We added a P.S. to the post covering our new house numbers last week, seeking suggestions and services for washing brick. In addition to Night Eagle's DIY suggestion using Krud Kutter...
...we also tracked down Chicago-based Webb Masonry Restoration, Inc., which offers not only brick cleaning (through chemical washing, sand water or hydro blasting, steam cleaning, sandblasting), but also tuckpointing and other repair services.
Anyone used Webb before? As for what method to use for washing the brick, we want the best option that is simultaneously most effective and the least damaging. Our research continues...
Check out Webb's gallery here.
Webb Masonry Restoration, Inc.
5623 N Glenwood Ave, Chicago, IL 60660, USA
773.989.7389
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Comments (6)
What's going on with the stuff that looks like taupe-colored tape in all the mortar on the left?
yeah, the left side looks not so good.
This is not necessarily the greenest option but a solution of muriatic acid and water, (respiratory and skin protection) with a good scrub brush will do the trick. The acid will clean the brick and then it can be hosed off.
If you need respiratory and skin protection, I think it's safe to say that it is not at all a green option. Why not stop and consider the cost-benefit of environmental and potential health damage versus prettier brick?
Sand-blasting brick??? Are you nuts? And they call themselves a masonry restoration company? Wha....
Seriously, do some research on the dangers of abrasive cleaning techniques for masonry.
The Historic Chicago Bungalow Association offers several how-to seminars and tip sheets, including one on masonry cleaning.
http://www.chicagobungalow.org/restore/howto.shtml
The discussion forum has several recommendations for brick work. We are getting our kneewalls rebuilt by AAA-1 Masonry and Tuckpointing. Not only has runoff from the neighbor's downspout caused the kneewalls to buckle, but when they repoured the concrete stairs they got concrete all over the facebrick. I think the plan is to scrape it off. I am so nervous!