Tips For Pressure Washing Brick
Before beginning the pressure washing brick process, remove any furniture or obstacles that could get damaged by the water pressure. You should also close doors and windows nearby, and cover plants.
Choosing the Right Pressure Washer
Brick buildings are very durable structures that can last for years, but they require regular cleaning to remove dirt and grime build-up. Using a power washer with the right nozzle and settings can effectively clean brick surfaces without damaging them. Power washing can also help remove efflorescence, mildew, and other stains that discolor brick. If you are not comfortable using a power washer, a professional Soft Wash company will have the proper equipment and cleaning solutions to safely and effectively wash your brick home or commercial structure.
It’s important to choose the right pressure washer for the job, as a high-powered water stream can damage the brick and cause structural damage. The best pressure setting to use for brick is 1500-2000 PSI, with a wide nozzle. This will reduce the amount of water pressure that hits the surface and prevents damage. A lower PSI level will also work, but may require more manual scrubbing. Always test your pressure washer on an inconspicuous area before you begin cleaning brick to ensure that the nozzle and pressure setting are correct.
Choosing the Right Cleaning Solution
Choosing the right cleaning solution is crucial in keeping brick clean. The right cleaner will help remove mildew, lichens, and other contaminants that can stain brick walls. It is important to choose a biodegradable solution, like Sodium Hypochlorite, as other chemicals can damage the integrity of the brick and cause undesirable results.
A brick house needs a low pressure setting to ensure that the mortar is not blasted away with too much power. Using too high of a PSI can leave your brick with cracks and irreparable damage.
It’s also important to remove any furniture or planters that are within close proximity to the brick surface. The powerful water can damage them or even pull wires from their connections if they are exposed. Also, be sure to cover any electrical outlets or transfer switches in the vicinity of the brick surface with plastic. This will keep them from getting soaked with power wash runoff. This will prevent a dangerous shock or fire.
Choosing the Right GPM
Choosing the right GPM for brick cleaning is essential for not damaging the masonry. Using too much water pressure can loosen the mortar joints that hold the brick together, which will eventually lead to crumbling. It can also cause damage to the underlying masonry that is difficult or impossible to repair. This is why it is important to inspect the masonry for any cracks or damages before washing.
Some types of brick are very easy to clean, while others require more effort. For example, sand faced brick can easily be cleaned with a brush and soapy water, but if you use too much pressure, it can remove the sandy finish and leave you with an orange-ish brick. This type of brick is sometimes called sponge brick.
Overall, brick is a sturdy material that can withstand pressure wash cleaning, but you need to make sure you are using the correct settings. Using too high a PSI could damage the grout and the brick itself.
Choosing the Right Brush
When it comes to cleaning brick, the right tools make all the difference. The abrasiveness of a wire brush or power tool can damage the mortar.
The type of brick also plays a role. Some types of brick are called sponge bricks and soak up water. This can lead to the discoloration of the brick and other problems.
For these reasons, it is best to use a soft brush on these surfaces. This will allow the cleaning solutions to get into the brick and clean it.
Moore’s Pressure Washing
https://www.google.com/maps?cid=15807426333973800125
(865) 205-2751
https://moorespressurewash.com/
