Should A House With A Brick Exterior Be Cleaned?

Brick is a durable material that can be easily cleaned, but it also requires occasional maintenance to maintain its appearance. Both interior and exterior brick surfaces need to be cleaned, but they cannot be washed using the same method. Cleaning and restoring your home’s exterior brick walls involves removing dirt and grime without causing damage to the brick. This delicate process often requires specific brickwork cleaning solutions.

Interior brick is a beautiful addition to any home, and exposed brick is commonly seen in old houses or added to newer ones with veneers. Untreated or painted brick should be dusted or wiped down with a damp microfiber cloth at least twice a month to remove dust. Interior brick floors should be swept or vacuumed and mopped weekly.

For outdoor brick, such as used for your house’s facade, you should clean it once a year. For indoor brick around your fireplace, it is recommended to clean it once a year. Cleaning exterior brickwork, such as walls, paths, and fences, on a regular basis not only keeps the brick looking fresh and new but also increases its lifespan. Moss, mildew, and layers of dirt trap moisture that degrades the surface of the brick. Removing grime will preserve your brickwork for years to come.

This guide offers comprehensive techniques for cleaning brick surfaces safely and effectively while minimizing damage. Exterior brick walls can be cleaned of dirt using a medium to strong detergent while pressure washing. There are three effective types of cleaning solvents for brick: soapy water (for general brick cleaning), a bleach formula (for mold and mildew), or a mixture of soapy water, bleach, and water.

Brick is a rugged material that benefits from a distressed look, and aiming a power washer at it will damage it. To keep brick exteriors clean, use a product called “wet and forget it” sold at the store.

Should you seal exterior brick?

In the event of leakage or visible damage to the brickwork, it is recommended that a brick coating be considered as a potential solution. In order to prevent water damage and ensure the longevity of the brickwork, it is recommended that a brick sealant be used. This will help to maintain the appearance and durability of the brick.

Is it OK to pressure wash a brick house?

Power washing is safe for brick homes and buildings, but it is important to note that brick cannot sustain constant high pressure like concrete can. Older homes, 80 years or older, may not be able to handle high pressure. For homes less than 80 years old, it is best to use a low pressure nozzle or contact a Soft Wash Professional. High pressure on brick homes can damage grout, loosen bricks, or crack them, making them susceptible to water intrusion and safety concerns. To avoid these issues, it is recommended to use a low pressure nozzle when cleaning the home. Professional Soft Wash companies like Red Door Pro Wash use a biodegradable solution.

Should I waterproof my brick house?

Brick walls are not 100% waterproof, and even modern homes with cavity walls and impermeable materials can still be affected by penetrating damp. Damp and excess moisture can lead to internal damage and black mold. Long-term pollutants from the atmosphere, driving rain, and storms can cause corrosion, algae growth, structural integrity loss, and damage to timber elements. To protect your brick walls, use a trusted product when waterproofing, whether you’ve seen evidence of penetrating damp or are looking to reduce the risk.

How do you care for exterior brick?

Rainwater naturally removes dirt and dust from bricks, but a gentle cleaning with a soft bristle brush and a solution of detergent and water is generally enough. Pressurized water can be used for most bricks, but it should be left to professionals with experience. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, and use specialty cleaning products with buffers to prevent damage. Hairline cracks in mortar between bricks are typically cosmetic and don’t affect structural integrity or moisture-resistance. Wider cracks may indicate an underlying issue. Engage a professional to determine the cause and repair as appropriate.

Vegetation control is crucial to prevent mold or mildew growth and damage to the brickwork. Use lattice or trellis to allow vegetation to grow up the wall with less risk. Trim back any vegetation touching the brick and ensure proper drainage around the foundation. See the BIA Brick Brief on Ivy for more information.

Is it a good idea to pressure wash a brick house?

