Although you may love cleaning and fixing your home, there are times when DIY just won’t cut it. In the case of brick, its porous nature makes it very difficult to clean. Not only that but using the wrong products to clean brick can result in etching, discoloration, or other irreparable damage to your beautiful brick structure.
Some things that attach to your brick will need a brick masonry expert to clean.
A professional will know which products work best for the type of stain or microbial growth, keeping your brick looking its best. Keep reading to learn about items stuck to your brick surface that you’ll want to call the professionals out to clean.
Efflorescence
Have you noticed white, powdery salt deposits developing on the surface of your brick structure? This is most likely a substance known as efflorescence. In some cases, efflorescence may appear and disappear on its own. However, if there is a consistent moisture issue, cleaning the efflorescence away will prove futile, as it will eventually reappear on the surface.
Removing efflorescence from brick surfaces is as simple as using a stiff-bristle brush with a solution of distilled white vinegar and water. However, it’s best to seek professional help if you notice this on your brick surface, as it may indicate a more serious underlying issue that could cause it to recur.
Moss
As with efflorescence, removing moss from your brick surface is relatively easy, using a bristled brush, vinegar solution, and a low-pressure rinse. However, cleaning it yourself may do more harm than good. In some cases, especially with older brickwork, moss may be deeply ingrained in the mortar joints. So, its removal may compromise the brick structure. A professional brick mason will not only eliminate the moss safely but will also ensure that the brick structure is safe after removal.
Black Algae
Over the years, your brick may darken. While you may think it is due to age, it may actually be due to the growth of black algae on the surface. This is a biological growth that can attach to the surface of your brick structure and weaken it over time. While soft washing the brick yourself is an option, it is best to leave this to a professional. Not only will they clear the gunk, but they can also recommend a masonry sealer to keep these types of organic growths at bay.
Paint
If you’ve inherited a home with painted brick and would prefer to have it restored to its original look, you may not want to take on this project alone. Purchasing a high-pressure washer or sandblaster may seem like a good idea, but it could severely damage the brick, leading to spalling and eroded mortar joints. A professional mason will know what to use to remove the paint and will also recommend any necessary repairs to keep your brickwork sound.
Grafitti
Have the neighborhood kids decided to mark up your property with graffiti? As with painted brick, you may be tempted to sandblast or use a high-PSI washer. However, removing graffiti yourself can be detrimental to your brickwork and the environment, as graffiti paint is highly toxic. Therefore, hiring a professional will keep you, the environment, and the brickwork safe.
Keep Your Brickwork Clean, Beautiful, and Durable with a Masonry Expert
If you want to protect the structural integrity and curb appeal of your brickwork, call a reputable masonry contractor like Primo Contracting to ensure the job is done right. Not only are we skilled at pressure washing brick surfaces, but we can also replace damaged areas of your brick and mortar. Our highly trained brick masons will make sure your masonry gets the proper care it needs to last a lifetime.
Based in Rochester Hills, our construction firm has been providing expert brick masonry and construction services throughout the metro Detroit area for more than 20 years. We handle everything from brick repair and custom home masonry to block walls and foundations, brick restoration, renovations, new construction, and more. Call today for a free estimate on your next masonry project.