is a Chimney Heat Shield Important?
If your home contains a fireplace, it is very beneficial to have a Heat Shield installed. But why? What does it really matter? Well, it matters a great deal, actually. For one thing, a poorly constructed smoke chamber causes creosote to build up inside the chimney, blocking the air passage and leading to a draft-back of smoke or even the potential of starting a fire. The sealing aspect of the shield will also prevent carbon monoxide from leaking out of cracks, thus preventing your family from succumbing to toxic fumes. By applying a layer of a Heat Shield, the smoke will be able to rise and exit your home more easily, preventing any unwanted contamination from occurring. The last thing you need is a fire breaking out inside your chimney, which could tear it apart from the inside out, spread to your home, or cause the bricks to crumble onto your home. The smooth layer of fire-resistant sealant is more than enough to protect your family and home.
Looking to Fortify Your Chimney?
Applying a chimney Heat Shield is an effective restoration method that assists in securing the safety of your home and your family. It is not only reliable and affordable but having it applied is the fastest method for restoring your chimney to its former glory. Here at Brickworks, we have trained and licensed professionals that can inspect your chimney and apply a protective layer of Heat Shield coating in no time at all. Interested in learning more? Contact Brickworks today for a free estimate or call (586)-330-4920.
3 Expert Suggestions For Dealing With Crumbling Brick
What causes crumbling brick? Water (erosion and freezing), constant weather, and other external factors cause bricks to crumble and deteriorate. Bricks are porous structures, meaning that they absorb moisture very easily. When bricks absorb too much moisture, they begin to lose their adhesiveness and will start to crumble and wear away. This is why it’s important to properly maintain your bricks and know how to spot signs of damage before they begin to worsen. Let’s take a further look into what makes bricks crumble, how to prevent it, and what to do if it eventually occurs.
What causes crumbling brick?
There are a variety of reasons that cause bricks to deteriorate — one of the main reasons is water. Water has many interesting properties that have harmful effects on masonry. Firstly, water erodes bricks and carries away sediment with ease if given the chance. This is especially harmful to mortar (the cement-like paste between bricks that holds them together). Also, water expands when it freezes. If water is trapped inside bricks or in cracks in the wall, freezing water can dislodge and even remove bricks, causing the need for repair or brick replacement. However, in comparison to the life expectancy of home components, bricks typically have a long shelflife of around one hundred years if maintained properly.
How to prevent crumbling brick
The best way to prevent damage to your bricks is to be proactive instead of reactive. This is why it’s important to regularly inspect your home’s brick exterior every few months or so. The inspection doesn’t need to be extensive, however, you should take some time to carefully assess any potential damage. Also, check to see if any water is being allowed to sit or get into your bricks. Faulty gutters and drainage systems can cause water to come into contact with bricks: this should be corrected before erosion starts to worsen. Keeping your exterior brick walls clean and free of plant life is another way to prevent damage; you may also apply masonry sealants to your bricks to protect them. Make sure to use the right kind for your bricks so they remain porous but more protected from the elements.
How to repair crumbling brick
If your brick has already started to crumble, can it be repaired? Yes, it can. You may DIY, however, it’s recommended that a professional does this so further structural damage doesn’t occur. Crumbling and cracked bricks can be replaced with newer bricks and then sealed back into place. Additionally, deteriorating mortar can be replaced with tuckpointing — removing damaged mortar and replacing it with fresh material.
Hopefully, you now know how to spot the early signs of crumbling bricks, how to prevent this from happening, and how to repair the damage that is already done. If you have further questions, need more information, or want a repair estimate, contact Brickworks, the home repair experts, or call us at (586) 330-4843.
When to Call a Professional for Masonry Repair
When is the right time to call a masonry repair professional? Mainly, if there are signs of mortar erosion, stones beginning to chip, or bricks moving out of place. Masonry is a difficult field of repair because of the time and attention to detail required to complete a job correctly. If you have no masonry training or have no stoneworking experience, it’s important to hire a professional so no further damage is caused. You don’t want to pay more money for a botched repair. Catching the early signs of deteriorating stonework can save you from experiencing more problems (structural and financial) down the road. Whether you need to call a professional for chimney repairs or brick replacement, here are some main masonry issues you want to be on the lookout for.
