At J.S. Brown & Co., we know that one of the most deceptively difficult aspects of exterior remodeling—especially for older homes—is matching brick. Whether you’re adding on, replacing a damaged wall section, or making structural repairs, achieving a seamless blend between old and new brick is often more art than science.
The Challenges of Matching Brick in Remodels:
- Age and Weathering
Brick ages just like everything else. Exposure to decades of sun, rain, and freeze-thaw cycles naturally alters its color, surface, and porosity. Even if you track down the original type, today’s version won’t have the same patina or character. Installed side by side, you’ll likely see a difference, adding to the difficulty of matching brick.
- Cleaning and Chemical Damage
Past attempts to clean older brick—especially using harsh chemicals or high-pressure washing—can create permanent discoloration or damage. This leaves new bricks looking too bright or too smooth by comparison.
- Size and Manufacturing Standards
Older bricks were often handmade or produced locally, leading to slight variations in size and shape. Modern bricks are manufactured to standardized dimensions, so even a small difference in height or length can disrupt the visual rhythm of a wall.
- Composition and Firing Methods
The original brick may have been made with local clay and fired at lower temperatures, producing a softer, more porous product. Today’s bricks are often much harder due to modern kiln technology and imported clay blends. These differences matter—especially when repairing an older wall.
- Face Texture Complicates Matching Brick
The “face” or exposed side of a brick might be smooth, tumbled, sanded, wire-cut, or rough. Matching brick of this texture is essential for continuity, and small mismatches can cause big aesthetic inconsistencies.
- Color Variability When Matching Brick
Color matching bricks is notoriously difficult. Even bricks from the same manufacturer can have slight batch-to-batch differences. Now layer on decades of UV exposure, air pollution, and organic staining—and it’s no wonder new bricks often look out of place.
- Brick Hardness Can Harm Surrounding Brick
In historic neighborhoods like German Village in Columbus, many original bricks were made before 1900. They are softer, made from locally sourced clay. These bricks have a different feel and function than the harder, denser bricks manufactured today. Fired at harder temperatures, using a modern hard brick to repair or patch these older structures can actually do more harm than good—damaging the surrounding softer bricks due to differences in how they absorb moisture, expand, and contract.
It’s not just about matching how the wall looks—it’s about preserving how the wall functions.
Our Approach to Matching Brick
At J.S. Brown & Co., we take a thoughtful, conservation-minded approach to brick matching. Whenever possible, we:
- Source reclaimed or salvaged brick from similar-era homes
- Consult with masonry experts familiar with historic restoration
- Design transitions that visually soften unavoidable mismatches
- Use materials that are compatible in both appearance and performance
Remodeling is about more than updating your home—it’s about respecting what came before. When it comes to brick, that means embracing its imperfections, understanding its story, and knowing when close is better than “perfect.” If you’re ready to get started on your next home remodeling project, contact J.S. Brown today.
