Should I Paint My Brick Home? The Pros & Cons of Painting Brick

If you're considering giving your brick home a fresh new look, you may be wondering if painting it is the right choice. While it's true that painting brick can give your home a completely new aesthetic, it's important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. In this blog post, I’ll be taking a closer look at the benefits and drawbacks of painting brick so you can make an informed decision about whether it's the right choice for your home.

Pros of Painting Your Brick Home 

• Increased curb appeal: A fresh coat of paint can completely transform the appearance of your brick home, making it stand out in your neighborhood and increasing its curb appeal.
• Protection from the elements: Painting your brick home can provide an extra layer of protection against the elements, such as rain, snow, and sun. This can help extend the life of your brick and prevent costly repairs down the line.
• Customizable color options: Painting your brick home allows you to choose from a wide range of color options, giving you the ability to customize the look of your home to fit your personal style.
• Easy maintenance: A painted brick home is easier to maintain than an unpainted one. A fresh coat of paint can make it much easier to clean and keep your home looking great.
• Increased value: A well-painted brick home can increase the value of your property, making it more attractive to potential buyers if you decide to sell in the future.

Cons of Painting Your Brick Home

• Costly: Painting a brick home can be a costly process, as it requires specialized equipment and materials, as well as the labor of professional painters.
• Permanent change: Painting your brick home is like getting a tattoo: it’s pretty much permanent, so you need to be confident in your decision to paint your home. It’s an expensive process to try to reverse.
• Risk of damage: There is a risk of damaging the brick while preparing it for painting, or during the painting process itself - another costly exercise to fix. 
• Reduced breathability: Brick is a porous material, meaning it allows moisture to pass through it. When painted, the brick loses this feature, which can lead to moisture problems such as mold and mildew, structural damage, and more.
• More maintenance: Brick in its natural state doesn’t require much maintenance, but once you paint it, you’ll need to keep repainting it to keep its color and vibrancy, which is a time-consuming process.  

Is Brick A Good Siding Material? 

Brick siding is a great siding choice because it lasts almost eternally. There are many houses and buildings that are over 100 years old built with brick siding, which are still in prime condition. 

• Advantages of brick siding: Can last over 100 years with little maintenance; fire resistant; no need for repainting; termite-proof and extremely durable.
  
  
• Disadvantages of brick siding: It is one of the most expensive siding options available; if you paint the brick, it is almost impossible to return to the natural brick finish; over long periods of time, mortar joints may deteriorate and need replacing.
  
  

How Much Does it Cost to Install Brick Siding?

The cost to install brick siding on a house can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, such as the size of the house, the type of brick being used, and the location of the property.

On average, the cost to install brick siding can range from $12 to $20 per square foot. This would mean that for a standard 1,500 square foot house, the total cost of installation would be between $18,000 and $30,000.

However, this cost can vary depending on the type of brick being used. For example, using reclaimed or salvaged brick can be less expensive, while using high-end or imported brick can be more expensive.

Can You DIY Brick Painting or Hire a Professional? 

Painting a brick home can be a challenging DIY project and I’d certainly recommend you hire a professional for the job.

Painting brick requires specialized knowledge, equipment, and techniques. The process involves cleaning the brick, filling in cracks and gaps, applying a sealer, and applying paint. It's important to use the right type of paint and sealer for brick, as well as the right application techniques to ensure a smooth and even finish.

Professionals have the experience, skills and knowledge to safely perform the job. They have the right equipment and tools, including scaffolding and ladders, to reach high areas of the house you may not have. They also have the experience to identify and address any issues that may arise during the preparation process, such as repairs that need to be made.

So, while it’s possible to paint a brick home as a DIY project, it’s not recommended. The process is challenging, requires specialized knowledge and equipment, and can be dangerous if not done properly. Hiring a professional will ensure the job is done correctly, efficiently, and safely.

How Much Does it Cost to Paint Brick Siding? 

The cost to paint a brick house will vary depending on several factors like the size of the house, the age and condition of the brick and type of paint being used. On average, the cost to paint a brick house can range from $4,500 and $15,000 or more. 

If the brick is in good condition, with minimal cracks or damage, the cost to paint it will be lower than if the brick is in poor condition and requires extensive repairs or replacement before painting. Also, the cost of painting can also be affected by the type of paint being used. High-quality, long-lasting paint will be more expensive than lower-quality paint.

Need Advice on Siding? Speak with the WoW Team

If you’re considering painting your brick or looking to upgrade your siding and need professional advice, get in touch with the professional and friendly team at WoW today. We can walk you through your options to find a personalized solution for your unique needs.