When it comes time to clean your masonry, it’s absolutely essential that you take the time to do it right. Masonry is fairly low-maintenance, but does require regular upkeep from time to time. If you don’t understand proper cleaning techniques, you run the risk of permanently altering its appearance or damaging your structure. We’ve prepared a list of helpful hints to take note of when giving your masonry one last final cleaning before winter hits.
We’ve prepared a list of helpful hints to take note of when giving your masonry one last final cleaning before winter hits.
Masonry Cleaning Tips and Tricks
- Do tests before you dive in.
Before you dive into your cleaning project, you should always do a test beforehand. Try out your cleaning product beforehand – on different stains, on different brick colors, and in different places. Cleaning chemicals and stains can be very different and not one-size-fits-all. Make sure you’re testing in an inconspicuous area and give it time to dry before you make a decision.
- Sandblasting and muriatic acid are not your friends.
Sometimes, people who don’t know any better will clean their bricks the same way they’d clean their concrete. Muriatic acid and sandblasting can severely damage your brick and mortar.
- Use masonry-specific cleaners
You can’t just go at masonry with any old cleaner. You need the right chemicals in order to make things look good and produce uniform results. Ask Del Prete Masonry for recommendations – or better yet, have us do your masonry restoration for you!
- Pre-wet your surfaces and use a low-pressure spray
High pressure can damage any masonry structure, as they push the cleaner in too deeply where it cannot be rinsed out. Pre-wetting the masonry’s surface allows the chemicals to soak into any stains without causing damage. Make sure you rinse thoroughly and scrub with a sponge or toothbrush if necessary.
Del Prete Masonry
For any questions regarding new masonry construction, feel free to contact Del Prete Masonry. Our masonry restoration professionals have the experience and history of satisfied clients to prove that we’ll get the job done right, and cost-effectively. To get started with your masonry restoration project, please contact our office today at 410-683-0650 or email us at mike@delpretemasonry.com. We serve Baltimore City, County, Harford County, Carroll County, Anne Arundel County, and Howard County. Keep up with our blog for masonry related information, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.