Bricks are one of the oldest building materials, popular for use in home construction throughout much of history. The enduring appeal of brick homes can be attributed to their combination of durability and beauty. After all, in The Three Little Pigs, the brick house was the only dwelling that withstood the Big Bad Wolf’s huffing and puffing!
In addition to their strength, low maintenance is a big perceived advantage to brick homes, because brick doesn’t need to be painted. Or does it? Painting brick houses is something of a trend now, but is it really a good idea over the long term? We’ll look at the pros, cons and alternatives to paint that can give a tired-looking brick house a fresh appearance without the drawbacks.
Why Painting Your Brick House May Seem Like a Good Idea
Over time, bricks may become weather-beaten and discolored from extended exposure to the elements. Although still sound, a brick exterior can appear worn-out. Moreover, a homeowner may want a different, more updated look for their place – especially if they’re planning to sell, and feel the need to increase its curb appeal. Taking a house from boring to eye-catching can make a big difference in getting attention from house hunters. It’s a relatively quick fix that delivers dramatic bang-for-the-buck for a faster sale.
Even for those planning to stay in their home-sweet-brick-home, painting would seem to provide easier maintenance. Proponents claim that a painted brick house is easier to clean, creating a smooth surface that prevents pollen and debris from embedding – as they would in the rough and bumpy texture of bare brick. Also, paint helps protect brick from harsh elements – which, in Central Florida, include intense summer sun and extreme high temperatures – as well as water damage from hurricanes, tropical storms and almost daily afternoon thunderstorms June through August.
As remodeling expert Glenda Taylor writes for Bob Vila, painting can be necessary when a repair was made using new bricks that don’t match the original. In such a case, paint will create a seamless, uniform appearance.
Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Paint Your Brick House
Enthusiasm for the fresh, stylish look that a painted brick exterior gives may be rather short-lived. Painting has the following disadvantages worth considering.
Paint doesn’t last – Like all other types of exterior material – such as stucco, aluminum siding, concrete block and wood – once brick is painted, it must be repainted on a regular basis. Under normal circumstances, brick in good condition doesn’t need to be painted. Only exterior doors and trim need it. Repainting the entire exterior will be an expense you can count on approximately every five years.
There’s no going back – If you change your mind, paint cannot be easily (or perhaps completely) removed from brick. Removal must be performed by a professional contractor, as it requires blasting with sand or silicone beads, and will damage the brick if done improperly. Price will vary depending upon the size of the house and region, but regardless of variables, this remedy is expensive.
Moisture issues – Moisture can become trapped between the brick and paint. According to Taylor, “Brick is porous, but paint is not. Exterior paint forms a seal over the brick’s surface that will prevent any moisture in the bricks from evaporating and drying out. Trapped moisture, which can come from a leaky window or pipe, is a prime source of mold and mildew growth. What’s more, moisture in the bricks can cause the paint to release and peel off.” In addition, trapped moisture will damage the brick itself.
Staining Your Brick House – A Beautiful, Safe Alternative to Painting
Fortunately, there is an alternative to painting for those who want to improve the appearance of their brick home. Although it isn’t as widely known, staining provides a great option that offers the visual advantages of paint, without the serious drawbacks.
Brick stain is a permanent finish made of mineral-based pigments that seep into and form a chemical bond with the brick itself – rather than remaining on the surface, as paint does. The nature of brick stain gives it the advantages of acting as a moisture barrier while allowing the brick to breathe.
According to brick stain manufacturer BrickImaging, “Staining your brick will maintain the natural integrity of the brick and allow it to keep its texture and look. It also does not ‘cake’ the brick, meaning it soaks into the brick and allows the porous material to breathe. It’s basically acting as a dye, which complements the natural characteristics of brick instead of covering them.”
Also good to keep in mind for Central Florida’s climate, stain does not discolor or melt when heated, so it’s able to withstand the heat as much as the brick itself. Nor will it chip or flake from prolonged exposure to harsh elements.
You may have seen homes and commercial buildings with brick stain, and not been aware of it. Brick stain comes in a wide range of colors – from light and transparent to bold and opaque – allowing you to achieve any kind of look you want.
Another major advantage is that when properly applied, brick stain can last indefinitely. Unlike paint, you’ll never have to reapply at regular intervals. Not only does this help you save money, it also helps the environment. As BrickImaging notes, “Over time, the paint deteriorates from the brick and is absorbed into the environment. The brick will last longer than the paint applied to it.”
If you’re planning to put your brick house on the market, staining will boost its curb appeal while putting potential buyers at ease about its condition. Taylor writes, “Coming across a freshly painted brick home while house-hunting should send up a red flag. Paint camouflages a host of problems, including cracks in mortar joints, soft mortar, or the presence of efflorescence – a powdery white substance that indicates high levels of moisture within the brick.” Staining the brick will show buyers that you have nothing to hide!
Our blog post – “Should You Paint Your House Before Selling?” – obviously, focuses on painting. But the added value that a refreshed exterior makes still applies, even if it involves staining brick. Making the investment could pay off in a faster sale, and help you get full asking price.
The Take-Home Message
Painting your brick house can give it an updated, more trendy look, but the immediate benefit may be short-lived and ultimately not worth the trade-off in potential damage to the brick and risk of mold and mildew growth. Not to mention the expense of having to repaint approximately every five years, should you stay in your home.
Stain offers an aesthetically pleasing way to revitalize a brick house that preserves the integrity of the brick while protecting it from the elements. Although it typically isn’t well publicized, brick stain is well worth looking into for those wanting to improve the appearance – and/or market value – of their house.
Do you think that brick stain could be the ideal solution for your home’s exterior? Or even your commercial building? Call The Paint Manager! We have served Central Florida since 2000 with quality residential and commercial painting services. Visit our website to learn about the many other services we provide – including pressure washing, roof cleaning, popcorn ceiling removal and stump removal. Become a member of The Paint Manager to receive a 15% year-‘round member’s discount. Contact us to learn more about our services and membership discount offer. We look forward to meeting you!