Brick homes have a timeless appeal and are popular for their durability, energy efficiency, and low maintenance. However, over time, the exterior of your brick home can become faded, stained, or discolored.
One way to refresh the appearance of your brick home is to paint it. But before you jump into the project, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of painting your brick home.
Advantages of Painting Your Brick Home:
- Enhance the Curb Appeal: Painting your brick home can give it a new look and enhance its curb appeal. You can choose a color that complements the surroundings, matches your personal taste, or adds value to your home.
- Protect Against Moisture: Brick is a porous material that absorbs moisture, which can lead to cracking, mold, and mildew. Painting your brick home can create a protective barrier that prevents moisture from penetrating the surface.
- Cover Up Imperfections: If your brick home has unsightly stains, blemishes, or damage, painting it can cover up these imperfections and make the surface look smoother and more even.
- Increase Energy Efficiency: Painting your brick home can also increase its energy efficiency by reflecting sunlight and reducing heat absorption. This can help you save on energy costs and make your home more comfortable.
Disadvantages of Painting Your Brick Home:
- Reduced Breathability: Brick is a breathable material that allows air and moisture to pass through. Painting it can reduce its breathability and trap moisture, which can lead to structural damage, peeling, and cracking.
- Maintenance: Painted brick requires regular maintenance to keep it looking its best. Over time, the paint may fade, chip, or peel, and you will need to touch up the surface or repaint it entirely.
- Cost: Painting a brick home is a labor-intensive process that can be expensive. The cost of painting a brick home depends on several factors, including the size of the home, the condition of the brick, and the type of paint used.
- Difficulty in Removal: Once you paint your brick home, it can be difficult to remove the paint. This can be a problem if you decide you no longer like the look of your painted brick home or want to sell it in the future.
Factors to Consider Before Painting Your Brick Home:
- Age and Condition of Brick: If your brick home is older, it may have more imperfections, such as cracks, stains, or damage. In this case, painting the brick may be a good option. However, if the brick is in good condition and has a natural beauty, you may want to leave it unpainted.
- Climate: The climate in your area can affect the durability and longevity of your painted brick home. If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, humidity, or frequent rain, painting your brick home may not be the best choice.
- Color Choice: Choosing the right color for your painted brick home is important. Consider the surrounding landscape, the style of your home, and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve.
Brick Painting FAQs:
Q. Should I paint my brick home myself?
A. You can certainly give it a try. But, you should know that painting a brick home is complex. You’ll need specialized knowledge and equipment. If you mess up, you’ll most likely have to hire a pro. We recommend that you at least get a free estimate first.
Q. Can I strip or remove paint from my brick home if I don’t like the outcome?
A. Brick is a porous material. It can easily absorb stain or paint. Removing paint from brick is possible but can be quite challenging. It’s important to consider this before deciding to paint your brick home. If you’re unsure about the color, you should drive around your neighborhood or browse the web for ideas. You can also test it out with a sample.
Q. Will painting my brick home increase its value?
A. For one, it will definitely make it stand out. Will if increase it’s value? Quite possibly. It depends on the paint job itself.
Painting your brick home looks easy when in the hands of a painting professional. Should you give it a try? We would discourage you from doing it yourself, especially if it’s your first time.
We recommend that you consult with an exterior painting contractor first.