Deteriorating Mortar
Mortar is the sealant-like paste that is used to fill the gaps between the individual bricks of a structure. It’s similar to concrete in a way because they are both wet during application and dry as they set. Mortar connects bricks together despite their textural imperfections and helps distribute the weight of each brick evenly across their surface area. However, mortar is made of sand, concrete or lime, and water: this means mortar will deteriorate over time for a few different reasons. Rain, wind, friction, and time will gradually wear down mortar over the years, signaling that you should think about masonry repair. Thankfully, a professional mason can use techniques such as repointing and tuckpointing to replace degraded mortar while restoring it to its original state.
Bulging And Shifting Bricks
Brick and stonework can be susceptible to bulging, warping, and shifting over time. Alternating temperatures — especially in the midwest and northern climates — and weather conditions shrink and expand masonry, allowing mortar deterioration and shifting stones to occur. Moisture can seep into cracks in the stonework, freezing and thawing with the changing cycle of weather. Also known as “frost boil”, this shrinking and expanding can cause bulging, shifting, and displaced bricks. It’s important to call a mason if you see any early signs of shifting, bulging, or fallen bricks. Infrastructure damage, foundation problems, and further masonry problems can occur if this problem is left unchecked.
Cracking and Chipping Stone
Probably the most obvious sign that your home requires masonry repair is when your brick and stonework have structural damage — cracks, chips, and chunks missing. Even though stone and brick are strong building materials, they’re not wholly invincible. Strong, sudden impacts and gradual weathering can cause this cracking and chipping to occur. Like a crack in a windshield, if untreated, the imperfections in the bricks can grow, causing more structural damage; letting this kind of problem go untreated will compound further problems down the line. Here are some bonus masonry resources for when you should know when to call a professional.
If you need to hire a stoneworking professional for masonry repair or just want a free estimate, contact the home restoration experts, Brickworks Property Restoration, at (586) 330-4887 today.
Mortar Joint Selection
Brick homes offer a timeless beauty and rustic aesthetic, so it’s no wonder that they are growing in popularity. If you are thinking about moving to a brick home or updating your current walls, then there are a few key factors you must consider. Although most people focus on choosing the type of brick and layout they want, deciding on the mortar joint style is also important, as it affects both the appearance and longevity of your brick.
Joints make up the space between bricks and are filled with mortar (a binding paste made of sand, cement, and lime). Given the variety of joint styles, techniques, and purposes, it can be difficult to choose between them. Here is a closer look at mortar joints to help you find the right one for your current or future home:
Types of Mortar Joints
There are many types of mortar joints, but some of the most common options include the concave, V, struck, weathered, raked, flush, extruded, squeezed, beaded, and grapevine joints. Some joints are more suited for exterior walls, while others are better for interior walls. This is due to the different levels of water resistance between joint slopes and designs. Concave, V, flush, and extruded joints are best for exterior or outward-facing walls. Interior walls are mainly chosen for aesthetic over function, so these joints typically have poor water resistance or drainage. Examples of interior joints include the grapevine, raked, struck, weathered, squeezed, or beaded joints.
Choosing the Right Mortar Joint for Exterior Walls
Concave joints are typically considered to be the best option for exterior walls due to their superior water resistance and sealing abilities. Flush joints are another good choice, but they require careful installation in order to be completely water resistant. Flush joints must be either in-line with the brick or slightly back, because an extruding flush joint can accumulate water on its top.
V joints, however, must be properly installed to avoid water accumulation on the “V” groove created in this method. This is a difficult task, so V joints are usually avoided for exterior walls. Extruded joints are convenient because they do not require tooling, but because they extend past the brick, they are exposed directly to weather conditions and often degrade more quickly. Therefore, these methods are typically not recommended due to the higher likelihood of water or weather damage. However, if your brick happens to use one of these styles, it is still possible to increase the water resistance of your brick with brick sealants.
Choosing the Right Mortar Joint for Interior Walls
Brick can make an attractive accent wall in the inside of your home. Since the brick will be protected from rain and other weather conditions, you have much more flexibility in choosing the joint style. Struck joints are a popular choice for interior walls due to the unique sloped appearance they provide. For an antique and matte finish, grapevine joints can be a good choice. These joints are made with a metal blade with a raised bead that makes an indented line in the center of the mortar. Beaded joints, on the other hand, have an extruded line in the center that sticks out past the edge of the brick to provide a unique architectural look. Due to the protected nature of interior walls, you can choose the mortar style that looks the best to you or which matches the appearance of your home the best.