To avoid damaging brick siding, avoid high pressure washing, which can cause chipping or receding of the surface layer. Avoid using acid washing or acidic cleansers like ammonia, as they can damage the outer surface and mortar. Instead, use a soft wash method, which uses biodegradable cleansers to cut through surface contaminants and then rinse with a low-pressure water. This specialized process is best left to a fully insured professional power washing company, such as Perfect Power Wash, which uses a soft wash process for all brick siding materials. This method is safe and effective for brick homes.

How do you clean the outside of a brick house?

To clean old bricks, mix equal parts vinegar and water and apply it to a wide area. For dirty bricks, use a nylon-bristled brush. Avoid using wire brushes as they can damage bricks and mortar. Apply the vinegar and water solution and rub with a sponge mop. Rinse with warm water.

Another natural cleaning solution is baking soda and dish detergent. Mix three tablespoons of dish soap with ½ cup of baking soda and spread it on the brick. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then scrub with a soft brush. Rinse with warm water.

For exterior walls with mold, mildew, or moss, use a cup of bleach in a gallon of water and apply it to the wall with a sponge. Use a natural or nylon-bristle scrub brush to remove the growth. Rinse with water.

Power washing may seem fast and easy, but it can cause significant damage. Use safer methods to preserve bricks on historic old brick homes in D. C.

Do you need to wash a brick house?

Brick is a popular and durable material used in residential and commercial properties, but it requires regular cleaning and maintenance to maintain its longevity. Over time, pollutants like dirt, grime, oil stains, and algae can stick to brick walls. Pressure washing is often used to clean brick, but the question arises whether it is recommended. Different materials react differently to pressure washing, and not all materials can handle it. For instance, glass is fragile and cannot be cleaned using a pressure washer on high. Therefore, the decision to pressure wash brick depends on the specific needs and requirements of the building.

Do brick houses need to be cleaned?

It is recommended that homeowners clean their brick exteriors and interiors to enhance the property’s overall appeal and value. It is recommended that dirt, algae, and stains be removed from indoor brick walls and mantels, thus giving them a new appearance.

How do you maintain an exterior brick wall?

Brick requires annual cleaning and inspection. This is necessary to prevent damage, which can be caused by the use of pressure and harsh chemicals. Sealing is an effective method to prevent the deterioration of brickwork, including the formation of crumbling, mold, and staining. It is recommended that repointing be conducted every 40 years to maintain the structural integrity of the brickwork.

Can you clean external brickwork?

To clean exterior brickwork, start by cleaning the surface level with a pressure-washer or stiff brush and hot soapy water. Use the lowest power setting for a powerful cleaning solution. If the brickwork has efflorescence, brush it off before using water, as it dissolves into salts and makes it difficult to wash away. For stubborn salts, use a damp sponge.

Next, apply a fungicidal cleaner like Emperor Exterior Cleaner to the wall. This cleaner kills organic growth like algae, lichens, and mildew, preventing them from blooming on the masonry. Apply the cleaner using a brush, roller, or pump-sprayer, and let it dry for 2 hours. This kills fungus and lifts out deep, ingrained dirt. After 2 hours, wash the cleaner off with a hosepipe.

Can power washing damage brick?

Power washing brick can damage the natural waterproofing of brick, increasing the likelihood of wear and replacement over time. Brick is one of the few types of homes that can be easily damaged by power washing, so it is crucial to be careful when pressure washing to prevent damage. Power washing brick can also blast away brick mortar, making walls more susceptible to damage and water seeping into them, causing lasting damage. Additionally, power washing brick can cause water to seep into walls, making them ideal locations for fungus and mold to breed.

To minimize damage to your brick, use the right pressure and nozzle tip when power washing. A wide and soft spray with a 40-degree nozzle tip and a pressure of no higher than 1000 psi is recommended. A directed stream is also not recommended, as it can lead to damaged brick mortar and water seeping, causing the spread of fungus and mold.

In conclusion, power washing brick is a risky process that requires careful attention and use of the right pressure and nozzle tip. By following these guidelines, you can minimize the long-term damage to your brick wall and prevent the spread of mold and fungus.