How to Update Your Brick Home Exterior 🧱
Brick homes are a staple of British architecture. They offer durability, character, and timeless appeal. However, over time, even the most attractive brick exterior can start to look dated, discoloured, or tired. Fortunately, there are many ways to modernise and refresh your brick home without losing its charm.
Updating your brick exterior can improve kerb appeal, increase property value, and enhance weather resistance. Whether your goal is a contemporary look or simply restoring its original beauty, there are solutions to suit different budgets and styles.
Why Update Your Brick Exterior?
Your home’s exterior is the first thing people see. Improving it can make a huge difference in appearance and performance.
Key benefits include:
- Increased property value 💷
- Improved weather protection
- Enhanced kerb appeal
- Reduced maintenance requirements
- Better insulation when combined with upgrades
- Modernised appearance
Even relatively small changes can transform the overall look of your home.
Assessing the Current Condition of Your Brickwork
Before making any changes, assess the condition of your brick exterior. This will help you determine whether restoration, cosmetic improvements, or structural repairs are required.
Common brickwork issues
| Issue | Description | Typical Solution | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discolouration | Caused by pollution, algae, or age | Cleaning or tinting | £500–£2,500 |
| Crumbling mortar | Mortar deteriorates over time | Repointing | £25–£50 per m² |
| Faded bricks | UV exposure causes colour loss | Brick tinting | £40–£70 per m² |
| Staining | Water or mineral deposits | Specialist cleaning | £400–£1,500 |
| Structural cracks | Movement or foundation shifts | Professional repair | £500–£3,000+ |
A proper inspection ensures you choose the right solution rather than applying cosmetic fixes over structural problems.
Professional Brick Cleaning
Cleaning is one of the simplest and most effective ways to refresh your brick exterior.
Over time, brick can accumulate:
- Dirt
- Moss
- Algae
- Pollution residue
Professional cleaning removes these contaminants safely without damaging the brick.
Cleaning methods include:
| Method | Best For | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure washing | Surface dirt | £300–£1,000 |
| Chemical cleaning | Stains and algae | £500–£1,500 |
| Steam cleaning | Gentle restoration | £600–£2,000 |
| DOFF cleaning | Sensitive brickwork | £800–£2,500 |
Steam cleaning is especially popular because it cleans deeply while preserving the brick’s integrity.
Brick Tinting for Colour Transformation 🎨
Brick tinting is one of the most effective ways to modernise your home while preserving its natural texture.
Unlike paint, tinting penetrates the brick surface rather than sitting on top. This ensures a natural, breathable finish.
You can explore specialist options at https://www.brickmakeover.co.uk/
Benefits of brick tinting:
- Permanent colour change
- Natural appearance
- Weather resistant
- Low maintenance
- Preserves brick texture
Popular modern brick colour options
| Colour | Style Effect |
|---|---|
| Charcoal grey | Contemporary, modern |
| Soft beige | Warm, neutral |
| Whitewashed | Scandinavian look |
| Slate tones | Premium, stylish |
| Light grey | Clean and minimalist |
Tinting allows you to completely transform outdated orange or red brick into something modern and refined.
Repointing for Structural and Visual Improvement
Repointing replaces old, deteriorating mortar between bricks. This improves both strength and appearance.
Over time, mortar weakens due to weather exposure. Repointing restores structural integrity and refreshes the look.
Signs you need repointing:
- Crumbling mortar
- Gaps between bricks
- Loose bricks
- Water ingress
Repointing cost guide
| Property Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Terraced house | £1,500–£3,500 |
| Semi-detached | £3,000–£6,000 |
| Detached house | £5,000–£12,000 |
Fresh mortar can dramatically improve the overall appearance.
Painting Brick: Pros and Cons 🖌️
Painting brick is another option, though it is more permanent than tinting.
Advantages:
- Dramatic colour change
- Modern appearance
- Relatively affordable
Disadvantages:
- Requires maintenance
- Can trap moisture
- May reduce breathability
- Hard to reverse
Average costs:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Paint materials | £200–£500 |
| Professional painting | £1,500–£4,000 |
| Maintenance every 5–10 years | £1,000–£3,000 |
Many homeowners prefer tinting because it retains breathability.
Adding Render for a Contemporary Finish
Rendering covers brick with a smooth or textured surface, creating a modern aesthetic.
Popular render types:
| Render Type | Cost per m² | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Cement render | £40–£70 | 20–30 years |
| Silicone render | £60–£100 | 25–40 years |
| Acrylic render | £50–£90 | 20–30 years |
| Lime render | £70–£120 | 40+ years |
Silicone render is particularly popular due to its durability and low maintenance.
Limewashing for Traditional Charm
Limewashing provides a soft, aged appearance while allowing brick to breathe.
It’s ideal for period properties.
Benefits include:
- Breathable finish
- Traditional appearance
- Eco-friendly materials
- Affordable option
Cost overview:
| Property Size | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Small property | £800–£1,500 |
| Medium property | £1,500–£3,000 |
| Large property | £3,000–£6,000 |
Limewash creates a timeless, elegant look.
