The great thing about homes and property is that they are both appreciating assets (valuable assets that increase in value over time). However, no matter what your home is made out of, it’s important to keep it in great condition so the value doesn’t depreciate — this is important in case you wish to sell later, for insurance purposes, and for other similar things. Additionally, here are some things to remember when renovating for resale. Brick homes are one of these appreciating assets that need to be maintained. But how can you keep brick looking its best over the years? Here are a few things that can be done to do just that.
Regular Check-Ups
Just like a medical issue, catching a problem early is one of the best ways to keep your bricks looking intact and healthy. What’s the best way to do this? Regularly inspecting your home’s bricks is the answer. Whether it’s by yourself or with a licensed contractor, an inspection of your home’s exterior should be completed every few months or so. You should keep your eye out for anything including cracks, discoloration, loose or dislodged bricks, and deteriorating mortar (the whitish substance between bricks that hold them together).
Proper Cleaning
After you’ve inspected your brick walls for potential problems, another great idea is to keep them clean and free from potential hazards. Grime, undergrowth, and places for water to sit can be a death sentence for brick exteriors: this is why it’s important to keep them clean. What’s the best way to do this? Investing in a power washer is a great idea. With a power washer, you can blast away everything sitting on your bricks with ease — just be careful to not get too close or stay in one place for too long. The concentrated pressure can wear away mortar quicker if done incorrectly.
Tuck Pointing
Lastly, tuck-pointing your bricks is a good option to consider. What is tuck-pointing? Over time, the mortar in between bricks can crumble and fall away — their lifespan isn’t as long as the bricks themselves. Tuck-pointing is simply replacing and strengthening the mortar between bricks to keep them healthier for longer, maintaining the value of your home. Does your home need any type of tuck pointing or other home repairs? Contact the home repair professionals at Brickworks Property Restoration today.