Brick Paver Cleaning, Sealing and Brick Restoration
Some of the most common issues with bricks and/or mortar is water drip stains, bacteria growth, efflorescence issues and general decay. These problems need to be addressed from both a cleaning and repair perspective to preserve the brick.
Brick siding is probably the oldest type of material used for homes today. A brick home can last several lifetimes if taken care of properly and requires basic maintenance to ensure longevity. However, there can be issues with bricks and mortar caused from the manufacturing process, assembly, weathering, deferred maintenance, or improper care.
Pressure Washing Bricks is a Bad Idea
Many people believe it’s OK to pressure wash brick, however there are big concerns using high water pressure.
Depending on the problem with the bricks, there are several options for cleaning brick surfaces. If you need high water pressure, we recommend using a hot power washing method. This method of boiling hot water temperatures assist with the cleaning and allows the nozzle to be positioned far away without relying on the water pressure alone.
Cleaning Bricks Safely with SoftWash
SoftWash is another method for cleaning bricks, but it depends on what is wrong with the surface and is mostly done for removing bacteria such as algae, lichen, and moss. This treatment almost always works on bacteria, results are usually immediate and one of the most effective ways to clean the surface without damage due to low water pressure method.
We often recommend sealing brick surfaces to protect against these issues, and this process can be done when a home is just built or after the surface is cleaned. Sealed bricks can be protected between 5-20 years depending on many factors such as age, condition, applicator, and sealer type.
Brick Sealing
Right Way’s brick sealing is done with a high performance penetrating sealer that seals and waterproofs bricks while maintaining a completely natural appearance. The water-based products we use work 100% below the surface to protect from within the brick. The sealants leave no film or coating on the surface, and will not flake or peel.
Brick Restoration Services
There are many other situations where bricks may need restoration, masonry work, strippers, staining, etc. and should all be inspected prior to formalizing a solution to each individual problem.
Unfortunately, we have seen many vendors make matters worse with brick surfaces they treated and tried to clean. We have seen destroyed mortar, chipped brick tiles, stained surfaces, etched marks and corrosive bricks due to improper cleaning, repair and restoration techniques.
Right Way have many years experience with brick restoration and would be happy to provide you with a FREE ESTIMATE for our brick restoration services.
See some of our amazing brick restoration results in the photo gallery below.
Cleaning Efflorescence from Bricks
Efflorescence occurs when salt deposit is left on the outside of bricks and can be caused from the outer layer of bricks or expelled from the inside of the bricks.
Efflorescence removal requires testing to confirm that it is just salt secretion and not other similar issues such as calcium or calcite build up. Once tested and confirmed, the treatment requires specific products to remove the salt deposit without hurting the bricks themselves.
Treating the bricks and removing the issue along with sealing the bricks afterwards with a water based breathable solution will resolve the problem long term.
Request a FREE Brick Cleaning or Brick Restoration Estimate Today
OR CALL NOW TO SPEAK WITH AN EXPERT (630) 800-4530
Cleaning Bricks with Acid Wash
Acid Wash is a much more aggressive solution and can damage bricks if not done properly - and if the acid is not neutralized.
Brick is porous, and generally not sealed by the manufacturer or installers so damaging the brick with an acid wash will speed up decay. Acid wash is also very risky for the individuals performing the task and should use personal protective equipment (PPE).
We only recommend acid wash for bricks under specific conditions and only using experienced company to perform the work.
RIGHT WAY POWER WASHING
