In this article, we will discuss why exposed brick is good. Exposed brick is commonly used as a construction material when building a house. These bricks are usually covered with layers of plaster and then painted to achieve a clean and finished look. On the other hand, exposed bricks are becoming a popular fashion for most residential and commercial interior finishes. While it is an exemplary style, it is not for everybody. Below, we will discuss why exposed brick is good and if it is worthy for your home.
Why is exposed brick good? Exposed brick is a good addition to your home design because it provides a sense of character, texture, and warmth to the room. Moreover, exposing a brick wall adds a sense of history to your home. Exposed brickwork can provide contrast to the room most especially if it is mixed with a wide range of finishes. You can use mirrored and high-gloss and mirrored finishes to complement the look of exposed bricks.
What are the reasons why exposed bricks are good? Should you have exposed brick walls? What are the things that you need to consider when building an exposed brick wall? These are some of the questions that we will discuss in this article. Exposed brick can add character to a room and also serve as a focal point that will either complement or contrast the other design elements in the room. Let us learn more about this topic below.
Should You Have Exposed Bricks?
The choice of having exposed bricks in your home will have to depend on a few factors which include the design and theme that you have. While exposed bricks are versatile, it is not always ideal to have in every home. For instance, adding exposed brick is just not suitable with every design that you have in your home. If this is the case, you can choose a different stylistic approach. Furthermore, traditional homes are particularly not suited for exposed brick because of the typical styling in these types of homes. You can also check out this article that we have shared titled, what is exposed brick. We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.
Reasons Why Exposed Bricks are Good
Some of the reasons why exposed bricks are good are that they are attractive, they serve as a decoration, they are durable, and they add value to a home. Let us take a closer look at these reasons below.
They Serve as a Decoration
One of the reasons why exposed bricks are a good addition to your home is that they can serve as a decoration to any room. If you think about interior design choices, you can be able to set your home apart by incorporating exposed bricks. Take note that exposed brick provides a lot of uses when it comes to interior design. You can use them as an accent to a wall or refinish your whole house.
They are Attractive
Having exposed brick walls can be attractive and can transform a boring space into something warm, inviting, and unique. You can use exposed brick in your living room or other frequently used areas of the house. If you have an old property with a foundation that is made from bricks, you can expose bricks that are hidden behind the drywall. Aside from adding a sense of history into the house, it can also serve as a focal point and a good source of conversation.
They Add Value to Your Home
Another reason why it is good to have exposed bricks in your home is that it adds value to your property. An exposed brick that is well-maintained can make your home more attractive to prospective buyers and makes it easier to sell. The reason for this is that it adds a warm and comfortable ambiance to a home that appeals more to buyers. We have also written this article that discusses if exposed brick adds value. Check out the article to find out how exposed bricks can affect the value of your home.
How to Expose Bricks
The steps that you need to take when exposing bricks include preparing and examining the wall, protecting your surroundings, preparing your tools, cleaning the bricks, and sealing them properly. Having a brick wall in your home adds an inviting and charming ambiance that your family and your guests will surely appreciate. Below are the steps that you can follow on how to expose a brick wall.
Step 1: Inspecting the Bricks
The first step that you need to do is to inspect the condition of the bricks that you would like to expose. Make sure that the bricks are in good condition before you proceed with the job. On the other hand, if the brick is in poor condition, you need to get in touch with a specialist for some advice before you start the job.
Step 2: Protect the Areas around the Bricks
Once you are sure that the bricks are in good condition, the next thing that you need to do is to protect the areas around the bricks. Cover the floor to prevent scratching or chipping that can come when bits of plaster fall from the wall.
Step 3: Remove Plaster from the Wall
Next, prepare the tools that you will use to expose the bricks. With the use of a masonry chisel or a hammer, start breaking the plaster from the wall. After removing most of the plaster, focus on the tough sections of the wall. If some sections will not come away easily, you can use a sharp knife. After removing all the plaster, the next thing that you can do is to go over the exposed wall with a wire brush. This will remove plaster and sediment that are stuck between the bricks.
Step 4: Clean the Exposed Bricks
After removing all the plaster from the wall, the next step is to clean it. Start by spreading a mild detergent on the exposed bricks. Allow the solution to set on the bricks for about five to ten minutes. Next, wipe the solution away with the use of a wet sponge.
Step 5: Add Sealant to the Exposed Bricks
The last step is to add sealant to the exposed bricks. Apply one or two coats of sealant on the bricks. Take note that bricks are porous and can easily get damaged by moisture. Using a sealant will make the exposed bricks appear clearer and also protects from damages.
✅ Video – How to Expose Brick
Just Build Something shared the video below on YouTube. It discusses how to expose brick. In the video, an easy and cost-effective way to remove extra mortar off the brick is discussed. Check out the video for more tips and information.
Things to Consider When Building an Exposed Brick Wall
There are some characteristics of exposed bricks that you need to consider. These characteristics include the porosity of the bricks, their moisture-absorbing ability, and their texture. These characteristics will determine how durable the bricks will be and how long they can last.
The Porosity of the Bricks
Take note that brick is porous. They are vulnerable to temperature and moisture. Because of this, brick can easily become brittle and start to crumble. Hence, make sure that you use mild water and soap solutions when cleaning exposed bricks. Moreover, do not use cleaning agents that contain acidic substances. Avoid using a power washer because it can damage the wall.
Exposed Brick is Moisture-Absorbing
Another thing that you need to consider is the moisture-absorbing qualities of the exposed bricks. Make sure to keep the moisture on the outside of your home rather than on the inside. To avoid moisture from damaging the exposed bricks, you need to apply a sealant to the interior face of the brick. Ensure that the sealant is absorbed into the mortar and the face of the bricks. Sealants are available in a matte or glossy finish. Choose a finish according to the final appearance that you would like to achieve.
The Texture of Exposed Bricks
You also need to consider the texture of the exposed brick. If you want, you can paint your bricks to give them a vibrant look. Bear in mind that brick is porous so you need to be careful in cleaning it. Moreover, make sure that use a generous layer of primer into the bricks before painting. Painting the exposed brick will make its texture more noticeable.
Is Exposed Brick Safe?
Exposed bricks are generally safe. On the other hand, take note that though they look sturdy, exposed brick is porous. Because they are porous, they are vulnerable to absorbing dirt and moisture. As a result, they can be exposed to deterioration and mold issues. You can also check out this article that discusses how to fake exposed brick. We have shared different methods that you can try for your home decoration.
Is Painting Brick a Bad Idea?
Painting a brick adds color and vibrance to it. However, take note that most bricks are not intended to be painted. If you decide to paint exposed bricks, long-term maintenance is required. Painted bricks are required to be repainted every three to five years. Furthermore, you also need to consider the quality of the brick. Take note that bricks that are deteriorating, molding, chipping, or in poor condition should not be painted.
How Do You Clean Exposed Brick?
Warm water is not enough to clean exposed brick especially for the parts that are very dirty. To clean the bricks, create a paste using liquid detergent and table salt. Apply the paste into the brick and allow it to soak for about ten minutes. Use a brush to scrub dirt and stains away.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discusses the reasons why exposed bricks are good. Exposed brick may not be suitable for every home, but they are an excellent choice if you want to have a modern aesthetic while retaining some rustic charm. We hope that this article has helped you learn more about exposed bricks and their benefits. Thank you for reading!