Get a Professional’s Opinion
Given the number of options available, it can be difficult to choose the right joint for your home. If you need assistance choosing, installing, or repairing your mortar joints, then contacting the experts at Brickworks Property Restoration can help. We have over 10 years of experience and use a specialized mortar to ensure your bricks look cohesive and last as long as possible. Contact us for guidance or installation today!
5 Ways To Prevent Brick Deterioration
Brick exteriors provide a myriad of benefits to homeowners. Brick homes are structurally sound, their exteriors are fireproof, and brick facades boast a classic look that never goes out of style. Plus, brick homes are typically low maintenance. However, unchecked brick deterioration can ruin the look of a brick wall, corrupt its structural integrity, and cost homeowners thousands of dollars in repairs! The good news is, there are a few simple ways you can prevent brick deterioration from occurring to your home. Check them out here:
What Causes Brick Deterioration?
First, it’s important to determine what causes brick deterioration, or “spalling.” In general, water damage is the biggest threat to brick exteriors. More specifically, the freeze-thaw effect should be a particular concern for homeowners in colder climates. While bricks are very durable, they’re porous. This means that water can enter through small holes in brick surfaces. Over time, the water inside the brick will freeze and thaw as temperatures fluctuate –– thus expanding and creating cracks, flakes, and spalling.
Worse, homeowners can’t afford to ignore this issue because water damage can become very costly over time.
Identify Problem Areas
One of the best ways to prevent brick deterioration is to keep your brick exteriors dry. Since you can’t wrap your home in a giant poncho every time it rains, it’s important to identify certain problem areas that are most susceptible to water damage. This includes chimneys, exterior walls with minimal coverage or no overhang, brick porches, and the base of brick walls. In addition, any areas covered by greenery –– like trees and bushes –– are particularly at risk for water damage. That’s because water clings to greenery and the sun is not able to effectively dry brick exteriors obscured by trees, bushes, or vines.
Treat Your Bricks with a Quality Sealant
Once you’ve determined the areas of your property that are susceptible to water damage, the next step is to treat your brick exteriors with a quality sealant. The best sealants work like wax on a car; they can close up porous holes in the brick and prevent water from penetrating exteriors. Note, though, that some low-quality sealants can have the opposite effect and trap water within your brick exteriors.
Tuckpoint and Replace Crumbling Bricks
If you’ve recently purchased a brick home that’s over 25 years old, it’s prudent to tuckpoint your exteriors and replace any crumbling bricks in the facade. You may also decide to tuckpoint if you notice any spalling occurring on your brick exteriors. Tuckpointing on an as-needed basis can help close gaps or cracks in the mortar between bricks and make it harder for water penetration to occur.
Prevent Excess Water Damage
While you may not be able to control the weather, you can take steps to ensure that excess water doesn’t affect your home. Checking your drainage system is crucial since proper drainage will prevent pooling water and potential damage to your brick exterior bases. Also, minimize or avoid power washing your brick exteriors.
Contact a Professional
Inspections are vital to protecting your home. Annual inspections of your chimneys, porches, exteriors, or any other masonry structures can alert you to potential problems and let you stop brick deterioration before it gets out of control. By staying on top of small issues now, you can avoid expensive measures like foundation repair in the future. At Brickworks, we specialize in brick and masonry solutions and can help you fix, restore, or maintain the home of your dreams. Our team has years of in-field experience, and we consistently deliver high-quality service to achieve high-quality results. Call us today at (586) 330-4920 to protect the appearance and integrity of your brick home!
How to Know When You Need Chimney Masonry Repair
It’s important for all homeowners to understand the basics of chimney safety. Chimney fires can be seriously damaging and dangerous, and they can happen with seemingly little warning. Indeed, chimney damage can be subtle in part because internal issues inside the flue may not be easy to spot from the outside. Thankfully, by partnering with the right masonry company at the right time, you can prevent chimney issues from affecting your home or your family. Here’s how to know when you need chimney masonry repair:
White Stains & Rust
An early indication of chimney trouble are white stains known as efflorescence that appear on the outside of brick structures. If you notice white stains on your chimney, or along the exterior of your home, then it’s likely that some level of moisture is affecting your brick exteriors. And moisture can lead to a whole host of problems for brick buildings and chimneys.
