What the Rowhouse Manual says
- “Do not paint masonry that has never been painted.” Remove paint from masonry carefully to restore the original appearance.
- Do not paint brick with material that isn’t breathable. Water needs to get out of the wall.
- Do not sandblast brick or clean it with acid, which can remove its durable outer skin.
- Refacing should be carefully considered. Stucco “can be successful if installed with care,” but vinyl or aluminum siding is usually detrimental to a rowhouse.
- Covering a masonry wall with any material requires a building permit and an inspection to make sure the wall is structurally sound.
Removing paint or stucco
Removal is slow, careful work: the wrong method can strip the face off soft brick. Ask contractors how they will test a small area first, and what they’ll do if the brick underneath is damaged. Expect some repointing and brick repair once the wall is exposed.
In a historic district
The Historical Commission reviews masonry cleaning and painting, and “painting, coating, staining, or sealing surfaces except wood and metal trim.” That includes removing coatings and applying sealers. Check with staff before work starts.
Sealers and “waterproofing”
Some contractors offer a water-repellent coating after repointing; Angi prices it at $1–$4 per square foot. On old, soft brick, ask how the product lets moisture escape, given the Rowhouse Manual’s warning about trapping water in the wall.