Cleaning and All-Weather Sealing of Exterior Brick

Few architectural elements provide brick’s character, durability, and classic appeal. From historic homes to modern designs, brick exteriors offer timeless beauty that can last for generations. Yet over time, even the most robust brick surfaces succumb to the elements, developing stains, efflorescence, organic growth, and deterioration that diminish appearance and structural integrity.

Many homeowners assume that weathered brick is simply showing its age and that nothing can be done short of painting or replacing it. Others attempt DIY cleaning methods that can accelerate damage.

Understanding Brick Deterioration

To appreciate the value of professional restoration, it helps to understand the common issues that affect exterior brick:

Environmental Exposure

Brick is constantly battling the elements. Rain drives water into microscopic pores, while sunlight causes expansion and contraction. In winter, freeze-thaw cycles can be particularly damaging as water within the brick freezes and expands, potentially causing spalling (surface flaking). Pollutants in the air combine with moisture to create acidic compounds that can slowly erode mortar and brick.

Organic Growth

Shaded or north-facing brick walls often grow algae, moss, or lichen. These organisms create unsightly green or black patches and trap moisture against the brick surface, accelerating deterioration and potentially leading to water infiltration.

Efflorescence

Those white, chalky deposits on brick surfaces are called efflorescence—mineral salts in the masonry carried to the surface by water migration. While primarily an aesthetic issue, efflorescence indicates that water is moving through your masonry, which can lead to more serious problems over time.

Mortar Deterioration

Often, it’s not the brick itself that fails first but the mortar joints between bricks. As mortar erodes, water can penetrate more easily, leading to interior moisture problems and accelerated deterioration of the surrounding brick.

The Professional Brick Restoration Process

1. Comprehensive Assessment

The restoration begins with thoroughly evaluating your brick surfaces, identifying brick type and age, assessing mortar condition, evaluating existing sealants, and inspecting for structural issues. This assessment allows professionals to develop a restoration approach tailored to your needs.

2. Specialized Cleaning

• Appropriate Pressure Control: Using precisely the right amount of pressure to clean without damage
• Steam Cleaning: For stubborn organic growth or oil-based stains
• Chemical Cleaners: pH-appropriate cleaners formulated explicitly for different brick types
• Efflorescence Treatment: Specialized treatments for mineral deposits

3. Structural Repairs

Before sealing, any structural issues need to be addressed:

• Mortar Joint Repair: Deteriorated mortar joints are carefully replaced with appropriately formulated mortar.
• Brick Replacement: Severely damaged bricks are replaced with matching materials
• Crack Repair: Depending on severity, cracks may be filled with specialized masonry repair products
• Surface Repair: Spalled surfaces may be stabilized with consolidation treatments

4. Professional All-Weather Sealing

The application of appropriate sealants is perhaps the most critical step in brick restoration:

• Breathable Water Repellents: Creating an invisible shield that repels moisture while allowing water vapor to escape
• Siloxane or Silane Sealers: These penetrating sealers bond at the molecular level with masonry
• Specialized Application: Techniques that ensure complete, even coverage
• Climate-Appropriate Products: Sealers selected for your regional weather patterns
• UV Stability: High-quality sealers that resist breaking down under ultraviolet exposure

The Benefits of Professional Brick Restoration

Enhanced Appearance

Clean, properly sealed brick showcases the natural color variations and textures that give brick its character. Professional restoration reveals the true beauty of your brick surfaces.

Structural Protection

Beyond appearances, proper restoration provides crucial protection:

• Reduced water absorption decreases freeze-thaw damage.
• Protected mortar joints maintain structural integrity.
• Breathable sealers prevent internal moisture accumulation.
• Treated surfaces resist organic growth that can trap moisture.