Similarly, rusted dampers, fireboxes, or other metal appendages to your chimney are signs that too much moisture is entering your chimney.
Cracked or Spalling Bricks
Damaged bricks can upset the structural integrity of a chimney. Even small cracks in bricks could be a sign of serious deterioration. So keep an eye out for loose bricks and spalling bricks around your chimney.
Worn Mortar Joints
Mortar joints hold bricks together. When mortar joints become damaged, though, brick structures may become compromised as a result. The bad news is that many homeowners overlook wear and tear on mortar joints. After all, unless you’re willing to climb up on your roof to get a good look at your chimney from the outside, you may be able to see when mortar joints are cracking or degrading. Cracked, worn, or faded mortar joints require masonry work known as tuckpointing to restore. Tuckpointing can last a long time when performed properly, but bad weather and other factors could affect your chimney more than other parts of your home. (This is one of the reasons why chimney inspections are so crucial.)
Broken Chimney Cap
Chimney caps are crucial because they ensure proper ventilation for your chimney, and they also prevent animals from nesting within your chimney. Always replace a broken chimney cap ASAP, and install one if your house doesn’t have one yet. Chimney caps are also both relatively inexpensive and easy-to-install. Considering how beneficial they are, they’re one of the best investments you can make to protect your chimney and your home.
Excessive or Black Smoke
Excessive, black, or billowing smoke is often the sign of a chimney fire. If you see heavy black smoke coming from your chimney, exit the house, call the fire department, and take all necessary precautions to protect yourself. Some chimney fires are self-contained –– meaning they remain within the chimney. But on other occasions, chimney fires can spread to the rest of your home or even nearby buildings.
Time
If it’s been more than a year since your last chimney inspection, then you could very well need chimney masonry repair assistance and not know it yet. As we’ve established above, chimney issues can be very serious. However, by being proactive and scheduling regular maintenance and inspections, you can prevent most of these problems from occurring. Best of all, inspections are much cheaper than the massive costs associated with repairing a structurally-compromised chimney. Keep in mind also that just because you don’t need any chimney masonry repairs, it doesn’t mean your chimney is in 100% working order. Over time, substances like creosote can build up within the walls of your chimney. Excess creosote can then, in turn, cause or exacerbate flames and fires within a chimney. During a regular inspection, though, professionals can keep your chimney clear of creosote with products like Poultice Creosote Remover.
One final note. While you should certainly follow chimney safety best practices –– like burning dried wood, watching active fires closely, and cleaning your chimney area after use –– it’s smart to leave major repairs or projects to the pros. In rare cases, improper chimney care can expose individuals to carbon monoxide. So rather than trying to address chimney problems on your own, consider speaking to a masonry contractor instead. They’ll be able to inform you if you need chimney cleaning, sweeping, or more substantial repairs.
Contact Us
Chimney masonry repair is a serious issue that homeowners should prioritize. Even if you don’t notice any problems with your chimney, it’s important to schedule regular inspections to ensure your chimney is in working order and is safe to operate. Whether you’re concerned about a set of caved-in bricks, or you’re just overdue for an inspection you can contact the professionals at Brickworks today for help. We provide masonry services as well as chimney maintenance assistance like sweeping, cleaning, and removing creosote. Don’t wait another minute –– call today at (586) 330-4843.
How To Choose The Right Company for Masonry Repair Services
At some point or another, many homeowners will find themselves in need of masonry repair services. While materials like brick and stone are very durable, they are susceptible to the elements like anything else. As such, homeowners with chimneys, brick walls, brick or stone porches, or brick or stone steps should have a plan in place for hiring a masonry contractor in their area. However, not all masonry companies are created equal. If you’re in need of masonry repair services, but don’t know how to find a reputable contractor, then this blog is for you. Check out our top tips on the subject here:
Customer Service Matters
The unfortunate truth is that some masonry “experts” create problems for their clientele. That is, they may act to exaggerate problems and sell homeowners on solutions they don’t really need. Or, worse, they may not adequately address a serious problem if they encounter it.
It’s crucial to find a masonry company that employs honest and professional employees. A quality masonry contractor won’t be afraid to turn down work if it’s really not necessary. The best home repair companies stick to their word and follow through for their clients. Which leads us to our next point . . .
