Jack Pixley's Homeowner's Guide

RED BRICK—TEXTURED & SMOOTH

• This category includes all red through-the-brick.

• Brick in this category may be cleaned by the bucket and brush method, high water pressure method, or by sandblasting. In the two “wet” systems, a 10% solution or muriatic acid or approved commercial cleaning compounds may be used.

RED BRICK—HEAVY SAND FINISH

• This category includes all red through-the-body brick with various applied heavy sand finish faces.

• Brick in this category may best be cleaned by the bucket and brush method, using plain water and scrub brush or with lightly applied high pressure water system, using plan water. Sandblast cleaning is not recommended. If mortar stains are excessive, use of cleaning compounds may be required.

BROWN BRICK (Manganese Body), IRON-SPOT, GRAY, BUFF & WHITE

• This category includes all textured and sand finish brick with through-the-body colors other than natural red.

• Brick in this category may be cleaned by the bucket and brush method or by lightly applied high pressure water system. Sandlblast cleaning is also recommended except in the cases where heavy sand finish is involved. In the two wet cleaning systems, no muriatic acid may be used. Only plain water and detergent or Sure Klean Vanatrol or Equal may be used.

SPECIALTY CLEANING                   

• White Efflorescence—White efflorescence is a water-soluble salt that is brought to the surface or masonry by                 evaporation of either construction water or by evaporation or rain water that has penetrated the wall.

 Water used in mortar, grout, etc. will sometimes cause this “new building bloom.” As the wall dries out and as successive rains wash the wall, the “bloom” should disappear.

If the masonry has received its regular cleaning and white efflorescence appears or reappears, no further action should be taken until the wall has had an opportunity to dry out completely. Application of additional cleaning solutions may only aggravate the problem at this point. Also, application or clear waterproofing materials at this time may lock in moisture and crystalline growth, causing more scumming and possible spalling of brick.

If efflorescence stains persist, it is likely that rainwater is penetrating the wall. An inspection of the stained areas should be made to determine if sizeable cracks or openings exist, permitting water penetration. Faulty flashing or a lack of flashing will contribute to staining.

Any large openings should be repaired. Where only very fine hairline cracks are assumed to be allowing water penetration a clear waterproofing application may be the only solution to the problem, short of a complete tuck pointing job.

Before applying waterproofing materials, all possible repairs should be made and all efflorescence removed. This may be removed by applying plain water and brushing the affected area. If water fails to remove stain, use diluted solution or commercial cleaning compounds such as Sure Clean Vanatrol for all others. Allow entire wall to dry out completely (over a period of little or no rainfall) before applying waterproofing solutions.

• Green Stains—Green staining is caused by the presence of vanadium salts. Color and solubility of these salts are dependent upon acidity of the brick. Very often green stains are brought about by incorrect use of muriatic acid or compounds containing muriatic acid. When green stains appear, the brick manufacturer should be consulted before attempting to remove the stain.

• Green stains may be removed by using Sure Klean 800 Stain Remover, or if the bricks have been silicone-treated, use Sure Klean Ferrous Stain Remove or Equal.