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There are many things to look for when buying a brick house. Here are some of the key things you should pay close attention to.

• Lintels: Look for cracks, holes, displacement, or corrosion

• Mortar: Check to see if the mortar is old and crumbling, in need of repointing, or new. Also check to see if the mortar has a professional finish.

• Walls: Check along each side of the house. If a wall is bowing outward, this indicates a severe issue such as foundation damage or that the walls are ready to fall.

• Cracks: If there are stair step cracks in the brickwork, this indicates an unstable foundation.

A fireplace hearth is a fireproof flooring material that extends out from the base of the fireplace and into the room. Hearths can be made of brick, ceramic, marble, limestone, and more. A hearth serves the purpose of decreasing the fire risk in the area directly around the fireplace. If flying embers hit carpet or wood, they’ll spark and create a fire. But if they hit something like tile or granite, they’ll simply go out.

When painting brick, each application method has distinct advantages and disadvantages. Spraying is significantly faster but may not penetrate deeply beyond the surface layer. Rolling is effective for working paint into the brick's texture but can be less effective on mortar joints. If you opt for a roller, choose a thick nap of at least a half-inch to ensure paint gets into all the crevices for even coverage. Using a brush is generally not recommended as it is very time-consuming and provides poor surface penetration. Ultimately, a combination of spraying followed by back-rolling is often the best strategy for a durable and even finish.

On average, a quality exterior brick stain can last between 10 and 20 years, and sometimes even longer. While it will look its best for a minimum of three to five years, its total lifespan depends on several factors. These include the quality and type of stain used, the condition of the brick, and the thoroughness of the surface preparation, such as proper cleaning. Following the manufacturer's application instructions and applying a sealant as a final step is also crucial. The stain's longevity can be affected by your location, climate, and the brick's exposure to harsh weather, high traffic, and other elements. Over time, the stain may begin to fade or look dingy due to weathering, erosion, dirt, and debris. Compared to paint, brick stain generally has a longer lifespan.