How to Clean Exterior Brick
Brick homes are popular for all the right reasons. Brick homes are well-known for their timeless beauty, sophistication and charm. Indeed, brick homes are some of the best-selling abodes on the market. These homes are strong, built to last and make any neighborhood instantly attractive. While a brick home will provide massive curb appeal it is very important to consider the maintenance of the brick itself. Brick is a material that should be cleaned on a regular basis to preserve its quality. Here are a few suggestions homeowners can use to maintain the quality of their brick homes and to preserve the attractiveness of their homes in an instant.
Brick Cleaning Solutions
Bricks are made of clay and other materials that are then mixed, shaped and fired in a kiln until they are hard. While bricks are largely made by the same process, they may still come in different colors, shapes and sizes, allowing for a different aesthetic depending on what the individual brick looks like. As such, certain considerations should be made prior to cleaning the brick. There are various cleaning solutions on the market that vary depending on the type of brick being cleaned. For example, there are masonry cleaning solutions made specifically for red bricks whereas other solutions are made specifically for light colored and white bricks. These solutions also vary from very mild detergents to stronger detergents that may be needed for stubborn dirt and grime.
Dirt Accumulations
There are three types of accumulations that often need to be removed from brick surfaces. They are efflorescence, dirt from outside elements and mildew. Efflorescence is a salt-based coating that accumulates on bricks over time. This accumulation usually indicates there is a moisture issue. There is also environmental dirt which comes from the elements—weather, wildlife, etc. This type of dirt can work itself into the stone over time. Lastly, there is mildew. Mildew likes moist, porous surfaces such as brick. Mildew should be taken very seriously as it can sometimes be toxic. If ever in doubt over the presence of mildew, consult with a local outdoor cleaning service in NJ; a top New Jersey outdoor cleaning company will recommend safe ways to clean the exterior of your home and enhance your home’s natural beauty.
How to Clean
Once the appropriate cleaning solution has been chosen the appropriate tools must then be used. It is very important to avoid high power pressure washing on brick exteriors. While power washing is a great way to clean many other exteriors such as vinyl or wood sidings, this cleaning method can be detrimental for brick and should be avoided. This is especially true for deteriorating or crumbling brick which can be further damaged by the intensity of power washer. Additionally, power washing has been known to drive the dirt even deeper into the brick so it is not a very effective cleaning mechanism for this type of material.
Instead of power washing, which can be very abrasive, the best way to clean brick is to use a bristled brush coupled with the appropriate solution and a rinse of water. Avoid using metal brushes when cleaning brick masonry. Metal brushes can scrape the brick or even leave rust marks that may show up later on. Only use stiff bristled brushes that are sensitive to this type of material. Once an appropriate brush has been purchased, follow the instructions that came with the cleaning solution for the best application. Most cleaning solutions have the following steps:
Brick is a very durable material. Even though brick will last for years, it should still be given special attention from time to time. While brick is a very firm material, it does require a good cleaning at least once per year. Grime and dirt can be removed quickly and easily from brick with a little bit of elbow grease. The brick can even be restored to its original quality with the right cleaning solutions and tools. Maintaining the exterior of a home will increase its value and greatly enhance the visual appeal of the home. Bring back the beautiful luster of brick and preserve the masonry of the home today by following these easy and effective tips and tricks.
Brick Cleaning Solutions
Bricks are made of clay and other materials that are then mixed, shaped and fired in a kiln until they are hard. While bricks are largely made by the same process, they may still come in different colors, shapes and sizes, allowing for a different aesthetic depending on what the individual brick looks like. As such, certain considerations should be made prior to cleaning the brick. There are various cleaning solutions on the market that vary depending on the type of brick being cleaned. For example, there are masonry cleaning solutions made specifically for red bricks whereas other solutions are made specifically for light colored and white bricks. These solutions also vary from very mild detergents to stronger detergents that may be needed for stubborn dirt and grime.
Dirt Accumulations
There are three types of accumulations that often need to be removed from brick surfaces. They are efflorescence, dirt from outside elements and mildew. Efflorescence is a salt-based coating that accumulates on bricks over time. This accumulation usually indicates there is a moisture issue. There is also environmental dirt which comes from the elements—weather, wildlife, etc. This type of dirt can work itself into the stone over time. Lastly, there is mildew. Mildew likes moist, porous surfaces such as brick. Mildew should be taken very seriously as it can sometimes be toxic. If ever in doubt over the presence of mildew, consult with a local outdoor cleaning service in NJ; a top New Jersey outdoor cleaning company will recommend safe ways to clean the exterior of your home and enhance your home’s natural beauty.
How to Clean
Once the appropriate cleaning solution has been chosen the appropriate tools must then be used. It is very important to avoid high power pressure washing on brick exteriors. While power washing is a great way to clean many other exteriors such as vinyl or wood sidings, this cleaning method can be detrimental for brick and should be avoided. This is especially true for deteriorating or crumbling brick which can be further damaged by the intensity of power washer. Additionally, power washing has been known to drive the dirt even deeper into the brick so it is not a very effective cleaning mechanism for this type of material.
Instead of power washing, which can be very abrasive, the best way to clean brick is to use a bristled brush coupled with the appropriate solution and a rinse of water. Avoid using metal brushes when cleaning brick masonry. Metal brushes can scrape the brick or even leave rust marks that may show up later on. Only use stiff bristled brushes that are sensitive to this type of material. Once an appropriate brush has been purchased, follow the instructions that came with the cleaning solution for the best application. Most cleaning solutions have the following steps:
- Working in sections, wet the brick with the cleaning solution.
- Scrub the solution into the brick with the bristled brush.
- Let the solution do its job by penetrating the brick for a few minutes
- Rinse with water
- After the brick dries, repeat these steps if necessary (stubborn stains may need a second cleaning. On the other hand, if the solution is too strong for the brick, dilute it with water for a milder cleaning experience).
Brick is a very durable material. Even though brick will last for years, it should still be given special attention from time to time. While brick is a very firm material, it does require a good cleaning at least once per year. Grime and dirt can be removed quickly and easily from brick with a little bit of elbow grease. The brick can even be restored to its original quality with the right cleaning solutions and tools. Maintaining the exterior of a home will increase its value and greatly enhance the visual appeal of the home. Bring back the beautiful luster of brick and preserve the masonry of the home today by following these easy and effective tips and tricks.