When it comes to the exterior of your home, few elements are as timeless and enduring as brick. Whether your house features a classic red brick facade, or a more contemporary style, maintaining the beauty and integrity of your brickwork is crucial. Over time, exposure to the elements, pollution, and organic growth can cause your bricks to accumulate dirt, grime, and even moss or algae, leading to a weathered and unattractive appearance.
The Importance of Cleaning and Restoring Exterior Bricks
Before we delve into the step-by-step process of brick restoration and cleaning, let’s understand why it’s so essential:
1. Curb Appeal:
First impressions matter, and the exterior of your property is the first thing visitors notice. Clean and well-maintained brickwork contributes to an attractive and welcoming appearance.
2. Longevity:
Proper maintenance extends the lifespan of your bricks. Over time, dirt, grime, and bacteria can deteriorate the brick’s surface, potentially leading to costly repairs if neglected.
3. Structural Integrity:
Clean bricks are not only about aesthetics; they also help maintain the structural integrity of your home. Over time, dirt and grime can cause damage to the mortar between bricks, weakening the overall structure.
Should you attempt cleaning brickwork on your own?
Should you attempt cleaning brickwork While it’s possible to use cleaning products and homemade solutions for scrubbing or washing bricks, it’s essential to be cautious. Many DIY methods may prove ineffective, potentially harm your brickwork, and even pose health risks. Here are some examples of popular products and tools that should generally be avoided:
Pressure Washer: While pressure washers can be useful, they must be used with caution. If the pressure setting is too high it can damage the surface of a brick house. Additionally, excessive water can saturate the masonry, potentially causing staining, efflorescence, scarring, delamination, or even structural concerns.
Muriatic Acid: This highly reactive liquid acid ranks among the most dangerous household chemicals. While it is sometimes used by professionals as a last resort for removing dried cement from masonry, it should be handled with extreme care and is best avoided by DIY enthusiasts.
Wire Brush: Abrasive tools like wire brushes can strip away a brick’s finish, leading to damage, reduced water resistance, and an unsightly exposed core.
Cleaning brickwork can be a complex process, as the choice of chemicals and techniques depends on the type of masonry surface. For instance, abrasive blasting may not be suitable for heavy sand finishes, and muriatic acid is typically reserved for specific situations, such as cleaning red bricks. Given the potential risks and complexities involved, it’s often wise to consult professional cleaners for brick cleaning tasks to ensure both the safety and quality of the work. However, if you don’t want to hire anyone to clean your bricks you can try cleaning them with a solution of washing liquid and warm water, the results will not be massive but should help do a basic clean.
A step-by-step guide on how to clean your bricks
Cleaning brick surfaces with soap and water is a straightforward process. Here’s a quick and simple step-by-step guide:
Prepare Your Materials: Gather a bucket, water, mild dish soap, a stiff-bristled brush, and some protective gloves.
Mix the Cleaning Solution: Fill the bucket with water and add a few squirts of mild dish soap. Stir to mix well.
Wet the Bricks: Before applying the cleaning solution, dampen the bricks with plain water. This helps the soap penetrate the surface and loosen dirt more effectively.
Scrub the Bricks: Dip the stiff-bristled brush into the soapy water and scrub the bricks. Work in sections, focusing on areas with the most dirt or staining. Be sure to scrub gently to avoid damaging the brick.
Rinse Thoroughly: After scrubbing, rinse the bricks with clean water. You can use a hose for this step. Ensure all soap residue is washed away, as it can leave a film on the bricks if not thoroughly rinsed.
Repeat if Necessary: If there are still dirty spots after the first wash, repeat the scrubbing and rinsing process.
Remember, if the bricks are very old or in poor condition, it’s important to be extra gentle to avoid causing damage. Regular maintenance can keep your brick surfaces looking clean and well-kept.
Maintaining Clean Bricks
Once you’ve restored and cleaned your bricks, ongoing maintenance is key to keeping them in pristine condition:
- Regularly inspect and clean your bricks to prevent dirt buildup.
- Address any signs of biological growth promptly.
- Consider reapplying sealant as needed to protect against future staining.
By following these steps and maintaining a consistent cleaning schedule, you can ensure that your exterior bricks remain a beautiful and enduring feature of your home for years to come.
Remember, safety is paramount throughout the cleaning and restoration process. Use protective gear, exercise caution, and consider consulting a professional for complex issues or extensive restoration work.
Need Help With restoring and reparting your bricks? Call Us Today!
Contact Servos Exterior Cleaning today for our expert brick cleaning and restoration services. With our team of professional exterior cleaners, we can help you achieve outstanding results, ensuring your properties exterior bricks are brought back to life. Call our team for a free quote at 01745 28905.
