Why brick matching matters when repairing historic buildings

When repairing historic buildings, the success of the work often comes down to the smallest details.

One of the most important - and often overlooked is brick matching - and we have all seen examples of the wrong brick being selected.

Older buildings were typically constructed using imperial bricks, which differ slightly in size from modern metric bricks and differ in size to a Tudor brick. Bricks vary in colour, texture and firing pattern depending on where and how they were made. Even bricks from the same wall can show subtle differences.

When a repair is needed, simply replacing damaged bricks with modern alternatives can create a patch that stands out immediately. The result can disrupt the character of the building and the wider streetscape; especially in the public realm.

Good brick matching takes time. Samples are compared against the original masonry to find the closest match in size, tone and texture. The mortar mix and joint profile are equally important, as these elements play a significant role in how the brickwork appears once installed. The mortar colour, texture, the size of the aggregate all contribute to the brick sitting well within the wall.

In historic settings, the aim is not for new work to stand out, but for it to sit quietly within the existing fabric of the building.

Recently we have been matching bricks for repairs to a Grade II listed building that was damaged by a vehicle. Because the building sits within the public realm, careful matching is particularly important to ensure the repair blends seamlessly with the surrounding historic masonry.

When the details are right, the repair almost disappears—allowing the character of the original building to remain intact.

If you’re planning repairs to a historic or listed building, careful material matching can make a significant difference to the final result.