Brick and stone homes have a charm that never fades. They look strong, timeless, and classic. But even the toughest materials need care to stay beautiful. Over the years, I’ve learned that small, regular maintenance makes a big difference. You don’t have to be an expert. Just a little attention each season keeps your home in great shape. Let’s go over seven simple ways to take care of your brick or stone exterior. These tips come from personal experience and a few lessons learned the hard way. Inspect Regularly: Catch Problems Early The first rule of brick maintenance is to look closely. Every few months, walk around your home. Check for cracks, loose mortar, or white powder on the surface. That powder is called efflorescence. It means moisture is trapped inside. If you catch it early, fixing it is simple. I once noticed a few small cracks near my porch last fall. I sealed them before winter, and it saved me from bigger repairs later. Cold weather can make small cracks worse fast. A five-minute checkup can save hundreds of dollars. Clean Gently but Consistently Home exterior cleaning doesn’t have to be harsh. Use warm water, a mild soap, and a soft brush. Scrub lightly to remove dirt or moss. If you have a power washer, use the lowest setting. High pressure can damage mortar or even chip bricks. I learned that the hard way. One summer, I sprayed my wall too close and tiny bits of mortar flew off. Now I clean gently, twice a year. Once in spring and once before winter. Avoid using vinegar or strong acids. They might clean quickly, but they also eat away at mortar. Patience pays off here. Watch the Mortar Joints Mortar is the glue that holds your brick or stone together. Over time, the weather wears it down. When it cracks or crumbles, water slips in, and that’s when problems begin. If you see missing or loose mortar, it’s time to repoint. That means replacing the old material with new mortar. You can do small sections yourself or call a mason for larger areas. The best time to repoint is in spring or fall. Avoid hot summer days or freezing winters. Mortar needs steady temperatures to set properly. Healthy mortar keeps your walls strong and waterproof. Seal It Right A brick or stone sealer is like a raincoat for your home. It keeps water out but still lets the wall breathe. Sealing helps prevent water damage, stains, and cracks caused by freezing and thawing. You don’t need to do it every year. Once every three to five years is enough. Choose a breathable sealer and apply it on a dry, warm day. When I first moved into my house, I skipped sealing. That winter, moisture froze inside a few bricks and caused small chips. It was a lesson I’ll never forget. Now I reseal every few years, and the walls still look new. Spring or early summer is the perfect time to seal, before humidity gets high. Keep Water Away Water is the number one threat to any brick or stone exterior. It seeps into cracks, weakens mortar, and causes discoloration over time. The solution is good drainage. Start with your gutters. Keep them clean so rainwater flows freely. Make sure downspouts carry water at least three feet away from your foundation. The soil should slope gently away from your house. One year, I ignored a clogged gutter near my patio. Water spilled straight down a wall and created green moss in just a few weeks. It took hours to clean up. Now I check gutters every season. A five-minute job that prevents big problems. Adding a splash block or downspout extender helps too. Small things make a big difference. Adjust with the Seasons Each season affects your home differently. That’s why seasonal home maintenance matters. In spring, inspect for cracks and clean away dirt.In summer, check your sealant and repair mortar if needed.In the fall, clear leaves, clean gutters, and seal small cracks before freezing temperatures arrive.In winter, avoid using salt near brick or stone walkways. Salt eats away at mortar and can leave ugly stains. Use sand or pet-safe deicers instead. I keep a small checklist in my garage, one for each season. It reminds me what to do before the weather changes. It takes maybe ten minutes each time, but my walls have stayed solid year after year. Mind the Landscaping Your garden and yard can help or hurt your exterior. Plants that grow too close trap moisture against the wall. Over time, this can cause mold or discoloration. Trim bushes and trees so they stay at least half a foot away from the wall. Don’t let vines crawl up the surface. They look nice, but can damage mortar. I had ivy growing on one side of my house. It looked beautiful in summer. But when I finally pulled it off, I found tiny cracks and discolored mortar underneath. Now I keep plants in pots instead. It’s safer and still looks great. Also, make sure sprinklers don’t spray water directly on your walls. A small adjustment to your sprinkler angle can prevent years of moisture damage. Bonus Tip: Know When to Call a Pro Even if you enjoy DIY work, some repairs need expert help. If your wall is leaning, mortar is crumbling everywhere, or cracks keep returning, call a professional mason. A quick inspection by a pro can prevent serious damage later. I had one done a few years ago, and it gave me peace of mind. They spotted a few minor issues I would’ve missed. If your home is older or gets heavy rain or snow, schedule a check-up every few years. It’s worth it. Season-by-Season Snapshot Here’s a quick summary to keep handy: Season What to Focus On Spring Clean dirt and debris, inspect for cracks, and check gutters. Summer Seal bricks, fix mortar, watch for UV fading. Fall Clear leaves, fix drainage, and