Top 3 Advantages and Disadvantages You Should Be Aware Of Before Painting Your Brick Home Exterior

As for your exterior, brick has been thought of for years as being strong and classic. That being said, painting your brick home can bring all sorts of controversy (cue the Facebook comment section 😂). Owners will want to give it curb appeal with paint, but there needs to be an offsetting of the pros to the cons. In this piece, we'll take a look at the top three pros and cons you should weigh before deciding.

The Benefits of Painting Your Brick Exterior of Your House

1. Enhanced Aesthetic Value

With no question, painting your brick house is an effective means of changing its look. A new coat of paint can revive an aged brick face, allowing you to align your house's appearance with your own style.

You also possess a wide range of color options beyond the common brick shades. Think of taking a dull red-brick home and turning it into a dramatic modern gray or bright sun-yellow that makes your home distinctive. Thoughtful use of color can render your house an eye-catching presence in the community.

Brilliant hues are able to provide the illusion of additional space as well as a feeling of welcome. If you later decide you want to sell your house, a well-appearing paint job can catch the eye of potential customers.

2. Increased Home Value

Although not every home makeover always has an excellent return, painting the brick face of your home typically does. A well-appearing outside face can increase the market value of your home significantly.

Consider the fact that real homes with neat, inviting exteriors tend to attract more buyers. When potential buyers see the clean lines and a pleasing color palette, they are more likely to explore further into the home.

In one survey done by Zillow, lightly painted homes experienced a gain in sale price of around 5% to 10% over comparable unpainted homes. Staying clean and polished provides the message to prospective buyers that the home has been properly cared for, which can result in improved offers.

3. Protection from the Elements

Brick painting doesn't only make your house appear attractive but also provides it with a protective weatherproof coating. While brick is hard, an excellent exterior painting cover can protect it from rain, dust, and pollution.

If you reside in a region exposed to inclement weather, a properly painted exterior can serve as an effective barrier to future degradation. Exterior high-quality paints are UV resistant, freeze resistant, and resistant to water, all of which shield your brick structure.

Stopping moisture and other negative causes from building up can extend your brick exterior's lifespan, and money you save on costly repairs down the road. This additional protection can lower maintenance costs in the long term, making painting a good economic decision.

The Cons of Painting Your Brick Home Exterior

1. Potential Moisture Issues

While a coat of new paint will enhance moisture resistance, it can be problematic if done improperly. Brick is supposed to take in moisture so it can breathe. Painting may restrict this process, and moisture can become trapped inside the walls.

If water accumulates between the paint and the brick, it can result in problems like efflorescence—those white powdery stains on walls—or worse, mold in the long term. According to research, over 15% of homeowners have trouble with moisture while painting brick, which costs them money in repairs.

In order to avoid these issues, clean and dry your brick thoroughly first and then apply air-permeable paint suitable for porous surfaces.

2. Maintenance Issues

Another consideration is the frequency of maintenance painted brick requires. Painted surfaces will need more maintenance than low-maintenance standard brick.

They repaint approximately every 5 to 10 years. This may lead to increased long-term cost. Additionally, weathering or environmental damage may require much touch-up work or repainting faster than you would prefer. If you want an exterior that is low maintenance, painting might not be the best option.

3. Reduced Resale Value for Some Buyers

While paint can enhance home value for others, it can also dissuade some potential buyers. Some potential buyers will appreciate the look of exposed brick and not be so enthusiastic about painted brick.

Before you go ahead and paint your brick, think about who you are attempting to sell to. Painted brick may be less desirable in some markets and even be thought of as outdated. This may limit potential buyers when you do finally want to sell.

Finding that balance between your own aesthetic and what the local market likes is essential. It can affect the desirability of your home when it is time to sell in the real estate market.

Final Thoughts

Making the decision to paint your brick house is a significant one. The advantages of enhanced beauty, enhanced value, and enhanced protection from the elements are likely to be compelling. On the other hand, possible moisture issues, upkeep obligations, and reduced appeal to certain customers should also heavily influence your decision.

As you weigh the advantages and disadvantages, think about your personal situation, preference for styles, and future aspirations for your house. If you find that you do want to go ahead and paint your brick exterior, make sure to choose the proper materials and methods for your particular type of brick so you get the most desirable result.

By taking these considerations seriously, you are able to make a decision that works well for your style and respects the integrity of your brick home.

If you are willing to let an experienced painter handle the painting of your brick homes exterior, call Shoreline Painting today! With 14+ years of experience and knowledge behind us, we guarantee proper preparation and products will be used, giving you the best quality finish.