How to Keep a Brick Apartment Building Looking New
Maintaining Your Stone Siding
Apartment buildings and complexes with brick exteriors give a warm and inviting appeal from the stone’s timeless appearance. Well-maintained masonry seems to last forever, and with light attention, you can maintain your brick buildings in excellent condition that will continue to last for decades to come.
Wear from Weather
Buildings shelter us from the elements and take the brunt of them. Rain, snow, and freezing temperatures all wear on masonry over time. Bricks and other stones are porous and absorb moisture. In the winter’s freezing temperatures, moisture and water absorbed by outer bricks will turn to ice, which can crack and chip away the brick.
In warmer weather, if the water doesn’t properly drain, it can build up on the internal side of the brick, causing water damage or mildew issues to the wall’s structural interior. Mold and mildew can also grow on the outside of the porous brick in damp, shady areas.
Monitor for Needed Repairs
Look out for cracks and chips in your bricks over time, as well as the condition of mortar. The longer the weakness remains, the more the brick can deteriorate. Having masonry professionals replace mortar and repair cracks in your brick is a sure way to keep your stone façade in attractive condition. Not only does this protect your asset, but it also ensures an appealing look for your residents and neighbors to appreciate.
Inspect for Plant Growth
Vines growing on brick siding has a certain appeal, but it’s destructive to the masonry. Climbing plants work their roots into small cracks and holes in bricks and mortar, and as the roots grow, the cracks get bigger and expand, eroding the brick further. Over a long period, this can result in chipping and crumbling of your brick façade, requiring repair. The cracks left by roots can also worsen by more moisture seeping in from precipitation.
Clean the Brick
Over time, the buildup of dirt and grime makes the brick look worn out and is easily noticeable against the bright-colored stone. Maintaining clean brick on your building is appealing to your residents, and it’s an opportunity to inspect the brick up close for cracking and wear that a buildup of dirt might hide.
Efflorescence is another concern when it comes to buildup on brick. Water-soluble salts in the stone (from the material itself or from absorption) are brought to the surface of the brick when moisture evaporates. Humid and wet weather can encourage efflorescence, which shows up as white powdery material on the face of the stone.
Scheduling Professional Brick Maintenance
When you contract your masonry maintenance, repair, and restoration with Allstate Media Blasting, you’re getting experienced professionals who take pride in their work. Our contractors use multiple media blasting tools and techniques to have the right approach for your project. When you schedule a consultation, we’ll assess your building’s condition and give you a competitive estimate for the work that needs to be done to restore your brick to strong, beautiful condition. Building managers in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut can contact us here to schedule a consultation today!