Charm and curb appeal make a lasting first impression. There’s no denying a stately red brick house grabs attention. Yet over time flaws emerge on red brick walls. Cracks, stains and structural damage can detract from your home’s allure. Siding offers solutions to boost aesthetics and hide imperfections. With creative blends of materials and colors, siding elevates red brick style. It allows customization to modernize traditional designs. Read on to explore endless possibilities for your own red brick facade.
Siding creates visual interest on red brick homes. Mixing textures and colors adds dimension that flat brick alone lacks. Horizontal lap siding contrasts the uniform brick pattern. Interesting details emerge when light hits layered materials. Shadows and shape breaks make red brick pop. Siding solves bland brick buildings begging for personality. With a siding facelift your home impresses. Curb appeal matters for happiness and resale value.
Conceal Imperfections in Your Red Brick
Time ravages brick with cracks, stains and damage. Mortar erodes allowing moisture penetration. Previous owners may leave unwanted touches. New siding conceals existing red brick flaws. It provides a smooth facade hiding popped bricks or sloppy repairs.
For significant structure issues stucco siding works well. Thick stucco coats emulate masonry disguising blemishes. Wood clapboard siding is another traditional favorite. Thin strips install easily over brick. Thicker wood planks make a bold statement. Popular vinyl options resist moisture and mimic wood grains. Aluminum sheets quickly update exteriors too. Each siding solution excels at masking brick imperfections.
Why Cover Original Brick?
Some argue covering brick ruins vintage charm. But flaws divert from true character. Restoring damaged brick proves expensive. Siding provides affordable solutions. Home trends change so enjoy design flexibility. Perhaps view siding as a protective jacket covering beloved brick. Take care to install properly for long-lasting results.
Prepping Brick Walls for Siding
Proper prep ensures siding adheres well. Address drainage issues or damaged areas first. Clean brick thoroughly removing dirt and oils. Caulk gaps between brick and trim. Prime surfaces before painting. Then get creative blending siding styles and colors!
Customize the Look of Your Exterior
Tired of your traditional red brick style? Siding opens creative possibilities. Mix horizontal lap siding with vertical board and batten accents. Complement rich red hues with light sage greens or airy grays. Use texture changes to define sections. Fool the eye with siding laid horizontally, diagonally or stacked.
Research neighborhood trends but boldly express your personality. Coordinate exterior colors from siding to shutters and trim. Accent with stone veneers or stacked decorative stones against foundations. Paint the front door an energetic hue. Try siding on half the home blending into dazzling accent walls. Let siding solutions elevate curb appeal.
Design Inspiration
Study siding images online until one makes you say “wow!”. Note colors and textures you love. Collect inspiring photos in a folder to share with contractors. Home renovation sites like Houzz offer design ideas. Or drive neighborhoods to find exteriors with red brick and siding you admire. Just one simple siding change creates dramatic visual impact.
When Planning Your Red Brick Siding Project
Consult local codes for requirements in your area. Reach out to qualified contractors for estimates. Ask for referrals to ensure quality workmanship. Be ready to specify details like materials, placement and trim preferences. Budget extra time and funds for unforeseen issues. With good planning your custom siding project proceeds smoothly.
Choosing Colors That Complement Red Brick
Choosing siding colors deserves careful thought. You want hues blending beautifully with your existing red brick. Warm tan siding adds a subtle neutral touch. Try shale grays with blue undertones to contrast and modernize. Green siding in light mossy to deep forest tones enhances red brick’s earthy feel.
Consider surrounding trees and plants in your color selection. Compliment natural elements like stone and wood textures. Observe how light hits your home throughout days and seasons. Visit the neighborhood during varied times before deciding. An experienced color consultant suggests palettes unique to your specific home.
| Warm neutrals | Shades of tan, beige and biscuit complement red brick’s inherent warmth. Timeless and versatile pairings. |
| Cool grays | Bluish gray siding contrasts nicely with red brick while still providing a subtle neutral. |
| Greens | Red brick comes alive against shades of green from sage to forest green. Naturally beautiful together. |
Test Siding Color Samples
Never decide siding color from tiny paint chips! Request larger samples and view during different day lighting. Paint test sections on insulation boards for real life previews. Observe transitions between sun and shade. Imagine colors in various seasons and weather. Then stand back and let your eye judge what just feels right.
Unique Touches to Make it Your Own
Look for special ways to personalize your red brick and siding exterior. Paint your front door a bold contrasting color for dramatic pop. Illuminate a home number sign or decorative address plaque. Add square profiled shutters flanking windows. Extend siding to garden walls or add brick pathways. Create textural interest with stone veneers.
Landscape elements enhance curb appeal too. Low ornamental grasses contrast siding. Lush ferns pop against red brick walls. Cedar or fir trees make a beautiful backdrop. Customize with potted flowers in colors echoing your siding. Such personal touches express your unique style.
