We’ve all heard people talk about the benefits of brick homes. They’re more aesthetically pleasing, they last longer, and they’re even more energy efficient. But is this all really true? How can a building material increase the energy efficiency of your home and is it really that much of a difference? In this article, we’ll explore the real energy efficiency of brick homes and how to make sure that you get the most out of your brick building for years to come.
There are two reasons that bricks are more energy efficient than other building materials: thermal mass and air space. The composition of bricks provides a much higher capacity at energy absorption and therefore store heat for a period of time after the heat has been absorbed. Since bricks are dense in mass, the heat will slowly start to release onto whatever side is cooler. Bricks will also refract any excess heat and energy off of their surface, which helps you avoid a home that overheats in high temperatures. This can be beneficial in both summer months and winter months and keep energy costs down in your home. Your air conditioner or heater won’t have to run as often, and you’ll benefit from increased efficiency of your home as a whole. If you want to take this efficiency to the next level, you can look into installing solar panels on your home.
Another reason that brick homes are more energy efficient is because they have an almost built-in insulation effect due to the dense air space that they have. When your brick home has tuckpointing that’s working as it should, the air flow between inside and outside is almost non-existent. The bricks themselves thus act almost like a layer of insulation. When you pair this with an actual layer of insulation on the inside of your home, you’ll notice a significant increase in the energy efficiency of your home. To make sure that this is working as good as it can, pay special attention to areas where you have windows and doors to make sure that they have a strong barrier from the outside. By keeping seals tight, windows updated, and addressing any gaps, you’ll get much more out of your energy efficient brick home.
One thing to keep in mind is that brick needs the proper care for it to remain efficient. Tuckpointing is the process of going in and repairing any mortar joints or damaged bricks and should be done at any sign of damage. If you’re brick home is new, you likely won’t need to get any tuckpointing done for 10-20 years, but you should still keep an eye out for any localized damage. If you move into a brick home that’s a little older, consider getting an inspection immediately to ensure that everything is as it should be.
Living in a home that’s made of brick has a number of benefits, but you also need to make sure and take care of it over the years. Your brick needs regular upkeep to stay looking its best and continue to work as efficiently as possible. By having regular inspections and getting tuckpointing done as needed, you’ll save time and money over the years. Keep an eye out for any signs of brick and mortar deterioration, spalling, or any other issues and if you see them, make sure to call your professional tuckpointing company today. The longer you wait to address the problem, the worse it will get. Whenever you’re outside doing yardwork, just make it a habit to pay attention to your home’s brick. Sweep the house regularly for signs of cracking or deteriorating bricks and mortar. If you notice any bricks or mortar joints that are completely missing, call a professional right away. Being proactive about your home is the best way to make sure that you’re getting the most out of your brick.
By taking a proactive approach to caring for your brick home and scheduling regular home inspections, you’ll save money on costly repairs or damages. Since brick homes need a little more attention than homes made of other materials, especially as they get older, working with a professional will help you elongate the life of your building. If you notice any signs that your bricks are deteriorating, or want to schedule an inspection, give us a call at Chicago Tuckpointing Inc. We have highly trained professionals ready to help you with everything you need. Call today at (708) 942-1951.