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October 29, 2008
Power Wash for brick wall
Have any of you power washed your brick walls? I got a quote that seems high - do you remember roughly how much you paid?
Anyone you would recommned?
Or if you had a terrible experience please tell.
Thanks,
Ray
Comments
Is it OK to powerwash brick? Since it is porous, wouldn't you be forcing water into the brick and any gaps in the joints? I've heard of steam cleaning and chemical cleaning.
Posted by: cornetor at October 29, 2008 1:32 PM
Its generally OK to power wash brick walls, you just need to control the pressure. Very old brick (pre-1830,say) should not be power washed, as it is significantly softer than more modern brick. Brick is porous, so any water that is forced in will come out. Power washing should not remove the outer skin of the brick (the fire skin). Also, pointing should be done with a soft mortar. You want the mortar to "fail" before the brick does - the mortar should be sacrificial to the brick.
Federal historic guidelines for power washing limit you to about 150 p.s.i. (very, very, low - your contractor will laugh at you if you suggest this). Local guideline are in the 500 to 800 p.s.i. range.
BTW - steam cleaning uses pressure, and chemical cleaning needs to be rinsed with a power washer.
Posted by: WBer at October 29, 2008 3:31 PM
remember when the water starts removing the top layer of brick, that is no longer cleaning but rather destroying.
Posted by: sam at October 29, 2008 4:58 PM
Thanks all.
Posted by: Ray at October 30, 2008 9:43 AM
Right, Sam - if you see a river of red brick dust coming off your building and flowing into the gutter, stop!
Posted by: WBer at October 31, 2008 12:36 AM
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