How to Make Brick on a House Look New Again 🧱✨
Brick houses are admired for their durability, classic appearance, and low maintenance compared to many other exterior finishes. However, even the best-quality brickwork can start to look tired over time. Dirt, pollution, moss, algae, fading mortar, stains, and weathering can all make a once-beautiful brick façade appear dull and neglected. The good news is that brick can almost always be refreshed, restored, and protected so it looks close to new again.
This guide explains, in detail, how to revive brickwork properly. From understanding why bricks lose their appearance to cleaning methods, repairs, colour restoration, and long-term protection, you’ll find everything you need to make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
Why Brickwork Stops Looking New
Before starting any restoration, it’s important to understand why brickwork deteriorates visually. Brick is tough, but it isn’t immune to environmental factors.
Common Causes of Brick Discolouration and Damage
| Cause | What It Looks Like | Why It Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Dirt and pollution | Grey or black film | Airborne pollutants stick to porous brick |
| Moss and algae | Green patches | Moisture retention and shade |
| Efflorescence | White, powdery residue | Salts migrating to the surface |
| Weathering | Fading and erosion | Wind, rain, frost, and UV exposure |
| Mortar decay | Cracks and gaps | Age, moisture, and freeze-thaw cycles |
| Rust stains | Orange or brown streaks | Metal fixings corroding inside walls |
Understanding the cause helps determine the safest and most effective solution. For example, efflorescence needs a different approach than algae growth.
Step One: Assess the Condition of the Brickwork
Never rush straight into cleaning or repairs. A proper assessment saves money and prevents damage.
What to Look For
- Cracked or loose bricks
- Crumbling or missing mortar
- White salt deposits
- Heavy biological growth
- Signs of moisture penetration
- Uneven colouring or patchiness
If bricks are structurally damaged or mortar is failing badly, cosmetic cleaning alone won’t achieve a “like-new” appearance.
Step Two: Safe Brick Cleaning Methods 🧼
Cleaning is usually the biggest visual improvement you can make. However, brick is porous, and aggressive methods can permanently damage it.
Comparison of Brick Cleaning Techniques
| Method | Best For | Pros | Cons | Typical Cost Range (£) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gentle pressure washing | General dirt | Quick and effective | Risk if pressure too high | £2–£4 per m² |
| Soft washing | Algae, moss | Low pressure, safer | Needs dwell time | £3–£5 per m² |
| Steam cleaning | Older or delicate brick | Very gentle, eco-friendly | Slower process | £4–£6 per m² |
| Chemical cleaning | Efflorescence, stains | Targets specific issues | Must be used carefully | £5–£8 per m² |
| Manual brushing | Small areas | Maximum control | Labour-intensive | Mostly time cost |
Important Cleaning Rules
- Never use high-pressure settings designed for concrete
- Avoid acidic cleaners unless absolutely necessary
- Always test on a small, hidden area
- Clean from top to bottom to prevent streaking
Correct cleaning alone can restore 70–80% of a brick wall’s original appearance.
Step Three: Dealing with Efflorescence (White Salts)
Efflorescence is one of the most common complaints from homeowners. It often appears after new construction or prolonged wet weather.
How to Remove Efflorescence Properly
- Allow the brick to dry completely
- Brush off loose salts with a stiff (not wire) brush
- Use a specialist efflorescence cleaner if residue remains
- Rinse gently with clean water
⚠️ Do not seal brickwork until efflorescence has fully stopped, as sealing can trap salts inside the wall.
Step Four: Repairing and Repointing Mortar 🧱
Old or damaged mortar can make brickwork look worn, even if the bricks themselves are in good condition.
Signs Mortar Needs Attention
- Gaps between bricks
- Crumbling or sandy texture
- Cracks running along joints
- Water penetration indoors
Repointing Explained
Repointing involves removing damaged mortar and replacing it with fresh material that matches the original in colour and strength.
| Repointing Type | When It’s Used | Visual Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Spot repointing | Localised damage | Subtle improvement |
| Full repointing | Widespread deterioration | Major transformation |
| Colour-matched repointing | Heritage or aesthetic focus | “New build” appearance |
Typical repointing costs range from £40–£70 per m², depending on access and complexity.
Step Five: Replacing Damaged Bricks
Sometimes individual bricks are beyond saving due to cracking, spalling, or deep staining.
Brick Replacement Tips
- Match size, texture, and colour as closely as possible
- Salvaged bricks often blend better than new ones
- Avoid replacing too many at once unless necessary
Replacing even a small number of badly damaged bricks can significantly improve the overall look.
Step Six: Restoring Brick Colour 🎨
Over time, bricks can fade due to UV exposure or weathering. If cleaning doesn’t restore colour, other options exist.
Brick Colour Restoration Options
| Method | Description | Durability | Typical Cost (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brick tinting | Breathable mineral-based colour | 15–20 years | £6–£10 per m² |
| Limewashing | Traditional, semi-transparent finish | 5–10 years | £4–£7 per m² |
| Masonry paint | Full coverage colour | 8–12 years | £3–£6 per m² |
Brick tinting is often preferred because it preserves the natural texture while evening out colour.
