How to Clean Brickwork – Exterior Cleaning Services

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Brickwork cleaning- a comprehensive guide

Bricks are robust materials and would seem not to require much maintenance at all. However, decades of exposure to organic and inorganic pollutants begin to take its toll on brick façades, with these pollutants building up on the surface of the brick. If left untreated, these problems can become more severe, particularly in the case of inorganic build-ups, which can dig into the brick’s membrane and cause permanent staining. To avoid this, a thorough brickwork cleaning is required to lift off inorganic pollutants and kill algae and lichen growth.

Both residential and commercial properties can benefit greatly from a thorough brickwork cleaning service.

Clean bricks enhance the image of the building, setting a tone of cleanliness and organisation, generating a great first impression on everyone who sees it, whether they are just passing by or have a more permanent capacity within the building.

On residential properties in particular, removing long-standing pollutants from the bricks can have a great effect on the value of the house, frequently much more than the cost of the work itself!

How to Clean a Brickwork: Removing Stains, Moss and Algae

As mentioned, two types of pollutants commonly affect bricks; the first is inorganic, and this bracket includes mostly soot off roads and nearby areas. This effect materialises as a dark matte black stain on the brick, it is prevalent in areas that either did in the past or still do host heavy industry and traffic, like Manchester, and is the result of carbon in the air settling on the bricks.

Carbon staining requires an intensive cleaning process, usually with a variety of specific detergents being applied to the face of the brick, combined with a scrubbing of the brick with commercial brushes.

The detergents disrupt the bond of the soot and weaken the attachment to the clay of the brick. This process requires several treatments to remove stubborn carbon staining and must be conducted in tandem with a power washing to lift and then remove the staining.

In our experience, this part of the job displays the most dramatic results, with the removed carbon running down the walls, exhibiting a “waterfall effect”.

Organic pollutants do not require the same level of intensity in their treatment. Instead, an adapted approach is taken. Algae growth is the most common type of organic issue related to brickwork cleaning and is usually seen in areas with a considerable amount of nearby greenery, whose spores are carried in the wind onto the face of a brick.

Because bricks spend much of their life wet this further acts as a catalyst for algae growth and some brick facades are entirely covered by algae growth.

Lichen growth is another organic pollutant that regularly affects bricks, it usually takes longer to build up and appears as brittle circular growths on the face of the brick.

They usually appear either lime green in more juvenile cases and then turn turquoise or white in more developed colonies.

To deal with this we use a biocide solution, designed to kill the colony at the root, and one that consistently provides strong results.

Using bleach or another solution that is not a biocide may not have the same effect, a biocide works to kill the organic growth at its root, destroying the membrane of the cells making up the growth.

Bleach does not have this effect, not necessarily destroying the cell membrane and possibly just changing the colour of the growth. Particularly against brittle lichen, a biocide is much preferable.

Brick cleaning is an intensive process, and the best team will have access to various tools to provide the best results. This would include water-fed poles first to apply the chemicals and then provide a good brushing to clear away dirt after the chemical treatment.

Chris Spruce Cleaning Service ltd
SD Office, 491 Wight Moss Way, Southport PR84 ZZ
Phone: 0800 0933 267
Email: info@cleaning-service.uk.com
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As mentioned, highly specific chemicals and detergents and a team with the expertise to mix and apply the correct chemicals at the right times will also be needed. High-power pressure washers are also essential to provide a more intense option for brushing and is most effective at removing determined pollutants and grime.

For jobs where height is an added consideration, the team should also have access to elevated work platforms (cherry pickers), from which the team can more accurately apply detergent and use power washers.

Again, you should ensure that the team you trust with your brick is certified to operate such machinery to guarantee health and safety.

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Brickwork Cleaning FAQ’s

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about our Brick cleaning services:-

What is the best way to clean brickwork?

The most effective methods utilise a blend of great hands-on experience combined with the best possible equipment. Equipment such as chemical solutions, power washers, and water-fed poles are vital for any job to be tackled, but the experience is what allows us to provide the best outcome and gives us the flexibility to complete any variety of jobs.

Can I clean brickwork myself?

Very unlikely, as mentioned, the equipment itself has a high set-up cost and requires a highly experienced team to use the equipment safely and effectively. Frequently, people damage their brick facades by trying to do it by themselves.

Should you pressure wash the brick?

Pressure washing brick is essential because it is the best method to remove carbon staining after the solution has weakened the membrane of the stain. It acts to lift off the stain in a way that cannot be replicated by anything else. Too much power and pressure can damage bricks and pointing. However, our team is experienced and understands their machinery, meaning our method keeps your brick safe, whilst guaranteeing the best results.

Adaptability is crucial to a successful brick cleaning, a good team will always work to fit in with your schedule, keep you informed of the process and ensure that all work is conducted safely. Speed is essential when brickwork cleaning, whether the job is commercial or residential; efficient teams will work to cause minimal disruption to your schedule.

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Meet the Founder: Committed to delivering exceptional results for every property in North-West!

– 20+ years of experience in exterior cleaning.

– Personally involved in every cleaning project to ensure 100% satisfaction.