Updating Exterior Features to Complement Brick
Refreshing the brick alone may not achieve the desired effect. Updating surrounding features enhances the transformation.
Consider upgrading:
- Windows and frames
- Front door 🚪
- Fascias and soffits
- Guttering
- Garage doors
Colour coordination guide
| Brick Colour | Recommended Trim Colours |
|---|---|
| Grey brick | Black, white, anthracite |
| Beige brick | Cream, brown, sage green |
| Red brick | Black, grey, navy |
| White brick | Black, charcoal, wood |
Coordinated colours create a cohesive design.
Exterior Lighting Enhancements 💡
Lighting improves both aesthetics and security.
Modern exterior lighting options include:
- Wall lights
- Ground lights
- LED strips
- Motion sensors
Typical installation costs:
| Lighting Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Wall lights | £100–£300 each |
| Ground lighting | £200–£800 |
| Full exterior lighting system | £800–£3,000 |
Lighting highlights brick texture beautifully at night.
Landscaping to Enhance Brick Appearance 🌿
Landscaping plays a major role in overall presentation.
Even the most attractive brickwork benefits from complementary surroundings.
Landscaping improvements include:
- New driveway
- Pathways
- Garden borders
- Planters
- Fencing
Cost guide:
| Feature | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| New driveway | £2,000–£6,000 |
| Pathways | £500–£2,000 |
| Garden redesign | £1,500–£5,000 |
| Fencing | £1,000–£4,000 |
Landscaping frames your home and enhances visual impact.
Adding Cladding for Mixed Materials Design
Combining brick with other materials creates a premium modern appearance.
Popular cladding materials include:
- Timber
- Metal
- Composite panels
- Stone veneer
Cost comparison
| Cladding Type | Cost per m² |
|---|---|
| Timber | £80–£150 |
| Composite | £100–£200 |
| Metal | £120–£250 |
| Stone veneer | £90–£180 |
Mixed materials create visual interest and contemporary appeal.
Improving Energy Efficiency
Updating your exterior is also an opportunity to improve efficiency.
Options include:
- External wall insulation
- New windows
- Sealing gaps
Potential savings
| Upgrade | Estimated Annual Savings |
|---|---|
| Wall insulation | £200–£500 |
| Window upgrades | £150–£400 |
| Draught sealing | £50–£150 |
Energy efficiency improvements also increase property value.
Cost Comparison of Exterior Upgrade Options
| Upgrade Type | Low Cost | High Cost | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleaning | £300 | £2,500 | 3–5 years |
| Tinting | £1,500 | £5,000 | 15–25 years |
| Painting | £1,500 | £4,000 | 5–10 years |
| Repointing | £1,500 | £12,000 | 40–60 years |
| Rendering | £5,000 | £15,000 | 25–40 years |
| Cladding | £4,000 | £20,000 | 30–50 years |
Tinting offers one of the best balances between cost and longevity.
Return on Investment 💷
Exterior upgrades often increase property value.
| Upgrade | Estimated Value Increase |
|---|---|
| Brick cleaning | £1,000–£3,000 |
| Tinting | £5,000–£15,000 |
| Rendering | £10,000–£25,000 |
| Landscaping | £5,000–£20,000 |
| Lighting | £1,000–£3,000 |
Kerb appeal significantly influences buyer perception.
Timeline for Exterior Updates
| Project | Duration |
|---|---|
| Cleaning | 1–3 days |
| Tinting | 3–7 days |
| Repointing | 1–3 weeks |
| Rendering | 2–4 weeks |
| Full transformation | 4–8 weeks |
Planning ahead ensures smooth completion.
Planning Considerations
Before updating your exterior, consider:
- Budget
- Property age
- Local planning regulations
- Desired aesthetic
- Maintenance requirements
Period properties may require specific materials to preserve character.
Maintenance Tips After Updating Brick
Maintaining your exterior ensures long-lasting results.
Recommended maintenance schedule
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Cleaning | Every 3–5 years |
| Inspection | Annually |
| Minor repairs | As needed |
| Repointing check | Every 10–15 years |
Proper maintenance protects your investment.
Modern Design Trends for Brick Homes
Popular current trends include:
- Grey and charcoal tones
- Mixed material exteriors
- Minimalist landscaping
- Black window frames
- Contemporary lighting
These design choices create a modern, sophisticated appearance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these mistakes when updating brick exteriors:
- Painting without proper preparation
- Ignoring structural issues
- Choosing incompatible materials
- Poor colour coordination
- Using incorrect cleaning methods
Careful planning prevents costly problems.
Choosing the Right Upgrade Strategy
Different homes benefit from different approaches.
| Goal | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Modern appearance | Tinting or rendering |
| Restore original look | Cleaning and repointing |
| Dramatic transformation | Cladding or rendering |
| Budget improvement | Cleaning and landscaping |
| Long-term durability | Tinting and repointing |
Selecting the right solution ensures the best outcome for your property.
Next Steps to Consider
Updating your brick home exterior is one of the most effective ways to improve kerb appeal, increase value, and modernise your property. From simple cleaning to complete colour transformation, there are solutions suitable for different budgets and design goals.
