How to Clean and Maintain Brick Walls

Brick is one of the most durable building materials, but it still requires regular maintenance to look its best and protect your home. Proper cleaning and maintenance can keep brick walls looking great for decades and prevent costly structural issues.

Why This Matters

Well-maintained brick:

• Preserves your home's appearance and curb appeal
• Prevents water damage by maintaining mortar integrity
• Extends the life of your brickwork significantly
• Protects your home's structure from moisture intrusion
• Maintains property value with a well-kept exterior

Neglecting brick maintenance can lead to mortar deterioration, water penetration, structural damage, and the need for expensive repointing or replacement—costs that can easily exceed $5,000-$15,000.

Regular Cleaning

Basic Cleaning (Annual)

When to clean:

• Spring (after winter weather)
• When you notice dirt, stains, or discoloration
• Before applying any treatments or sealers

Cleaning steps:

1. Wet the brick: Soak the brick thoroughly with water (prevents cleaning solution from being absorbed)
2. Apply cleaning solution: Use mild detergent mixed with water, or specialized brick cleaner
3. Scrub gently: Use a stiff-bristle brush (non-metallic) to avoid scratching
4. Let sit: Allow cleaner to work for 10-15 minutes (don't let it dry)
5. Rinse thoroughly: Rinse from top to bottom with plenty of water
6. Repeat if needed: For stubborn stains, repeat the process

Removing Common Stains

Mold and mildew:

• Mix 1 part bleach with 3 parts water
• Apply and let sit for 10 minutes
• Scrub with brush
• Rinse thoroughly
• Ensure proper ventilation to prevent future growth

Efflorescence (white deposits):

• Brush off with stiff brush
• Rinse with water
• For stubborn deposits, use mild acid solution (follow manufacturer instructions)
• Address underlying moisture issues

Paint splatters:

• Remove while fresh with water and brush
• For dried paint, use paint remover designed for masonry
• Test in inconspicuous area first
• Never use harsh scraping that could damage brick

Mortar Maintenance (Repointing)

When Repointing is Needed

Signs you need repointing:

• Mortar is cracked or crumbling
• Mortar is missing between bricks
• Mortar is significantly recessed (more than 1/4 inch)
• You see water penetration through mortar joints
• Mortar is more than 20-30 years old

Why it matters:

• Damaged mortar allows water to penetrate
• Water can freeze and expand, causing further damage
• Moisture can damage interior walls and insulation
• Can lead to structural issues if left unaddressed

Repointing Process

Preparation:

1. Remove old, damaged mortar (rake out to depth of 3/4 inch)
2. Clean joints thoroughly (remove all loose material)
3. Wet the brick (prevents new mortar from drying too quickly)

Application:

1. Mix mortar to match existing (color and texture)
2. Pack mortar into joints firmly
3. Tool joints to match existing style
4. Keep mortar moist for 2-3 days (prevents cracking)
5. Clean excess mortar from brick face immediately

When to hire a professional:

• Large areas need repointing
• You're unsure about mortar matching
• Structural concerns exist
• Work is at height requiring scaffolding

Preventative Maintenance

Keep Brick Dry

Improve drainage:

• Ensure gutters are clean and functioning
• Direct downspouts away from brick walls
• Grade soil away from foundation
• Install proper flashing around windows and doors

Address moisture sources:

• Fix leaky gutters immediately
• Repair roof leaks promptly
• Ensure proper ventilation
• Keep sprinklers from spraying directly on brick

Protect from Damage

Prevent vegetation damage:

• Remove vines (they trap moisture and can damage mortar)
• Keep shrubs trimmed away from brick
• Don't let ivy or other climbing plants grow on brick

Avoid harsh treatments:

• Don't use high-pressure washing on old brick
• Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage brick or mortar
• Never use metal brushes that can scratch brick
• Don't seal brick without proper preparation

Sealing Brick (Optional)

When to Seal

Consider sealing if:

