Not all bricks are created equal—especially when you compare the ones used in modern construction to those baked a hundred years ago. For many homeowners in Des Moines, the question isn’t whether the brick on their home needs work, but whether it should be restored or outright replaced. The answer depends on the condition of the brick, your home’s history, and what kind of results you actually want.
Let’s break down when it’s worth saving your old brickwork, when it’s better to start fresh, and why that decision matters more than you might think.
Why This Matters in Des Moines
Des Moines is full of beautiful brick homes, many built between the early 1900s and the 1950s. These homes were often constructed with locally made brick, which tends to be softer and more porous than modern varieties. That’s both a blessing and a curse:
- Blessing: Older bricks are more breathable, often handmade, and full of character.
- Curse: They can break down faster if neglected, and matching them today is tricky.
Factor in Iowa’s brutal freeze-thaw cycles, and you have a city where brick issues are common and getting the fix wrong can wreck both the look and structure of your home.
Signs Your Brick Might Be Restorable
Not every chipped brick is doomed. Restoration is the way to go if:
- Cracks are minor or surface-level
- Only the mortar is failing, not the bricks themselves
- Discoloration or staining is the main issue
- You see flaking or spalling on fewer than 20% of the bricks
- The wall remains structurally sound (no bowing, leaning, or separation)
In these cases, restoration is often faster, cheaper, and more authentic.
What Brick Restoration Involves
Restoration is a surgical process. You’re not tearing anything down; you’re carefully preserving what’s there. Here’s what we typically do on a Des Moines brick restoration job:
- Cleaning
- Remove dirt, moss, and efflorescence without damaging the brick.
- Repointing
- Grind out failing mortar and replace it with new, color-matched mortar.
- Brick Patching or Tinting
- Use mineral paints or custom tinting to hide discoloration or blend new bricks.
- Brick Replacement (Selective)
- Swap out individual crumbling bricks with closely matched salvaged ones.
- Sealing (when appropriate)
- Apply breathable sealant to reduce future water intrusion.
This approach keeps the home looking period-correct while strengthening the envelope.
When Brick Replacement Is the Better Option
Sometimes, restoration just isn’t enough. Full or partial replacement may be necessary if:
- Over 30% of the bricks are damaged, crumbling, or missing
- The wall is bowing, bulging, or structurally compromised
- Masonry was improperly repaired in the past with the wrong mortar
- Spalling is widespread (a sign of internal damage from water or salt)
- You’re remodeling and need to move windows or walls
Replacement can also be the right move for additions or new facades that need to match the rest of the structure—though we always recommend salvaging usable bricks if possible.
Why Matching Matters
A bad match stands out like a sore thumb. We’ve seen homes where bright orange new bricks were used to patch a faded red wall—and it’s all anyone notices.
At Brickwork Brigade, we take brick matching seriously. Our process includes:
- Sourcing salvaged brick from regional yards
- Custom tinting new brick to match aged ones
- Using test panels to preview the final look
- Matching not just the color, but the size, texture, and lay pattern
This makes a huge difference in neighborhoods like Sherman Hill or Beaverdale, where historical character matters.
Cost Comparison: Restore vs. Replace
| Project Type | Avg. Cost per Sq. Ft. | Time to Complete | Longevity (if done right) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Repointing | $8–$15 | 2–5 days | 20–40 years |
| Full Restoration | $15–$25 | 5–10 days | 40+ years |
| Partial Replacement | $20–$35 | 1–2 weeks | 50+ years |
| Full Wall Rebuild | $40+ | 2–3 weeks | 70+ years |
Restoration almost always wins on cost. But if the damage runs deep, replacement saves you from band-aid fixes that keep coming back.
Our Rule of Thumb
We always try to restore when we can. It preserves character, keeps costs down, and respects the home’s history. But we’re honest: if your bricks are toast, we’ll tell you straight up.
Either way, you’ll get a plan that balances longevity, looks, and budget. No guesswork, no corner-cutting.
Real Projects in Des Moines
- South of Grand Brick Restoration: We restored a 1930s Tudor with failing mortar and flaking bricks. Using salvaged red brick and custom-tinted mortar, we kept the original charm while adding 30+ years of life.
- East Village Wall Replacement: After decades of water damage, we rebuilt a rear wall from the footing up, sourcing a perfect match from a regional reclamation yard.
- Beaverdale Blend: A home had multiple botched patch jobs with mismatched brick. We selectively removed those and replaced them with better-matched salvaged units, then repointed the rest.
Not Sure What You Need? Let’s Find Out.
Brick issues aren’t always obvious, and some contractors will recommend replacement just because it’s easier for them. That’s not how we work.
We’ll show up, inspect your brickwork, and tell you honestly what’s worth saving. If we can restore it, we will. If it needs more, we’ll lay out your options clearly.
Call (515) 400-4147 today or use our quick contact form to book your inspection. When it comes to brick in Des Moines, experience matters—and we bring it by the truckload.
