Enter your text here..Bricks are a beautiful flooring option yet tricky in the same breath. They are cozy and emit a sense of nostalgia and comfort. They fit in almost any home style creating a timeless elegance to the room. However, brick is quite permeable and requires proper maintenance. Liquid penetration and staining causes damage to the bricks and also affects its aesthetic appeal.In this article you will learn easy tips to help you have spectacular brick floors at home properly.
Brick Floor Installation and Maintenance Best Practices
Seal the Floor
Bricks are porous and need protection from liquid penetration and staining. A sealing agent protects the floor and can be used before or immediately after the installation.
The brick masonry sealant is available a local hardware store. Before application, the floor should be free of dirt and completely dry. Also, test it to determine its look and ensure it has no streaks.
Pour the sealer into a paint tray/bucket and apply with a foam brush. Cover the whole surface with a thin and even layer and include the grout outlines and pacer surfaces. Let the floor to dry before applying the second layer completely.
Testing the Seal
Pour a drop of water on the floor to determine if the brick floor is successfully sealed. When it beads up, the material is well sealed. If it saturates into the brick, you need to clean the floor and apply a fresh coat of the sealant.
Cleaning the Surface
Most professionals will recommend muriatic acid as a cleaning agent. However, the acid needs a thorough rinsing or it eats away the limestone. It will result in a whitish dust in between the bricks.
How to Polish and Wax the Brick Flooring’s
Solvent-based flooring wax
It is a versatile wax applicable on any brick floor to give a shiny and protective cover. It is suitable for water-based polished brick floors as long the polish is stripped. However, it requires a sealer which protects the surface from moisture accumulation.
Water-based brick polish
Water-based is a heavy duty polish applied on brick floors to form a durable and invisible protective layer. It works best on clean floors with no previous waxes. However, it requires frequent stripping and refinishing to avoid the wax buildup.
Brick Flooring Wax Application
For starters, the manufacturer will give the instructions on the package. You need to strip off any preceding wax applications with ammonia and water solution. Ammonia is slightly toxic and should be used in well-aired rooms. Take all safety precautions to avoid accidents.
With a clear, clean, and dry floor, apply the new wax. You can use your hands or buffer with fabric till even and smooth. Others might need professional buffing tools for the procedure.
Sealing the floor
Sealing the floor creates a protective cover on the brick floor. However, if you are using a water-based wax, you will need to seal the floor annually. Pour a commercial grade sealant into a tin tray or bucket and apply a thin and even later on the floor with a brush.
Why Brick Floors Are Easy To Maintain
Cleaning the floor is easy. Sweeping or vacuuming gets rid of the dirt and debris in a snap
Bricks are fireproof. When hot items drop on your floor, it does not leave ugly and permanent marks. Also, it prevents flames from spreading in the case of a fire outbreak.
Bricks are fade-proof. It reduces the worry of having faded bricks when the sunlight streams into the house. The bricks are durable and have a rugged and hard surface making it resistant to any effects of fading.
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Brick Floor Common Problems and Maintenance Tips
Bricks are durable but poor installation and repairs, and lack of maintenance spells disaster. Solving any little problems prolongs its life and helps retains its beauty and value. Some of the common brick problems include:
Lack Of Routine Inspections
Routine inspections will help identify any potential problems. Look out for damp areas, moss and molds, and any moisture trapped between the bricks. Use bleach and water to remove the mold and repair any masonry problem with the bricks.
Heavy Vegetative Growth
Heavy vegetation such as vines damages the bricks by damaging the soft walls, eroding the mortar, and holding moisture. Remove the vegetation without causing additional damage.
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