Asked on Oct 21, 2017
Does painting good exterior brick on a home de value a neighborhood ?
by Lhanson
+5
I live in a 20 year old neighborhood with traditional brick homes. We have had covenants in place and all the homes are kept up well with good looking brick exteriors. We have one family who wants to paint their brick a light color. Will this cause it to stick out like a sore thumb and de value the neighborhood? Ive heard that unless the brick looks really bad ( which it doesn't) its not a good idea to paint as it will take constant upkeep and possibly retain moisture. Please advise, as we will be discussing this at a homeowners meeting soon.
Suggested Project Book
If you are concerned of that devaluing your neighbor hood I would ask a professional in the real estate market.In my opinion if the homeowner wants to paint the house it is his choice
Unfortunately, your supposition is correct. Painting a good exterior brick house may devalue the house. However, if most of the original owners are moving out, the area is in transition. Younger buyers may very well prefer a lighter or more colorful look to their house. Unless you live in a historical district, which is unlikely with twenty-year-old homes, your group may need to change its covenant about painted houses. Best wishes 😇💞
I will not paint them. see at Home Depot internet site for a preservative and glossing Or shellacking.
Unless the new owner wants a drastically different colour than surrounding houses, & the mortar isn’t damaged, painting passe coloured brick won’t harm the structure of the house, & shouldn’t devalue the neighbourhood. It may bring much needed interest with classic pastels, to a blah neighbourhood. It could also bring more appeal to younger families who aren’t ”feeling” the traditional look.
It could possibly de-value your property. I would check with a reputable realtor in your area, to see if that is the case where you live.
You are right that paint wears, and so a virtually maintenance-free exterior will now need to be painted to maintain the finish.
There are also brick stains that do not affect the integrity of the brick, and do not look opaque like paint. Good ones also breathe, so they aren't supposed to flake off due to moisture issues. Some have 25+ year warranties. They are applied to the brick only, and not the mortar, so it doesn't look fake.
Here are 2 tint/dye products among others.
http://www.dyebrick.com/
permatint.com
Once you paint it, there's no turning back. When paint begins to age and peel, it gives the house some character but might be a deterrent if you want to sell at some time in the future.
for one, IF you paint the exterior of brick, it will more than likely SEAL it, from retaining moisture. And if they use a paint that bonds well with brick, it won't be a problem. Brick breathes - it is not solid rock...and that would be a bigger concern.
Why not look into asking a builder or a COMPANY that deals with brick facades. A 20 year old neighborhood...is not all that old either. To bad there's no room for individuality. I'm sure they aren't trying to rock the boat, but more or less, doing a bit of an upgrade in design and styles. Much like the way many folks are painting brick fireplaces - to brighten it up.
As far as devalue a neighborhood ... are you asking other homeowner organizations about this. In today's world... we'd be fortunate if any area stays safely entact for another 100 years. It might also be more neighborly to talk to the Home Owner and get a clue as to why they are doing this - if it's such a problem for upheaval?