Blend Multiple Styles of Siding
Why settle for one siding style? Distinct sections blend beautifully on red brick homes. Try horizontal lap siding on upper floors with board and batten siding below. Use decorative shakes or scalloped shingles on gable ends. Mix vinyl, cedar and stucco together. Just take care with proper installation and caulking between materials.
Budget Friendly Accents
Even small siding accents make a big visual impact. Try wrapping a single focal window in siding with trim. Add character by siding the garage bays or front entry side walls. Floating shelves mounted on siding provide charming space for potted greenery. With creative thinking minor touches personalize affordably.
Siding Maintenance Tips
With proper care siding sustains its good looks. Make sure the top edge slants outward so water drips off. Never pressure wash siding as it damages the surface. Use a garden hose on gentle setting instead. For oil stains spot clean with detergent and water.
Inspect siding and trim annually for any needed repairs. Repair loose trim boards and caulk gaps to prevent moisture intrusion. Follow manufacturer instructions for specific materials like vinyl or metal. A well maintained exterior keeps your siding and red brick looking their best for years.
Regular Siding Care
- Wash siding with plain water and soft brush
- Re-caulk gaps when needed
- Spot clean oil or grease stains gently
- Repair any damage quickly
- Check for signs of moisture or pest damage
How Long Does Siding Last?
With proper installation and care, quality siding lasts 30-50 years. Vinyl and metal siding resist weathering very well. Keeping surfaces clean and damage-free maximizes lifespan. Location impacts durability too. Evaluate current condition and have damaged siding replaced.
Siding Adds Energy Efficiency
Siding benefits extend beyond aesthetics to include energy savings. Materials like insulated vinyl and foam-backed siding add insulation value. This reduces heat flow through exterior walls. Your home stays cooler in summer and warmer in winter saving on energy bills.
The air tight barrier of siding also prevents drafts from infiltrating your home. Newer siding may even help you qualify for energy efficiency tax rebates. Any steps reducing your carbon footprint prove environmentally friendly too.
Tips For An Energy Efficient Siding Project
- Have walls insulated before installing siding
- Select siding with insulation backing
- Caulk and tape joints during installation
- Add house wrap under siding for moisture barrier
- Look into energy efficiency tax incentives
Future Solar Panel Potential
If solar power appeals down the road, siding simplifies installations. Siding eliminates need to drill into masonry for solar panel brackets. Prewiring during siding installation also makes future solar upgrades cleaner. Discuss options with your siding contractor.
Affordable Options to Fit Your Budget
Adding siding ranks high for cost-effective curb appeal. Basic vinyl siding offers an affordable solution even on tight budgets. Pricing fluctuates but averages $5-7 per sq.ft. including installation. Request quotes from several reputable contractors.
Keep resale value in mind for budgeting decisions. Minor upgrades like decorative trim pay off long-term. Maintaining your updated exterior saves future costs too. Consult with real estate agents on what sells in your area. With due diligence siding makes fiscal sense.
| Vinyl Siding | $3 – $8 per sq.ft. |
| Aluminum Siding | $5 – $11 per sq.ft. |
| Fiber Cement Siding | $8 – $16 per sq.ft. |
| Wood Siding | $7 – $13 per sq.ft. |
Future Cost Savings
While vinyl costs marginally more upfront than wood siding, it requires less frequent painting and maintenance. Its durability offsets higher initial costs long-term. Evaluate total lifecycle costs, not just upfront price.
Preparing Surfaces Before Installation
Meticulous prep work ensures siding adheres and performs properly over the long haul. Start by repairing any seriously damaged areas of brickwork. Use mortar to patch holes or cracks wider than 1/4 inch. Repoint eroded mortar seams if needed.
Pressure wash walls thoroughly to remove oils, dirt and loose paint. Scrape off peeling paint. Sand glossy finishes. Wipe any mold or mildew areas with bleach solution. Caulk well around windows, doors and trim.
Priming Surfaces
Priming helps siding paint grip brick better. It seals porous brick for a smoother finish too. On bare brick, specialized masonry bonding primers excel. They deeply penetrate while reducing efflorescence. If repainting over existing color, an all-purpose acrylic primer suffices.
Prepping Trim and Flashing
For a seamless look, extend siding over door, window and corner trim. Carefully pry trim off if needed and reinstall over new siding. Use caulk and flexible flashing behind siding at joints. Take time now for a trouble-free finished product.
Give your home the curb appeal it deserves. Siding remedies concerns plaguing tired red brick exteriors. Mix colors and textures tailored to your lifestyle and taste. Conceal flaws while showcasing home’s unique personality. Curb appeal matters, so let siding solutions elevate your home to new heights of style.
Your siding project proceeds efficiently if you plan. Research options thoroughly and seek qualified help. Be creative blending materials and accents that resonate with you. Treat your home to the customized look only quality siding provides. Then stand back proudly as your red brick masterpiece garners well-deserved admiration.
