So you want to update your brick house? Painting brick is a great way to give your home some curb appeal and make it more modern. Plus, it allows you to control the color of your house and make the color scheme more versatile. There are many reasons to paint your brick house but there are also reasons to leave it alone.
We're here to discuss the pros and cons of painting a brick exterior. Is it a good idea or not? Read on to learn the ups and downs of giving red, orange, or yellowed brick a facelift via fresh paint.
Pro 1- Aesthetic
Sometimes brick can look a little too worn or outdated. Maybe brick doesn't fit the style of your home, or it doesn't fit your personal style. If you're not in love with the look of brick, it's time to change it. Painting over your brick will instantly freshen up the exterior of your home and give it a revamp.
Using a classic, neutral color or a dark gray or navy blue creates a huge impact and curb appeal. Painting brick can also increase your home's value, should you decide to sell later on. A brick house painted white, for example, will stand out against your landscaping, and the color you paint your front door will pop.
Pro 2- Easy to Clean
We're all about this one. Because brick is naturally porous, dirt and debris can become trapped and difficult to clean. When you paint the brick, the paint gives it a smooth surface, and it's easier to keep tidy. Simply power wash when needed.
Pro 3- Protection
Any time you paint your home, you're giving it protection from the elements. Painting brick is no exception. Paint acts as a sealant to protect your home from weather and precipitation while still letting the brick breathe. This practical reason is one that emphasizes the importance of having professionals paint your home.
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con 1- Aesthetic
Aesthetics as a pro and a con is entirely up to your personal preference. To some, painted brick is more visually pleasing than exposed brick. To others, the idea of painting brick is criminal, especially on a historic home. If you think the style of your home and your personal style is better expressed by the raw look of exposed brick, leave it be.
Some design features work well with brick, and some homeowners decide to paint their front doors bright colors to contrast with red brick. If you have a historic brick home, you could also risk hurting the home's value since it's not in its original state.
con 2- Permanence
Yes, painting brick is permanent! You must understand this process and know that you can't go back to unpainted brick. Sure, you can change the paint color later on. To go back to unpainted brick, it will have to be sandblasted and the bricks will never look the same. Don't let that scare you though! If you consult with professionals and do your research, you'll feel confident in your decision.
Con 3- Brick Damage
The caveat to this one is, "if you don't work with a professional." When your home isn't painted properly or done by a recommended professional, moisture can seep in and cause paint to chip. This can eventually damage the bricks. Always use a professional painting company, and make sure it's one with good reviews and not a company that settles for a less-than-quality paint job.
Bottom Line
The benefits of curb appeal and home value and resale are often the biggest reasons why or why not to paint brick homes. In most cases, painting brick exteriors is a great idea and produces beautiful results. Consider carefully whether or not you're in love with the look of brick and if it fits your aesthetic. Painting your home is a personal choice, but our experts are always here to help.
At Brush & Roll Painting, we know that home painting is a serious investment. We also believe any paint job is only as good as the prep. If you want a quality paint job that will stand the test of time, give us a call at (402) 932-9764 or schedule an estimate online.
