When brick repair is needed, many homeowners are concerned that the new section will stick out.This is even more concerning for a 30-year-old home, where it can be challenging to match the new with the old. After all, your masonry has been exposed to dirt and harsh Michigan weather over the decades.
But when you hire an experienced professional like It’s The Brick Guys, you get peace of mind knowing we take care to match your new bricks with the old, as well as the mortar between them.
The Matching Brick Challenge
Because bricks are unique and come in many different shades, textures, dimensions, and finishes, they can all vary – especially when tasked with finding a match for original brick that’s no longer being made. But even if you could manage to find an identical product, it still won’t look the same because the new brick hasn’t been weatherized for decades.
Everything from age to weather to the state of the surrounding materials can affect the final appearance.
That’s why our Michigan masons consider:
- Color and variation
- Size and shape
- Texture
- Age and style of existing masonry
The Mortar That Holds it All Together
Most homeowners worry about the actual brick color, when in actuality, it’s the mortar that should be the focus because it takes up a large portion of a brick wall. You can have a perfect match with the brick itself, but if the mortar isn’t perfectly matched, it will stand out like a sore thumb.
Because the existing mortar has likely changed greatly in appearance over the years, the mortar color needs to be mixed with precision for the right aesthetic fit. Our contractors specialize in color-matching mortar for repairs and repointing.
When the Original Brick Isn’t Made Anymore
This is a common challenge with older homes. It’s not unusual to find out that the original brick is no longer being manufactured. Or perhaps that particular style has been discontinued or is otherwise unavailable in your area.
Now the priority becomes finding the closest match possible, taking into account dimensions, texture, color range, and character of the brick. It’s The Brick Guys is proud to source replacement bricks from local Michigan manufacturers.
Why is a Match So Difficult?
The simple answer is that brick walls as a whole contain color variations naturally, so it’s tough to get an exact match even when you’re trying. Simply switching out one brick for another doesn’t work, either; the repair has to be visually cohesive with the entire section around it. The mortar joints also affect appearance, as does lighting and time of day. Your brick work may look very different in the morning light as opposed to direct sun in the afternoon.
Matching is even more important when highly visible areas are involved, such as:
- Front porches and entryways
- Front-facing exterior walls
- Chimneys and columns
- Brick surrounding windows and doors
This is why appearance is a big part of the brick repair planning process.
Beyond the Match: Comprehensive Brick Repair
Brick repair in Michigan doesn’t just involve the match, though. It involves every detail, from the mortar to the brick itself to the cohesion required for a beautiful overall design. The first step is to figure out why the original brick failed. That’s where we come in.
All cracked or damaged brick has a root cause, and it’s important to address that underlying cause before replacing the brick. Failure to do this can result in recurring problems down the line. Remember: a pretty match doesn’t guarantee a long-lasting brick repair.
Contact It’s The Brick Guys
If you’re worried that the brick repair in your older home will stand out, call us today for a free inspection today at (833) 627-4257. We specialize in color-matched brick and mortar, as well as repairs for both older and newer Michigan homes.