• Brick is in a high-moisture area
• You want to reduce maintenance
• Brick is exposed to harsh weather
• You want to prevent staining

When not to seal:

• Brick needs to "breathe" (traps moisture can cause damage)
• In areas with freeze-thaw cycles (can trap moisture)
• On very old brick (may need to breathe)
• If not properly prepared

Sealing Process

If you choose to seal:

1. Clean brick thoroughly
2. Ensure brick is completely dry
3. Apply breathable masonry sealer (not paint)
4. Follow manufacturer instructions exactly
5. Reapply as recommended (typically every 3-5 years)

Important: Consult with a masonry professional before sealing, as improper sealing can cause more problems than it solves.

Inspection and Repairs

Regular Inspection

What to look for:

• Cracks in brick or mortar
• Loose or missing bricks
• Crumbling or deteriorating mortar
• Stains or discoloration
• Efflorescence (white deposits)
• Vegetation growth
• Signs of water damage

Inspection schedule:

• Monthly: Visual check for obvious issues
• Annually: Thorough inspection of all brick surfaces
• After storms: Check for damage
• Before winter: Ensure proper condition

Common Repairs

Replacing damaged bricks:

• Remove damaged brick carefully
• Clean out mortar from surrounding area
• Install new brick with matching mortar
• Match color and texture as closely as possible

Fixing cracks:

• Small cracks: Fill with appropriate mortar or sealant
• Large cracks: May indicate structural issues—consult professional
• Monitor cracks for expansion

Addressing water issues:

• Identify source of moisture
• Fix drainage problems
• Repair or replace flashing
• Ensure proper ventilation

Special Considerations

Old vs. New Brick

Older brick (50+ years):

• May be softer and more fragile
• Requires gentler cleaning methods
• May need specialized mortar (lime-based)
• Consult preservation expert if historic

Newer brick:

• Generally more durable
• Can handle more aggressive cleaning
• Standard mortar is usually appropriate
• Still requires regular maintenance

Climate Considerations

Cold climates:

• Watch for freeze-thaw damage
• Ensure proper drainage
• Address cracks before winter
• Consider breathable sealers carefully

Warm, humid climates:

• More frequent cleaning may be needed
• Watch for mold and mildew
• Ensure good air circulation
• Address moisture issues promptly

When to Call a Professional

Contact a masonry professional for:

• Extensive repointing work
• Structural concerns
• Historic or specialty brick
• Large-scale repairs
• Sealing decisions
• Complex water issues
• When you're unsure about the best approach

Cost Considerations

Maintenance costs:

• Annual cleaning: $200-$500 (or DIY)
• Minor repairs: $300-$800
• Repointing (small area): $500-$1,500
• Repointing (entire wall): $3,000-$8,000+

Replacement costs (if maintenance is neglected):

• Partial brick replacement: $2,000-$5,000
• Full wall replacement: $10,000-$30,000+

Money-saving tips:

• Do annual cleaning yourself
• Address small issues immediately
• Maintain proper drainage
• Regular inspections catch problems early
• Prevent moisture issues

Maintenance Schedule

Monthly:

• Visual inspection
• Check for obvious damage

Annually (spring):

• Deep cleaning
• Thorough inspection
• Minor repairs
• Address any issues found

Every 5-10 years:

• Professional inspection (if needed)
• Comprehensive maintenance review
• Consider repointing if needed

Every 20-30 years:

• Major repointing (typical lifespan)
• Comprehensive restoration if needed

Conclusion

Brick walls are durable, but they require regular maintenance to stay in excellent condition. By cleaning annually, inspecting regularly, and addressing mortar issues promptly, you can keep your brick walls looking great and protect your home's structure for decades. Start with a thorough spring cleaning and inspection, then maintain a regular schedule to preserve your brickwork.

For more exterior maintenance guidance, explore our articles on exterior maintenance and learn how to spot foundation problems early to protect your entire home.