Bricks weather over time due to a number of factors, including:

• Moisture

Bricks are porous, which allows water to seep in and break down the brick. This can happen through cracks or pores in the brick. 

• Freeze-thaw cycles

Water that gets into a brick can expand when it freezes, causing the brick to crack. 

• Salt crystallization

When a saline solution gets into a brick, it can expand and crystallize, causing damage. 

• Efflorescence

This occurs when soluble salts in the brick or mortar combine with water and dissolve. As the brick dries, the moisture is drawn to the surface, leaving salt deposits behind. 

• Incorrect installation

Using the wrong type of brick for a location's weather conditions can cause damage. 

• Poor construction

Poor construction or using salvaged bricks can cause bricks to spall faster. 

• Mortar

The type of mortar used can also affect brickwork. For example, using cement mortar over a more breathable mortar can cause moisture to try to escape through the brick face, leading to spalling. 

To prevent efflorescence, you can store finished bricks wrapped and off the ground to prevent moisture absorption. You can also use low alkali cement in mortar and grout to minimize efflorescence.

Here are some ways to prevent bricks from weathering:

• Apply a breathable sealant

A breathable masonry sealant can repel moisture and liquids, and protect against UV damage. 

• Apply a façade cream

A coat of façade cream can protect unpainted brickwork from water penetration for up to 30 years. 

• Apply an exterior wall coating

A high-quality exterior wall coating can create a waterproof barrier to protect brickwork from rain and moisture. 

• Repoint the mortar

Remove the outer layer of mortar and replace it with fresh mortar to create a firm seal. 

• Use low alkali cement

Use low alkali cement in mortar and grout to help keep efflorescence to a minimum. 

• Store bricks wrapped and off the ground

Store finished bricks wrapped and off the ground to prevent moisture absorption. 

• Use coping stones

Use coping stones that slope both ways to allow rainwater to run off. 

Bricks are porous and absorb moisture easily, which can cause them to crumble and deteriorate.

Yes, you can paint bricks, but there are some things to consider before you do:

• Paint type

Use a breathable paint that's designed for brick. For exterior brick, use a masonry paint that can withstand wind and rain. 

• Preparation

Before painting, clean the brick with a garden hose or pressure washer to remove dirt, mildew, and debris. You can also use muriatic acid to remove salt deposits called efflorescence. Fill any cracks with a paintable caulk. 

• Application

Use a roller with a medium to long pile to apply the primer and paint. For the first coat, apply the paint in a vertical motion, making sure to get solid coverage. Apply a second coat. 

• Maintenance

Painting brick can add maintenance and make it difficult to return to the original brick finish. Brick is porous and designed to release moisture, but painting it seals in moisture and can cause the brick to erode over time. 

Painting brick can be a good way to update the look of a space, but it's not always the best option. You can try other methods to enhance the look of your brick without painting it.

There are a few ways to match weathered old brick, including:

• Tinting

A dye can be applied to the face of the brick to blend it in with the original. The dye penetrates the clay and bonds permanently, weathering at the same rate as the original brick. Tinting can also be applied to brick mortar. 

• Staining

If the brick is absorbent, a masonry stain can be used to change its colour. 

• Find similar bricks

It may be possible to find bricks with similar shades and textures that will look good next to the old bricks. 

• Adjust mortar colour

For small differences, the colour of the mortar can be tweaked to help the bricks blend together. 

• Blend colours

More than one brick colour can be blended to match the original wall. 

Not all brickwork needs to be sealed, but if you do seal brick walls - experts recommend re-sealing it around every 5 years, or when the bricks are no longer hydrophobic. Some brands claim that their masonry sealant can last up to 25 years.

Bespoke brick blends allow you to select two or more brick types and merge them to create a new bespoke combination of bricks. Different brick colours or textures can be mixed in varying percentages and are carefully hand-picked and packed to ensure they are perfectly tailored to your project requirements.

Key Advantages

1. Tailor made solutions for bespoke for each individually enquiry.
2. Unlimited combinations of brick designs and colours until the right match is found.
3. Authentic match to old weathered brickwork and styles across the UK.

Brick weathering and tinting can help match new bricks to existing brickwork in a number of ways:

• Darkening new bricks - Brick weathering can tone down the colour of new bricks to match older bricks. This can be useful when renovating or working on historic buildings. 
• Matching weathered brickwork - Brick tinting can colour match even the most weathered brickwork. This can make new brickwork indistinguishable from the original. 
• Aging new bricks - Liquid weather products can give new bricks an aged look. This can be more cost effective than buying authentic bricks. 
• Custom weathering - Some brick suppliers offer custom weathering solutions to age and weather bricks to suit a project. 

When matching bricks, it's important to consider other factors, including:

• Size: Brick sizes have changed over time, so it's important to consider the size of the original bricks.
• Colour: The colour of a brick depends on the raw materials used to make it.
• Texture: The texture of the original bricks should be considered.
• Reclaimed bricks: Reclaimed bricks can be a good way to find an exact match, especially for older buildings. 

There are several ways that you can get a free brick matching services, including:

• By Email
• Filling in our online form
• Project Site Visit
• Visit our Brick Showroom

The Brickyards provide a free and easy brick matching service in just a few simple steps. Our team of friendly and knowledgeable staff offer a comprehensive service delivered with the most extensive knowledge in the area.

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