How To Effectively Prevent Bricks From Fading
Most homeowners are shocked to find out that red bricks do fade in time. Exposure to direct sunlight and the elements often speed up the aging process of the bricks. When first installed, brick looks bold and beautiful, but as time marches on, you will see subtle changes in color and less vibrancy remaining from the original color. Fortunately, that’s not the end of the road for your bricks as you can prevent bricks from fading and also repair any potential damage caused.
UV rays are primarily responsible for exposing the aggregate found in brick. Color pigments actually take on a white tone and actual color begins to fade the longer it is exposed to the sun. Fortunately, you can restore your brick pavers and ensure that they look as good as the day they were installed!
3 Step Restoration Process
You can hire professionals to restore your brick for you, but this is something that you can do on your own as well. Though these steps are recommended as a way to remedy faded bricks, they can also help repair and protect bricks from the start
Step 1: Brush away the dirt and grime from your bricks. This is something you should actively do on a regular basis as dirt can discolor your brick as it is abrasive. Some people may opt to use a vacuum cleaner, but a broom or brush can also achieve the desired results.
Step 2: You need to scrub your bricks clean. Your bricks have been exposed to inclement weather for a long time, and on an ongoing basis making sure that they are clean will help improve their vibrancy tenfold. Use a solution of dish soap, salt and water to make sure that your bricks are clean. It helps to really get in there and scrub with plenty of elbow grease. Bear in mind that you should stay away from any abrasive cleaners that may permanently mar the surface of your bricks.
Step 3: The key to ensuring that your brick remains a bright color is to seal it off with a sealant. You will need a siloxane or silane based sealant to seal off the surface. Make sure that you coat your bricks evenly and spray from a safe distance. This is something that should only be attempted outdoors in a highly ventilated area. Never do this indoors as the fumes are toxic! You should also spray a water repellant on your bricks if you live in a wet or humid climate as it can help prevent further damage.
Does this sound like a lot of work? There are plenty of professional contractors that can help you with stone sealing as well. A simple phone call is all it takes to ensure that the vibrancy is repaired and you prevent bricks from fading in the near future. Years of damage and sun exposure often contribute to the need to replace bricks and brick pavers, but with the right care and attention, this won’t become a costly problem.