Have you ever noticed that when a house is made of bricks, it suddenly feels more permanent and attractive? If that’s the case, you’re not alone. It’s been known for years that brick weathers well and is suitable for new builds and character properties alike.
If you’re building a new home or extending the one you already have, here are some things you’ll want to think about when choosing bricks.
Pick the right look
You’ll want to start by picking the right look. Standard bricks in a traditional pattern are what many people grew up with, but there are all sorts of different styles available today, and you can really experiment. For example, longer, slimmer bricks are becoming more popular, and they can look beautiful when extended along an entire wall.
Architects and developers can usually tell you which type of brick is best for your particular design. Modern, low-to-the-ground builds often benefit most from carefully placed, sleek, thin-line bricks with plenty of mortar in between them.
Where brick colors come from
Think also about where brick colors come from. Ultimately, it depends on the underlying clay’s chemical makeup and the firing temperature used. What’s nice about brick is that the color runs all the way through the structure, so it never needs repainting or revarnishing. Sometimes you may need to remove some dust and dirt from the surface with a pressure washer, but that’s about it.
This is also one of the reasons why bricks from one region can look very different from bricks from another. For example, Australian bricks usually come in red, creams, and grays. This is very different from European bricks.
Also, you’ll want to think about mortar color if you’re planning a build. The gaps between bricks can also have a significant impact on how a property looks. For example, pale mortar automatically brightens walls.
Comfort in every season
There’s also the fact that bricks can provide comfort in every season. For example, bricks are an excellent insulator and can slow the movement of heat during the summer and winter. In the summer, they prevent hot air from getting into the property, and in the winter, they prevent warm heating air from escaping as quickly. Usually, you’ll find that brick homes heat up far more slowly than concrete homes or homes made from other materials.
Low upkeep
Another significant advantage of brick homes is that they have low upkeep. You don’t need to do much with them.
Of course, mortar joints will wear down over time, and some cracks may appear. As long as you keep your gutters clean and ensure good drainage away from the base, most brickwork will survive for a very long time. When was the last time somebody told you that they were worried because the brickwork on their house was falling apart? It does happen sometimes, but rarely.
Make sure you take your time with the decision on what bricks to use for your property. It’s not something you have to rush.
