Can you pressure-wash bricks? Does pressure washing work for brick surfaces? Take a closer inspection.
Is it OK to pressure wash a brick house?
Brick is used for many commercial and residential properties. Brick can be used to enhance the look of a building. It is also more durable than other materials. As with any other material, bricks require regular cleaning and maintenance in order to remain durable. Brick walls can become contaminated with all kinds of pollutants over time. From dirt to grime, oil stains to algae. When it comes to cleaning brick walls, most people immediately think about pressure washing.
You can certainly use a power washer. The real question is whether you should. Should you pressure-wash a brick home?
Different materials respond differently to pressure cleaning. Not all materials are able to withstand pressure washing, which uses high-pressure water jets to blast dirt and debris away. Glass is fragile and cannot be cleaned with a high-pressure washer. What about bricks? Does it make sense to pressure-wash brick?
In general, yes. Cleaning bricks with pressure washing is effective and efficient. It is not impervious to high pressure levels. Brick is not as durable as concrete and cannot withstand high pressure. This is true especially for older brick houses that are not in the best shape.
Can You Power Wash Brick Walls?
The temperature is the main difference between power washing and pressure washing. Pressure washing uses non-heated water, while power washing uses steam and hot water to clean surfaces. Heat is more effective in cleaning oil and grease stains.
Can you power-wash a brick home? Brick can withstand hot water?
Yes, in a word. Power washing brick and masonry is possible. Hot water and steam are more effective for a thorough cleaning. Power washing, along with a good cleaning solution, can restore a brick’s surface to its original condition.
Brick cleaning is important
Bricks are low-maintenance and popular with homeowners. For bricks to look good and last a long time, they don’t need any paint or other treatments. They are also long-lasting, reliable, and durable.
Low maintenance doesn’t mean “no upkeep.” Brick can still get dirty, just like any other building material. Other pollutants, such as algae, mildew, and grease, can also adhere to or grow on brick. These pollutants can be a health risk and age the appearance of the property, lowering its value and appeal.
Pressure Washing Tips
It is easy to clean your brick house by pressure washing it. It is important to not go into this blindly. If you want to achieve outstanding results, without damaging brick walls, then you must be well-informed. Here are some Myrtle Beach pressure washing tips on how to effectively pressure wash brick walls.
1. Avoid High Pressure
Brick is durable, but not so much that it can withstand extreme pressure. A pressure that is too high can cause damage to the brick or the grout which holds it together. The bricks may become loose, causing the wall to be unstable. This can cause the wall to be more susceptible to water penetration, further weakening it.
Start with low pressure at 500 PSI when washing brick houses. You can then work your way upwards, but it’s best to not exceed 2000 PSI. The right nozzle tip is essential. Use a wide nozzle to avoid concentrating water in one place. This can crack bricks or grout. The best nozzle is one that spreads the water.
2. Keep the right distance
When pressure washing bricks, even if you use a lower-pressure setting and a larger nozzle to wash the surface, staying too near can cause damage. When pressure washing, distance is crucial. If you aim the wand at the brick surface too closely, it will use more force. A suitable distance between the wand, and the surface is enough to remove dirt and debris.
3. Say No to Muriatic Acid
It is possible that you feel tempted to clean your brick home with muriatic acids. Muriatic acid will only damage the surface of your brick house and break down the mortar joints. The water will enter the mortar and weaken its condition, causing it to crumble. If the bricks are extremely dirty, do not use muriatic or other harmful solutions like ammonia or drain cleaners.
4. Use a brush instead of power tools
Brick cleaning can sometimes require some elbow grease. You should use a lower PSI to wash bricks to avoid damaging them. But, a lower PSI level does not always eliminate stubborn filth. You will need a brush for this.
Use a brush with nylon or natural bristles when cleaning brick. Brick walls should never be cleaned with a power tool or wire brush. Wire brushes can leave metal bits behind. These metal pieces will rust over time and stain bricks. Power tools and wire brushes are also too harsh. These tools can remove paint and finish, leaving an uneven appearance.
Hire the pros to pressure wash a brick house
It is better to hire an expert than do it yourself. Professional pressure washers can inspect surfaces before cleaning them and make recommendations. The job can be done in half the time and with little to no damage. Professionals have access to the best equipment and cleaning supplies that local home improvement stores don’t.
Call K&M Pressure Washing LLC now if you require professional brick-pressure cleaning.