How To Make A Brick Fireplace Look New

How to Make a Brick Fireplace Look New

A brick fireplace is a beautiful and timeless addition to any home. However, over time, soot, grime, and other pollutants can build up on the bricks, making them look dull and outdated. If you're ready to give your brick fireplace a new lease on life, here are a few tips on how to make it look new again.

1. Clean the Bricks

The first step to making your brick fireplace look new is to clean the bricks. This can be done with a variety of methods, but the most effective way is to use a brick cleaner. Brick cleaners are specifically formulated to remove soot, grime, and other pollutants from bricks without damaging the surface of the brick. To use a brick cleaner, simply apply it to the bricks and allow it to sit for the amount of time specified on the product label. Then, scrub the bricks with a stiff brush and rinse them thoroughly with water.

2. Repair any Damaged Bricks

Once the bricks are clean, you can inspect them for any damage. If you find any cracked or broken bricks, you'll need to repair them before you can proceed. To repair a cracked brick, simply apply a thin layer of mortar to the crack and press the two pieces of brick together. To replace a broken brick, you'll need to remove the old brick and replace it with a new one. To do this, use a chisel to carefully remove the old brick and then set the new brick in place using mortar.

3. Repoint the Mortar Joints

Over time, the mortar joints between the bricks can become cracked or damaged. This can allow water to seep into the fireplace and cause further damage. To prevent this, you should repoint the mortar joints every few years. To repoint the mortar joints, simply remove the old mortar and replace it with new mortar. To do this, use a tuck pointer to remove the old mortar and then apply new mortar to the joint using a pointing tool.

4. Apply a Sealer

Once the mortar joints have been repointed, you should apply a sealer to the bricks. This will help to protect the bricks from future damage and make them easier to clean. To apply a sealer, simply apply it to the bricks and allow it to dry according to the product label.