Painted brick – yay or nay?

White painted brick. If it’s not in your neighborhood yet, it will be soon. An recent article in the Houston Chronicle states “Painted white brick exterior with black trim is a popular trend in Houston” and goes on to say “The look has become so popular that people are even using it on new homes.”

I live in a neighborhood of 50-year old homes. These homes were originally constructed with traditional brick colors: shades of brown and tan. Many have recently been painted white. These homes visually stand out against the “earth tones” around them – but will that paint be a good choice in the long run? Time will tell.

Brick has been a popular choice on homes and buildings for hundreds of years. Why? Because it’s durable. Brick is a natural material made from clay that provides strong protection for your home with minimal maintenance.

Are there any concerns with painted brick? Yes, there are, as described in this article by Houselogic. Sooner or later, depending on the quality of the preparation and application, paint will peel. Paint also interferes with brick’s ability to breathe, trapping moisture inside the wall construction. Trapped moisture leads to damage of the structure and insulation, and it can attract destructive insects like termites. Painting new brick could be particularly troublesome if the brick has not had to time to fully weather and dry out.

Acme Brick, a premier brick manufacturer located in Texas, recommends “against painting new, porous brick.” The Acme article also suggests cleaning, varnish, or whitewashing brick as other options to consider, and it describes a recommended process for the cleaning, preparing, and applying paint to brick. This is not a project for the average homeowner; because of the careful preparation required and the heights of most houses, a qualified contractor should be hired. As with any project, get references from friends, family and neighbors; ask for bids from at least three contractors and make sure they are covering the same scope of work; request to see the contractors’ insurance coverage; and carefully read any contract before you sign it.

All home improvement projects have a variety of issues that should be considered carefully: aesthetic, practical, and financial. Painting brick may give a homeowner the satisfaction and pride in a beautiful-looking home, and may also provide an increase in property value. Will those remain if, in a few years, the paint is peeling and there is moisture damage inside the walls?

Milepost Home Inspection will be happy to talk with you about the pros and cons of any home improvement project. Contact us at 832-986-1942 or inspector@mileposthome.com with your questions.