Brick Finish Types, Brick Matching & Brickwork Maintenance

Brick Finish Types in the UK

In the UK, a range of brick finishes are used across new build and renovation projects. Each brick type offers different visual characteristics and performance benefits. Selecting the right brick finish can make a significant difference to the quality, durability and overall appearance of the completed brickwork.

Key Considerations When Choosing Brick Finishes

When you're picking bricks for a job, there are a few important points to keep in mind:

• Local planning rules - especially if you’re working in a conservation area where the council may demand specific brick types.

• Exposure and weathering - coastal areas, exposed sites or frost-prone locations may need tougher, more durable bricks.

• Style of the building - the brick needs to suit the age and look of the property, whether it’s Victorian, Georgian, 1930s or modern.

• Mortar colour and joint style - this makes up over 25% of what you see on a wall, so getting it right is crucial for a good match and finish.

Matching Old Brickwork

Getting new brickwork to blend perfectly with existing walls takes experience and a good eye for detail. A proper match avoids patchy repairs and keeps the job looking professional.

• Colour and shade - the new bricks need to match the tones of the existing wall, including any natural fading.

• Texture and finish - whether the originals are smooth, sand-faced, creased or handmade, the surface must feel the same.

• Brick size - older buildings often use imperial bricks, so matching the size is just as important as matching the colour.

• Bond pattern - the brick bond (stretcher, Flemish, English, etc.) needs to follow the original layout for a seamless look.

• Weathering - existing walls have years of natural ageing, so new bricks may need blending or pre-weathering to match.

Brick Matching Services

Our brick matching service removes the time consuming process of sourcing the correct bricks for your project, helping your site teams stay productive and reducing the need for office staff to chase multiple brick suppliers.

Instead of spending valuable hours searching for a suitable match, our specialist team manages the entire brick matching process on your behalf. We identify the closest possible match to existing facing bricks, supporting planning compliance and ensuring a consistent finish across every phase of the build.

With access to an extensive network of UK brick manufacturers and trusted trade brick suppliers, we source the right bricks efficiently and reliably, helping you maintain programme timelines and avoid unnecessary site delays.

Why Use Our Brick Matching Service?

• Quickly identify old, rare or discontinued bricks

• Access a wide range of brick types, colours and finishes

• Competitive trade pricing

• Fast and reliable brick delivery direct to site

• Save hours contacting multiple brick suppliers

• Reduce the risk of mismatched brickwork and costly rework

Brickwork Maintenance

Effective brickwork maintenance is essential for protecting structural integrity, maintaining weather resistance and keeping brickwork consistent across projects. Key areas such as repointing brickwork, professional brick cleaning and repairing damaged walls all play a vital role in extending the lifespan of brickwork and maintaining standards on site.

Repointing Brickwork

Repointing is one of the most common brick repair tasks across refurbishment, remedial and maintenance projects. Identifying failed mortar joints early helps prevent more serious structural and moisture related issues.

Typical signs that brickwork requires repointing include:

• Crumbling or loose mortar

• Visible gaps between bricks

• Damp patches or signs of moisture internally

• Frost-damaged or eroded joints

Cleaning Brickwork

Keeping brickwork clean protects the surface and prevents long-term deterioration. However using the right cleaning products is essential to avoid damaging the brick face.

• Soft brushing or low-pressure cleaning is ideal for general maintenance

• Avoid abrasive methods unless carried out by a specialist

• Suitable cleaners safely remove algae, carbon staining and dirt buildup

We supply a range of brick-safe cleaning solutions, ideal for restoring older facades or preparing surfaces before repointing or sealing.

Repairing Spalled or Damaged Bricks

Spalling, cracking and surface breakdown are common on exposed elevations, particularly where brickwork is affected by frost action, salts or poor drainage detailing. Addressing damage early helps prevent further deterioration and structural issues.

Effective brick repairs typically involve:

• Cutting out damaged bricks cleanly

• Replacing them with accurately matched bricks

• Using the right mortar to ensure compatibility and avoid future failure

Where projects require smaller quantities, we may also be able to source limited brick orders to suit patch repairs and localised remedial works helping you avoid over ordering and unnecessary waste. Contact one of our Trade Account Managers for more help & information.

Preventing Water Damage

Water ingress remains one of the primary causes of brickwork failure. Ongoing inspection and preventative maintenance are essential to protect both new and existing masonry.

Key preventative measures include:

• Keeping gutters, downpipes and drainage systems in proper working order

• Checking and repairing flashing, coping stones and pointing

• Applying breathable water-repellent treatments where appropriate

We supply high-performance brick sealers and breathable treatments that help reduce water absorption while allowing the masonry to breathe-ideal for protecting both new and old brickwork.

Need Further Help?

Finding the right brick match is essential when carrying out repairs, alterations or restoration work. Differences in age, colour, texture and manufacturing methods can make identifying the correct brick a challenge

Our experienced Trade Account Managers are here to help. We can help identify the best match for the job & give advice where possible. If you’d like a hand with brick matching, sourcing or anything else related to your brickwork projects so get in touch with the team - we’ll be happy to help.