Reconstruction of a brick house

If a wooden house can still be demolished without much effort, then rebuilding a brick house is a rather time-consuming process. Therefore, it is much easier to reconstruct it. The first thing that is paid attention to during the reconstruction of an old brick house is the foundation, walls and roof. At this stage, it is determined whether the building needs major repairs before the facade restoration works. The next stage is the correction of identified deficiencies. If necessary, surfaces are cleaned and treated with an antiseptic, cracks are sealed, and priming is carried out. The choice of the future facade material depends on the type of work and the building itself.

Foundation

A brick structure is much heavier than a wooden structure, so the foundation must be strong! There are 2 ways to repair the foundation:

1. Impregnation of soil with cement to stop subsidence. It is carried out at the point where cracks are detected.
2. Reinforced concrete ring. A trench is dug around the foundation, and holes are prepared in the foundation itself for driving reinforcement. Then the reinforcing belt is constructed and poured. This construction strengthens the old foundation and the entire building from subsidence and other negative consequences.

The walls

A brick wall is considered stronger than a wooden one, but this is not always the case. Poor-quality bricks or the wrong solution can crumble from any mechanical impact, and no facing material will help here. If the examination has proven the strength of the base, then you can start further work: cleaning, priming, repairing cracks and final facade work.

Before updating a brick house from the outside, it is necessary to prepare the surface of the walls.

The preparation includes:

• dismantling of the old drainage system;
• dismantling of ventilated grills;
• dismantling of lamps;
• cleaning the walls from previously applied cladding, dirt, overgrown plants;
• sealing of cracks;
• drying of the facade at high humidity;
• destruction of fungal plaque and antiseptic treatment;
• impregnation with a primer with increased moisture absorption;
• adjustment of the thickness of heat-insulating raw materials;
• preparation for installation of finishing materials;
• brick wall under insulation

Materials

A brick house does not limit the number of solutions for the facade. It is possible to improve the appearance of an old brick building:

• Siding or facade panels;
• Dyeing;
• Plaster;
• Cladding – natural stone, facade cassettes and other similar materials.

However, there are nuances:

1. Painting a brick facade with plain paint without plastering is tasteless and unaesthetic. There is a special varnish that protects the brick from moisture and gives the effect of a “wet” facade.
2. Hinged ventilated facade systems. Unlike a wooden house, you can use heavier materials (ceramo granite, fiber cement panels) for a brick house.
3. Siding (for a hinged ventilated facade) – beautiful, reliable and durable (classic vinyl bay area siding or facade panels “under stone”, “under brick”)
4. Plaster – needs to be renewed after 3-5 years.

Preparation of the house

Reconstruction of a brick house that was in operation is carried out using a ventilated or non-ventilated “wet” facade system. The age of the structure is used to select the system. In any case, a hinged ventilated facade is a reliable and proven system. So you can reduce costs for the heating season.

Facade panels “under the brick”

Finishing “brick” is considered standard and the color of “brick” panels is suitable for any style. Polypropylene facade panels are considered more practical compared to brick. Ideal for lining the system of the hinged ventilated facade of the building and finishing the plinth. They are easy to wash, do not burn out and are easy to replace in case of mechanical damage.

Facade panels “under the stone”

Natural stone is more expensive than the option “under the stone”.

1. Light colors visually increase the space.

Siding in light, pastel shades is good for small houses to add volume. It will look good against the background of dark tree tops or fences. Light siding will add volume to small buildings and make them visually more spacious.

2. Dark shades make the house visually smaller.

This decoration is suitable for large cottages that want to give a strict look.

3. Bright colors will give the house a fresh look.

This is a bold and interesting decision, but you should not use more than one bright color on the facade. The corners can be emphasized with a contrasting shade that will be combined with the main one.

4. Contrast is used for buildings of complex architectural form.

The walls are made in one color, and all protruding elements are in another. If the second is lighter, the facade looks lighter and more elegant.