Brick has been a popular choice for generations because of its durability and timeless look. Bricks have been a preferred choice for building construction because of their strength, availability, and low maintenance cost. Originally, bricks were made of clay only, but now, with the evolution of time and technology, we also have chemically cured bricks like sand lime bricks.
When it comes to the advantages, having a brick house offers numerous benefits.
- Bricks Are Energy Efficient. Brick walls keep your house from extreme cold and heat.
- Bricks are durable. Buildings made up of bricks age very slowly.
- Brick is a sustainable building material that supports the environment with its green nature.
- Due to their unique natural coloring, bricks take a long time to show any mark of dirt build-up or stains.
Brick is a beautiful material that can easily elevate the appearance of your home while offering more durability than other materials. But it also requires thorough cleaning and maintenance with time. Over time, harsh pollutants like dirt, algae, lichen, and mold can stick to the surface, spoiling the beauty of your exterior. To restore the elegance and freshness of your brick house, you need to opt for an out-performing option like pressure washing.
Can You Pressure Wash a Brick House?
For decades, brick has been a trendy building material for commercial and residential construction. Although brick requires low- maintenance, maintaining the pristine appearance of a brick house is often a challenge for homeowners, especially when dealing with dirt and mold that accumulate over time.
Brick is a porous yet durable construction material. It is absolutely safe to pressure wash or power wash a brick house. Professionals actually recommend pressure washing for brick houses. But instead of going blind, let us first discuss some aspects you need to consider before pressure washing your brick home.
Dos And Don’ts of Pressure Washing Brick House?
Pressure washing is a great way to clean brick surfaces. But you need to take some precautions before pressure washing your brick house. Moreover, it is also You need to use the correct settings and the proper techniques for pressure washing. Make sure that your bricks are in good condition because high-pressure water can easily harm old or damaged bricks.
1. Avoid High Pressure
Always use the correct pressure setting. High-pressure settings can damage the brick and cause it to chip or recede. Begin with a low-pressure setting at 500 PSI. You can gradually increase the pressure, but do not exceed 500 PSI.
Remember, bricks can’t tolerate constant high pressure, as they may rip off the grout or chunks of bricks. Hold the nozzle at a suitable angle. Avoid spraying directly at windows and doors, and prefer a nozzle that fans water to wash your brick wall without exerting extra pressure.
2. Say No to Harsh Chemicals.
Don’t use harsh, acidic cleaners. Harsh chemicals like muriatic acid can eat away at the outer surface and chip away the mortar, reducing its life span. Weaken mortar joints allow water to seep into the mortar, weaken it, and cause it to crumble over time.
3. Don’t Use a Wire Brush or Power Tools
Power tools like rotating brushes and turbo nozzles can cause cracks in bricks and mortar disintegration.
We understand that tackling stubborn dirt may require extra effort, but instead of using harsh methods, use a low-power PSI level to wash the bricks, along with a nylon or natural bristle brush to scrub off the dirt. With a bit of care, you can effectively clean your brick house, without compromising the appearance and safety of your brick house.
Steps for Pressure Washing a Brick Surface
Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to pressure washing your brick surface. Each step is designed to make your work easy and efficient, ensuring that you can clean your brick house effectively without any hassle. Let’s explore it.
Step 1: Prepare for Pressure Washing
Before you start pressure washing your brick surface, you must prepare the surrounding area. You must remove any furniture, planters, or objects from the area. Close all the windows and doors nearby, and don’t forget to turn off and cover any electrical outlets with plastic.
Step 2: Safety Measures
Always wear protective gear before pressure washing. This simple step ensures your safety and gives you peace of mind as you embark on the cleaning process.
Step 3: Apply an Appropriate Cleaning Solution
You must select the right cleaning solution as recommended by brick manufacturers. Apply the cleaning solution and let the detergent sit for a few minutes to break up surface dirt and stains. Always read the instructions on the cleaning solution and follow the recommended dilution ratio. As discussed earlier, do not use harsh chemicals.
Step 5: Remove the Cleaning Solution
Once the solution has had time to work, use your pressure washer on a high setting to rinse it off. Start at the top of the brick surface and work your way down.
Step 6: Finishing Up
It’s time to give a final shower with plain water. Power washing your brick wall will help to remove any remaining cleaning solution and ensure that no residue is left behind. Once you have rinsed off the surface, give it time to dry and apply a brick sealer if needed.
Call Professionals to Power Wash your Brick House
When it comes to power washing, expertise always rules. A professional pressure washer can do a lot of things to maintain the pristine beauty and value of your home. A professional pressure washer can:
- Look out for gaps or cracks in the brick wall.
- Seal any damage or loose mortar.
- Assess the age of your construction and pressure wash your brick house accordingly.
- Professionals have the right equipment and cleaning products that you can’t find at local home improvement stores.
So, hiring professional pressure washers, like TN Wash Service, will do the best for you.
Conclusive Thoughts
Brick is not only a durable building material but also an environment-friendly material that can add elegance and charm to your house. Being porous in nature, dirt and other pollutants can sneak into every crack and pore to diminish its beauty and also pose health risks.
Throughout the guide, we walk you through the effectiveness of pressure washing for brick houses. There is nothing wrong with washing brick walls by yourself, but opting for professional washers is the best option. With all the tools and training for safe pressure washing a brick surface, professional washers give their best to restore the elegance and freshness of your brick house.
