Brick Restoration vs. Brick Replacement: What’s Worth Saving in Your Des Moines Home?
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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 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.
What To Do About Rusty Lintels
How to Remove Rust from Steel Lintels: DIY or Call a Pro? Steel lintels are an essential part of brick structures, providing critical support over windows, doors, and other openings. But here in Iowa, the combination of moisture, freeze-thaw cycles, and humidity can cause rust to form on steel lintels, leading to unsightly stains and — worse — structural damage. If you’ve noticed rust stains forming on your lintels, you might be wondering: Should I try to fix it myself, or should I call a professional? Here’s what you need to know. Why Rust on Steel Lintels is a Problem When steel lintels rust, it’s not just a cosmetic issue. Rust expands as it forms, putting pressure on the surrounding brickwork. This can lead to: Left untreated, rusted lintels can compromise the integrity of your wall — and repair costs can skyrocket. DIY Rust Removal: The Basics Some homeowners may consider removing rust from steel lintels themselves. Here’s how a typical DIY process might look: While these steps might improve the appearance temporarily, they often only address the surface problem. When to Call a Pro Rust on steel lintels is often a sign of deeper issues — such as: A professional mason will: At Des Moines Brickwork Brigade, we offer comprehensive lintel inspections and repairs to ensure your brickwork stays strong and beautiful — even through Iowa’s harsh winters. Why Choose a Pro in Des Moines? Iowa’s unique climate means that lintels face repeated freeze-thaw cycles, rain, and humidity. Our team uses the right materials and techniques to ensure your repairs last. We understand how Des Moines homes are built and what it takes to protect them from further damage. Don’t Let Rusted Lintels Ruin Your Brickwork If you’ve spotted rust on your steel lintels, don’t wait until the problem gets worse. Contact Des Moines Brickwork Brigade today for a free inspection and repair estimate. We’ll get your home back in shape fast. [Get a Quote] or [Call Us Now] — let’s get started!