Step Seven: Sealing Brickwork for Long-Term Protection 🛡️
Once brickwork looks new again, protecting it is essential to keep it that way.
Benefits of Brick Sealers
- Reduces water absorption
- Prevents algae and moss growth
- Helps resist staining
- Extends mortar lifespan
Types of Brick Sealers
| Sealer Type | Finish | Breathable | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penetrating (silane/siloxane) | Invisible | Yes | Most homes |
| Acrylic | Slight sheen | Limited | Decorative areas |
| Elastomeric | Flexible | Moderate | Problem walls |
Penetrating sealers are usually best, costing around £3–£5 per m² to apply.
Step Eight: Improving Overall Appearance Beyond the Brick
Sometimes brickwork looks tired because of surrounding features.
Simple Enhancements That Make a Big Difference
- Clean window frames and sills
- Replace rusted wall fixings
- Repair or repaint gutters and downpipes
- Tidy garden growth near walls
- Improve exterior lighting
These small upgrades can make brickwork appear fresher without touching the bricks themselves.
Maintenance Plan to Keep Bricks Looking New 📅
Regular maintenance prevents heavy restoration work later.
Suggested Brick Maintenance Schedule
| Task | Frequency | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Visual inspection | Twice a year | Spot issues early |
| Gentle wash | Every 2–3 years | Prevent build-up |
| Moss/algae treatment | As needed | Stop staining |
| Mortar check | Every 5 years | Avoid structural issues |
| Resealing | Every 10–15 years | Long-term protection |
Common Mistakes to Avoid ❌
- Using high-pressure washers too close to the wall
- Sealing damp brickwork
- Ignoring mortar damage
- Using household acids or bleach
- Painting bricks without proper preparation
These mistakes often lead to irreversible damage and higher repair costs.
Cost Overview: Refreshing Brickwork
Below is a rough guide to help budget planning. Actual costs vary based on access, location, and condition.
| Work Type | Typical Cost Range (£) |
|---|---|
| Cleaning only | £300–£900 |
| Cleaning + minor repairs | £800–£1,800 |
| Full repointing | £2,000–£5,000 |
| Colour restoration | £1,500–£4,000 |
| Cleaning + sealing | £1,000–£2,500 |
Final Thoughts 🏡
Making brick on a house look new again is absolutely achievable without rebuilding or covering it up. With the right approach—starting from gentle cleaning, addressing mortar issues, restoring colour where needed, and applying long-term protection—brickwork can regain its original charm and remain attractive for decades.
The key is patience and using methods that respect the nature of brick as a breathable, porous material. Done properly, the results don’t just improve appearance; they also protect the structure, increase property value, and reduce future maintenance costs.
If you treat your brickwork well, it will reward you with a timeless, solid, and beautiful exterior that never goes out of style ✨🧱
How Weather Affects Brick Appearance 🌧️☀️
Brick is constantly exposed to the elements, and weather plays a major role in how quickly it loses its “new” look.
- Rain encourages algae, moss, and salt movement
- Frost causes expansion and surface flaking
- Sunlight fades brick colour over time
- Wind drives moisture deeper into porous areas
Homes in exposed locations often need more frequent cleaning and inspections. South-facing walls may fade faster, while north-facing walls typically show more biological growth. Understanding these patterns helps you prioritise maintenance and target problem areas before visible damage sets in.
Improving Kerb Appeal Without Major Work 🚪🌿
Sometimes brick looks tired simply because everything around it does. Small upgrades can dramatically improve the overall impression.
| Improvement | Cost Range (£) | Visual Impact |
|---|---|---|
| New house numbers | £10–£40 | Subtle but modern |
| Exterior lighting | £50–£200 | High |
| Cleaning paths and drive | £100–£300 | Very high |
| Tidying garden edges | Mostly time | High |
When the surroundings look sharp, brickwork automatically appears cleaner and newer by comparison.
When Not to Clean Brickwork ⚠️
Although cleaning is often beneficial, there are times when it should be avoided or delayed.
- During freezing temperatures
- When bricks are already saturated
- If mortar is severely damaged
- On very soft or historic brick without testing
Cleaning at the wrong time can cause cracking, salt movement, or surface erosion. In these cases, repairs or drying time should always come first.
Matching Old and New Brickwork Successfully 🧩
When repairs or extensions are involved, mismatched brick can make walls look patchy rather than refreshed.
Key matching factors include:
- Brick size and shape
- Texture (smooth, wire-cut, handmade)
- Colour variation and firing marks
- Mortar colour and joint style
Weathering new bricks slightly or choosing reclaimed materials often helps them blend seamlessly with existing walls, maintaining a uniform “new” appearance.
Long-Term Value of Refreshed Brickwork 💷
Well-maintained brickwork isn’t just about looks—it protects your investment.
| Benefit | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Higher property value | Strong first impression |
| Fewer repairs | Problems caught early |
| Better moisture resistance | Reduced damp risk |
| Lower future costs | Prevents major restoration |
Spending a few hundred or a few thousand pounds at the right time can prevent far more expensive structural repairs later, making brick restoration a smart long-term decision.