Long-Term Cost Savings

While professional restoration represents an investment, it prevents the much higher costs associated with major repairs or replacement:

• Reduced water penetration prevents costly interior damage.
• Properly sealed brick requires less frequent cleaning.
• Timely mortar repairs prevent more extensive brick damage.
• An extended brick lifespan delays or eliminates replacement costs

Evaluating Restoration vs. Alternatives

When considering options for aging brick, it’s helpful to compare professional restoration to common alternatives:

Painting Brick

Many homeowners consider painting deteriorating brick:

• Appearance: Paint eliminates the natural texture and variation of brick
• Longevity: Paint typically requires reapplication every 3-5 years
• Breathability: Most paints trap moisture within the brick, potentially causing damage
• Reversibility: Once painted, the brick is tough to restore

Replacement

Complete replacement of brick surfaces:

• Cost: Significantly higher than restoration, often 5-10 times the expense
• Disruption: Major construction project with substantial disruption
• Character: New brick lacks the patina and character of aged materials
• Environmental Impact: Generates substantial waste

DIY Cleaning and Sealing

Some homeowners attempt to restore brick themselves:

• Equipment Limitations: Consumer-grade pressure washers often deliver too much pressure
• Product Quality: Consumer sealers typically provide shorter protection
• Application Expertise: Proper application techniques significantly impact performance

Professional Restoration

Compared to these alternatives, professional restoration offers a balanced approach:

• Preserves Character: Maintains the natural appearance and historic value of brick
• Cost-Effective: Moderate investment with long-term returns
• Minimally Invasive: Typically completed in days with minimal disruption
• Sustainable: Extends the life of existing materials.

Maintaining Your Restored Brick

After professional restoration, these maintenance practices will help preserve the results:

• Gently rinse surfaces yearly to remove accumulated dirt.
• Trim vegetation to prevent contact with brick surfaces.
• Ensure proper drainage away from brick foundations and walls.
• Address gutter and downspout issues promptly.
• Schedule professional resealing according to the recommended timeline.

Why Choose SGR Services for Your Exterior Brick Restoration

At SGR Services, we specialize in bringing new life to weathered brick through our expert cleaning and all-weather sealing services. Since 1993, we’ve been Western Michigan’s top choice for masonry restoration:

• True Specialists: Unlike companies that offer brick cleaning as a side service, brick restoration is one of our core competencies.
• Appropriate Techniques: We select cleaning methods specifically suited to your particular brick type and condition, ensuring effective restoration without damage.
• Premium Sealants: We use only commercial-grade, breathable sealants that provide long-lasting protection against harsh seasonal weather patterns.
• Skilled Technicians: Our highly vetted workers bring years of experience to every project, ensuring meticulous attention to detail.
• Virtual Consultations: We offer convenient iPhone FaceTime or WhatsApp video walkthroughs to assess your project remotely.
• Full Insurance Coverage: We maintain comprehensive liability insurance to protect your property throughout restoration.

Conclusion: Restore and Protect Your Brick Investment

Rather than conceding to the effects of time and weather or resorting to painting or replacement, consider the balanced approach of professional restoration. It honors the character of your brick while ensuring it remains beautiful and functional for years to come.

Contact SGR Services at (231) 495-1124 to schedule an assessment of your exterior brick and discover how our restoration services can transform your property’s appearance while protecting your masonry investment.# Cleaning and All-Weather Sealing of Exterior Brick

Few architectural elements provide brick’s character, durability, and classic appeal. From historic homes to modern designs, brick exteriors offer timeless beauty that can last for generations. Yet over time, even the most robust brick surfaces succumb to the elements, developing stains, efflorescence, organic growth, and deterioration that diminish appearance and structural integrity.

Many homeowners assume that weathered brick is simply showing its age and that nothing can be done short of painting or replacing it. Others attempt DIY cleaning methods that can accelerate damage through improper techniques or harsh chemicals.

Contact SGR Services at (231) 495-1124 to schedule an assessment of your exterior brick and discover how our restoration services can transform your property’s appearance while protecting your masonry investment.