Trustworthiness
Trustworthy masonry contractors get the small details correct. They show up on time. They return phone calls promptly. They accurately diagnose masonry problems and offer cost-effective solutions. They hire professional employees with years of experience and they go out of their way to make sure your needs as a customer are met. Beware contractors who are ready to aggressively upsell you at every turn or who fail to adhere to basic standards of professionalism.
Research Reputation
Unless you have a personal relationship with a masonry expert, the best way to get to know a brick repair business is to study their reputation closely. Look up reviews of their previous work and see how previous customers responded to their efforts.
What’s more, look out for companies that have only a small number of reviews or a very brief history. Brick and masonry repair is an industry that changes all the time. So seek out a company or a contractor who has years of experience and dozens of reviews to back up their claims. Otherwise, you could end up partnering with a fly-by-night operation.
The Brickworks Difference
The appearance and structural integrity of a home is –– obviously –– crucial to its long-term value. Whether you need minor mortar repairs or you’re looking to install a new porch, finding the right masonry partner can affect your home for years to come.
At Brickworks, we understand just how important masonry work is, which is why we treat each project like it was our own house. We only hire the most capable professionals, and we only use the most effective techniques and building materials. We never make misrepresentations to our clients and we have years of experience and hundreds of positive reviews to prove it. \
For 16 years, we’ve worked hard to win over our customers, and we’re confident we can help you with your next masonry project. Contact us here for more information or to get started today!
What is a Brick Sealant and How Does it Work?
If you own property with brick structures, you’ll need to know how to properly maintain your bricks. While bricks are one of the most durable and reliable materials for homes, porches, chimneys, and other structures, they are not invincible. Both time and the elements will eventually chip away at the brick, requiring you to look into regular brick maintenance. This will inevitably lead you to encounter the benefits of a brick sealant.
So, what is a brick sealant? How does it work? Moreover, do you need a professional brick worker to use it? We will answer all of these questions and more, but first, let’s see exactly what a brick sealant does:
What is a Brick Sealant?
Since bricks are a relatively porous material, they are left vulnerable to water penetration. Over time, this can cause untold damage to the structural integrity of your bricks. Brick sealants work to prevent long-term water damage in brick walls and structures. In essence, a brick sealant is your brick structure’s first line of defense against moisture.
How Does a Brick Sealant Work?
There are different kinds of brick sealants that provide different levels of protection. The best brick sealants allow bricks to “breathe” and release moisture rather than absorbing it. Brick sealants like Weather Guard work in this way. Weather Guard uses a silane–siloxane sealer that reacts chemically with silica- and alumina-based materials below the surface of the brick. This ensures that both the interior and the exterior of the brick are protected from rain, snow, and humidity.
Alternatively, some brick sealants involve a slightly different chemical process. For example, ChimneySaver is a concentration of modified polysiloxane that is specifically designed to protect chimneys from weather and excessive moisture. The solution keeps the surface vapor permeable. After application, the surface is exposed to ultraviolet light, allowing the electrostatic charge of the surface to match the water. This has the effect of repelling water in the same way that two identical poles of a magnet repel one another.
Finally, there are alternative methods for protecting bricks from moisture, but they often don’t provide the same level of protection as siloxane-based sealants. Many brick sealants trap water inside the chimney or other brick structures, which only accelerates freeze/thaw damage during seasonal weather changes. Additionally, some people use paint as a “quick fix” to seal bricks, but this has virtually no ability to seal out moisture.
The Bottom Line
A brick sealant is one of the best ways to keep brick safe from the elements and moisture in general. If you want to ensure that your chimney or brick structure can stand the test of time, you should make use of brick sealant on a regular basis. However, to ensure that your bricks stay in the best possible condition, you should turn to the experts. Fortunately, Brickworks Property Restoration has the experience and best brick sealants to keep your bricks protected for years to come!
For more information on brick sealant and how it works, contact the experts at Brickworks Property Restoration today!
Tuckpointing and Repointing: What's the Difference?
People often use the terms “tuckpointing” and “repointing” interchangeably because they are both associated with brick mortar. However, they do have different meanings. Nonetheless, this has led to a fair amount of confusion for consumers who think they might need one or the other for their brick home, chimney, or edifice. So, what is the difference between tuckpointing and repointing? Read on to find out!
What is Tuckpointing?
