5 Tips on New Masonry Cleaning

Pressure washing new masonry is an important step in the building process that shouldn’t be overlooked. Not only does cleaning the brick, block or stone remove excess mortar or other binding materials but it will bring out the natural beauty of the building product.

And though a good cleaning will bring out the natural beauty, improper cleaning can damage the brick, block or stone surface beyond repair. Here are a few tips to assist you in hiring a professional contractor to clean your building exterior:

1. Never begin cleaning until the mortar is cured – the best time to clean your building project is 14 – 28 days after construction is complete. If you begin washing too soon, before the mortar is dry, it is likely joint damage may incur. But on the other hand if you wait too long, mortar and grout smears get harder to clean the longer they set.
2. Always perform a test spot first – you’ll know you are working with a professional pressure washer if they insist on doing a test spot first. This is a critical step in the process and will uncover any possible issues before the project begins. The test panel will serve as the general job standard.
3. Never, ever sand blast or use muriatic acid when cleaning brick, block or stone – both of these methods will damage the surfaces. Blasting the surface will etch the brick and mortar joints and can leave the masonry vulnerable to weather-related decay. The same is true with using muriatic acid. It can also etch, bleach and stain the masonry, leaving new metallic stains.
4. Low-pressure washing should be used to apply detergents – your professional pressure washing contractor will use low water pressure to apply the cleaning detergents to the surface. This technique will results in no stains to the brick, block or stone.
5. Rinse thoroughly – it’s important to rinse thoroughly to remove all cleaning agents. If the detergents are not removed properly, they can leave stains if left to dry.

Your pressure washing professional will be best qualified to walk you through the new masonry cleaning process. To learn more about new masonry cleaning please call your local Sparkle Wash Pressure Washing location.