Careful planning, proper preparation, and selecting the right approach will ensure your home looks attractive, protected, and stylish for decades to come 🏡
Repairing and Replacing Damaged Bricks 🧱
Individual bricks can become cracked, chipped, or damaged due to weather, impact, or age. Replacing these bricks can significantly improve the appearance and structural integrity of your home.
Damaged bricks not only affect appearance but can also allow water to penetrate the structure, leading to further deterioration.
Signs bricks need replacing:
- Visible cracks
- Flaking surfaces (spalling)
- Loose bricks
- Deep chips or holes
- Water penetration inside walls
Brick replacement cost guide
| Number of Bricks | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 1–10 bricks | £150–£400 |
| 10–50 bricks | £400–£1,200 |
| 50–200 bricks | £1,200–£3,500 |
| Larger repairs | £3,500–£8,000 |
Matching replacement bricks carefully ensures a seamless appearance.
Updating the Front Entrance Area 🚪
The front entrance is a focal point of your home and plays a major role in kerb appeal. Enhancing this area complements updated brickwork beautifully.
Even small changes can make a dramatic difference.
Entrance upgrade ideas:
- Install a new front door
- Add a porch canopy
- Replace door frames
- Install decorative house numbers
- Add planters and lighting
Typical upgrade costs:
| Upgrade | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New front door | £600–£2,000 |
| Porch canopy | £300–£1,500 |
| Door frame replacement | £200–£800 |
| Decorative accessories | £50–£300 |
Choosing colours that contrast or complement your brick creates a balanced appearance.
Enhancing Brick with Architectural Features 🏡
Architectural details can elevate the look of your brick home and create a more bespoke, high-end appearance.
These additions provide visual depth and character.
Popular architectural enhancements:
- Brick arches
- Decorative lintels
- Window surrounds
- Soldier courses (vertical brick patterns)
- Feature panels
Estimated costs:
| Feature | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Decorative lintel | £150–£500 per window |
| Brick arch | £500–£1,500 |
| Feature wall section | £1,000–£3,000 |
| Window surrounds | £300–£1,200 |
These features can transform a plain exterior into something far more distinctive.
Improving Drainage Around Brickwork 💧
Poor drainage is one of the biggest causes of brick deterioration. Ensuring proper drainage protects your exterior and prevents future damage.
Water pooling near brick walls can cause staining, damp, and structural problems.
Drainage improvement options:
- Installing drainage channels
- Improving gutter systems
- Adding gravel borders
- Adjusting ground levels
Cost overview:
| Drainage Solution | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Gutter replacement | £400–£1,500 |
| Drainage channels | £500–£2,000 |
| Gravel border installation | £300–£1,000 |
| Ground levelling | £500–£2,500 |
Proper drainage extends the lifespan of your brickwork significantly.
Sealing Brickwork for Extra Protection 🛡️
Brick sealants provide an invisible protective layer against moisture, dirt, and weather damage.
Modern sealants allow brick to breathe while preventing water penetration.
Benefits of sealing brick:
- Prevents water absorption
- Reduces staining
- Protects against frost damage
- Extends brick lifespan
- Reduces maintenance needs
Typical sealing costs:
| Property Size | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Small home | £500–£1,200 |
| Medium home | £1,200–£2,500 |
| Large home | £2,500–£5,000 |
Sealing is particularly beneficial in exposed locations.
Updating Garage Exterior to Match the Home 🚗
Garages often age differently from the main house, creating a mismatched appearance. Updating the garage exterior ensures consistency.
This can involve cleaning, tinting, or replacing the garage door.
Garage upgrade options:
- Matching brick tinting
- New garage door installation
- Painting trim and frames
- Adding lighting
Estimated costs:
| Upgrade | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Garage door replacement | £800–£2,500 |
| Garage brick tinting | £500–£1,500 |
| Trim repainting | £200–£600 |
| Exterior lighting | £150–£500 |
Matching your garage to your home improves overall visual harmony.
Modernising with Contrasting Brick Features 🎨
Using contrast creates a striking, contemporary appearance.
Contrasting brick elements can highlight architectural features.
Popular contrast techniques:
- Dark brick accents on light homes
- Light brick highlights on darker homes
- Feature walls
- Contrasting mortar colours
Estimated costs:
| Feature | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Feature wall tinting | £500–£2,000 |
| Mortar colour change | £1,500–£4,000 |
| Brick accent sections | £800–£3,000 |
Contrast creates visual interest and modern sophistication.
Preparing Brickwork Before Any Upgrade 🔧
Preparation is essential to ensure long-lasting results. Skipping preparation can lead to poor finishes and costly repairs later.
Proper preparation ensures materials adhere correctly and perform as expected.
Preparation steps include:
- Cleaning the brick surface
- Repairing damaged bricks
- Repointing weak mortar
- Removing old coatings
- Ensuring dry conditions
Preparation cost overview:
| Preparation Task | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Full exterior cleaning | £500–£2,000 |
| Minor brick repairs | £200–£1,000 |
| Mortar repairs | £500–£3,000 |
| Surface preparation | £300–£1,500 |
Thorough preparation ensures the success of any exterior update and helps your home maintain its refreshed appearance for many years.