Should I Paint an Exterior Brick House?

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It’s an age-old question: Should I paint an exterior brick house? Of course, we can’t give you a for sure yes or no. After all, the answer depends on many different factors. But we know there is something delightfully European about a white brick house with an orange tile roof or a classic cape cod home with black brick and white accent trim. But of course, with the transformed look comes the upkeep and other possible disadvantages. We’ll go over the biggest influencing factors that should guide your decision so you can make the right choice for your property.

Biggest Factors When Deciding on Painting Exterior Brick

Upkeep for an Exterior Brick Home

One major drawback for some homeowners when it comes to painted brick houses is the upkeep. If you commit to painting your exterior brick, you’ll need to repaint it every five to seven years. However, if you live in a region with heavy rainfall, you might need to repaint it more frequently (more on that later). If you believe the chore is worth the beauty of fully loving your home, that is certainly something to consider.

Consider Your Home’s Climate

Unfortunately, brick is a porous material that can hold moisture. So if you live in a climate that experiences more rainy days than sunny days, you might need to repaint your brick home as often as every three years. However, certain factors can actually influence how well your brick handles moisture exposure. For one thing, prepping your brick with a conditioner and primer before you paint can significantly lengthen the length of time your paint lasts. In addition, making sure your brick is clean before you paint will ensure that paint bonds directly to the brick and not the dirt. You can clean your exterior brick with a power washer.

When you notice your paint chipping, that is a good sign that it is time for a new paint job. If you avoid repainting your brick, moisture can get trapped inside the brick and cause it to crumble.

Painting Exterior Brick’s Effect on Resale Value

Keep in mind that some potential buyers will prefer a lower maintenance home, and unpainted brick is certainly low maintenance. However, if your unpainted brick is making your home look outdated, it very well could be worth investing in new paint.

We always recommend sampling and testing paint colors before committing. Factors such as natural lighting, undertones, and your property’s fixed elements will have a significant impact on how a color will appear on your exterior. Our friends at Samplize offer extra-large 9 x 14.75 inch peel-and-stick paint samples of the colors we love for exteriors. Order your ‘Real Paint, No Mess’ samples from Samplize here.
metal roof

Usually, improving your home’s curb appeal by painting the brick can significantly improve your home’s resale value. Just be sure to choose a neutral color that will attract potential buyers. White and gray are generally very safe colors, and if you’re craving color, you can paint your door a bold yellow or spruce up your porch with turquoise furniture.

Exterior Paint Can Protect Brick

One major benefit of painting your home’s exterior brick is that it can actually provide a layer of protection for your brick. As mentioned before, brick is very porous, so dirt and debris can make their way inside your brick. If you properly seal brick with high-quality paint, it can limit your brick’s exposure to dirt, as well as harmful precipitation that can lead to deterioration. As a result, your home’s brick can actually end up lasting even longer than it would if left exposed.

Ready to Paint Your Exterior Brick?

One last tip–before you pick up the paintbrush, read our guide on everything you need to know about painting exterior brick. We’ve listed out all the important steps you’ll need to take if you decide to turn it into a DIY project. However, you can always reach out to a contractor to get the job done. Typically, hiring someone to paint your exterior brick costs around  $2.40 per square foot.

The best time to paint a brick house is on a dry weekend in the summer or fall, or whenever the temperature falls between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Picking a sunny weekend that isn’t too hot or too cold will allow the paint to dry properly.

Should I paint an exterior brick house? If you’re still having trouble making a decision, reach out to the experts. We’d love to help you take the guesswork out of designing your home exterior through our virtual exterior design service by brick&batten.  Let’s get started!

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