Tuckpointing is a relatively simple process of using two different colors of mortar for the mortar joints between bricks. Generally, one of the colors matches the color of the bricks, giving the impression that the joints are very thin. Brickwork experts and masons use special tools known as “jointers” to apply to the two different shades of mortar. Though tuckpointing can be applied when there is brick damage to be repaired, it is largely an aesthetic choice, though not completely so.
What is Repointing?
If you hire a brickwork expert because you have damaged bricks, you’ll almost certainly need repointing. In essence, repointing is simply removing damaged mortar and replacing it with new mortar. Thus, repointing is the actual process of repairing damaged brick and mortar. The joints are extremely important, as they support the entire brick structure. So, if you have brick damage, repairing the mortar joints should be a top property.
Repointing is often utilized when water damage has occurred. Over time, water seeps into the crevices and causes some of the brick and mortar to erode. Repointing reseals any damaged joints and helps ensure that the damage does not become worse.
Tuckpointing and Repointing
It’s important to note that tuckpointing and repointing can be used together to repair damaged bricks. Repointing ensures that the brick remains structurally sound, while tuckpointing gives the impression that more expensive bricks have been used. This is the primary function of tuckpointing, which has been used to improve the visual appeal of bricks for centuries. In any case, the two used together can help repair and improve the quality of a brick structure without needing to completely replace the brick itself.
When to Call a Brickworks Expert
Bricks are a solid material that can stand the test of time. That said, bricks are not perfect. They can become damaged due to weather, water, or even foreign objects. Thus, you must invest in regular brick maintenance and ensure that you’re doing everything to keep your bricks in peak condition. A brick chimney or wall can last for literally hundreds of years, but the mortar between the bricks typically lasts for just a few decades. As a result, you will almost certainly need to get an expert to do some tuckpointing and/or repointing to sustain your brick for the long-term. If your mortar joints are showing signs of damage, they will need to be repaired immediately to ensure the strength of your structure.
For more information on tuckpointing or repointing your brick mortar joints, contact the experts at Brickworks Property Restoration today!
How to Maintain and Repair Brick Porch Steps
Brick porches can offer a beautiful and welcoming entrance to any home. However, like any material, bricks require regular maintenance and upkeep. Over time, even well-maintained bricks may need significant repairs. So, how can you maintain your brick porch steps for the long-term? Moreover, how can you repair brick porch steps that have been damaged by time or foreign objects?
In this guide, we will give you all the information you need to keep your brick porch steps in peak condition!
How to Maintain Brick Porch Steps
Fortunately, brick porch steps that have been properly installed are pretty durable. Regular foot traffic and even inclement weather are unlikely to cause extensive damage. However, you can reduce the risk of unnecessary wear-and-tear even further with the following tips:
- Wash your bricks regularly - Brick porch steps can easily accumulate mud and grime. While these are unlikely to cause any long-term damage, they will make your home appear dingy. So, it’s always best to break out the hose or pressure washer and give them a good cleaning. However, if you choose to clean your bricks with a pressure washer, be sure that the pressure is not too high, as it could cause your bricks to flake and become damaged after numerous cleanings.
- Check your footwear - You’d be surprised, but the kind of shoes you, your family, and any visitors wear can have a major impact on your brick steps. For example, athletic cleats and stilettos put a great deal of pressure on specific points of the brick. This can lead to cracks and blemishes. So, try to wear tennis shoes and other similar shoes when walking on bricks to avoid excessive damage!
- Repoint if necessary - Though you may need to call in the experts for this one, repointing is one of the best ways to maintain the durability of your brick porch steps for the long-term. Repointing is the process of replacing the outer mortar joints, which can help reduce the risk of cracks or even broken bricks.
How to Repair Damaged Brick Porch Steps
Even if you maintain your brick porch steps well, there’s always the chance that a heavy tree branch or another foreign object could cause unexpected damage. So, if your brick porch steps have already been damaged and require repair, you’ll need to evaluate the extent of the damage before taking any action. While you may be able to do minor mortar or brick restoration on your own, moderate to severe damage will need to be handled by a professional. Fortunately, the experts at Brickworks Property Restoration can get your brick porch steps back to their former glory in no time!
Conclusion
Brick is one of the best materials to use for front or back porch steps. However, like any material, brick is not invincible. You will need to maintain your brick porch steps and address damage as soon as possible to ensure the vitality and durability of your steps.
If you’d like to learn more about maintaining or repairing brick porch steps, consult the experts at Brickworks Property Restoration today!