Revealing the Pros and Cons of Exposed Brick and How to Take Care of It

The first fired bricks appeared sometime around 5,000 B.C., and they've remained one of the longest-lasting, strongest, and most aesthetically-pleasing materials around.

And since the development of brick, it's been covered with marble or other stone, layered with plaster and lath, coated with whitewash, and most recently in interior renovations of existing buildings, revealed and left exposed. 

Exposed brick brings a sense of warmth, character, and texture to a space. It also speaks to the history of a building, of the hand that carefully laid down each brick, and of a craft that's quickly becoming less and less common.

At the same time, however, renovation experts often bemoan the removal of old plaster to expose brick, citing the myriad of moisture and deterioration issues that can arise—and they're not wrong. 

Most existing brick buildings, unless they were constructed for manufacturing or other industrial uses, would have covered their brick surfaces with plaster and lath to create a smooth, seamless wall. In fact, these interior wythes, or layers, of brick were usually not of high enough quality to produce a presentable, dry, and solid finish.

So, how do you appease both the renovation expert and your heart's desire for the warmth and character of exposed brick? A few simple, but necessary steps should be taken.

1. Remember that brick is porous, and therefore susceptible to temperature and moisture fluctuations. 

As a result of these variations, brick (and the mortar in-between bricks), can become brittle or begin to crumble, so you'll want to stick to mild water and soap solutions if you're doing any cleaning. Avoid cleansers that contain anything acidic, and only use a power washer if you're confident you won't lose half your wall! Using a stiff, bristled brush on your wall isn't a bad idea either.

2. Brick's moisture-absorbing qualities also mean that you'll want to find a way to keep the moisture on the outside rather than the inside of your home. 

The best way to do this is to apply a sealant or penetrant to the interior face of the brick, making sure it gets absorbed into the mortar as well as the face of the bricks. Most sealants come in either a matte or glossy finish, so you can choose the final appearance you're looking for.

3. Finally, if you want the texture of an exposed brick wall, but the brightness and freshness of a white wall (or really any other color), painting brick is always an option. 

Of course, as we now know, brick is porous, so after cleaning the brick, you'll want to start with a generous layer of primer that should be applied with a thick roller. Add a few coats of acrylic-based paint, and you'll find yourself with a solid, moisture-protected, charming exposed brick wall.

If we missed any necessary tips to know when working with exposed brick, let us know in the comments!