OTTAWA'S HOME RENOVATION BLOG

The Pros and Cons of Exposed Brick

For many designers and homeowners, one of the most popular trends in design right now is exposed brick walls. It brings just enough mixture of warmth, rustic, and industrial edge, all-in-one. But sometimes, what’s good for the design isn’t always good for the homeowners. So before you start ripping down those walls, consider these pros and cons first.

Pros of Exposed Brick


Desirable Design
– Like we said, there’s simply no denying how much people are loving the exposed brick style. It adds versatility to a space, contemporary edge, all the while adding that touch of warmth to just about any room.

A Feature Wall – A wall with exposed brick is also a great way to break up a room by having it as a feature wall. Maybe it’s above your fireplace, or maybe it’s a partition between two rooms – wherever it is, exposed brick is a great way to break up a room and create that perfect feature space.

Uncovering Historical Roots – Despite the popularity of trendy, modern interiors, many homeowners prefer to add in that touch of historic, vintage character throughout their home. And there’s no better way than by exposing that original brick, flaws and all.

Cons of Exposed Brick


Modern Interiors
– When it comes to interior brick walls, it doesn’t always match well with every style. That especially goes for extremely modern interiors. So consider your style and what’s present throughout your home, and assess whether it will add or subtract to your space.

Crumbling Brick – Once you’ve ripped into the plaster and exposed the brick beneath, you could be left with crumbling bricks and mortar that may need some serious TLC before showing them off to the family. So having a test area for you to get a peek before going all in is always a good idea.

Allergies, Noise, and Drafts – Keep in mind that when you remove that insulation and plaster atop the brick wall, you’re also removing that extra buffer for noise, drafts and even allergies. The porous nature of bricks means they are more prone to collecting dust. They also allow drafts to permeate more easily without that extra layer of insulation, especially in an older home.

So what may be great for your design, may not be so great for your allergies and even your heating bill.  Before you start knocking down that drywall, it’s important to consider each of these factors first so that you aren’t left with a beautifully exposed brick wall and a whole lot of regret.

The design and renovation experts at RenosGroup.ca can help you weigh the pros and cons of exposed bricks and other design considerations, so you get the space that looks and feels right for you.  Get your free estimate today!  Or give us a call at (613)727-9427

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