The Importance of Regular Brick and Stone Cleaning

By Published On: May 22nd, 2023
Thumbnail image of red brick house getting cleaned

Regular Brick and Stone Cleaning

Brick and stone surfaces can add a beautiful and timeless look to any property, but over time they can become dirty and stained. Regular cleaning is important to maintain their appearance and prevent damage. Learn about the benefits of brick and stone cleaning and how to properly care for these surfaces.

Before and after of the cleaning of Boriss house gatehouse

The benefits of regular cleaning, including improved appearance and longevity.

Regular cleaning of your brick and stone surfaces can provide numerous benefits, including improved appearance and longevity. By removing dirt and grime buildup, you can restore the natural beauty of your surfaces and prevent discoloration and staining. Additionally, regular cleaning can help prevent structural damage caused by the buildup of harmful substances. It’s important to use the right cleaning methods and products to ensure that your surfaces are properly maintained and protected.

Different cleaning methods for different types of brick and stone.

Not all brick and stone surfaces are created equal, and therefore, they require different cleaning methods. For example, soft brick and stone surfaces require a gentler approach to avoid damage, while harder surfaces can withstand more aggressive cleaning methods. It’s important to consult with a professional to determine the best cleaning method for your specific surfaces. Additionally, using the wrong cleaning products can cause damage and discoloration, so it’s important to use products that are specifically designed for your surfaces.

Some systems we use for various materials and projects :

DOFF System

  • The Doff superheated steam cleaning system is designed to gently remove paint, all biological matter and general dirt and grime without causing any harm to the substrate.
  • Whilst the temperature in the system is high, the pressure on the surface is very gentle and water volume is low. The surface is therefore not saturated and will be dry within minutes.
  • As the Doff uses super-heated steam, there are no harmful chemicals being used. Pressure can be adjusted by trained operators to deal with more stubborn staining.
  • This work can usually be carried out using a cherry picker.

TORC Conservation Cleaning System

  • The TORC system was developed to enable the gentle, safe and effective cleaning of historic buildings and their particularly delicate and friable surfaces.
  • The TORC system combines compressed air, fine abrasive and water and is best suited to the removal of brittle soilings and coatings.
  • The TORC system creates a gentle swirling vortex using a mixture of low air pressure, little water and a safe inert fine granulate.
  • A range of abrasives are available for the TORC system, but only Calcite, Dolomite or Calcium Carbonate are recommended when cleaning is carried out adjacent to a water course.
  • The system and abrasives used are ideal for carbon removal as well as paint and plaster residues.
  • The removable nozzle cone can easily be changed to suit larger areas and a smaller nozzle cone can be used for more intricate detail such as elaborate capitals or rustications.

Full Chemical Clean

  • A full chemical clean generally involves the erection of a scaffold and a full Monoflec wrap protection.
  • All surfaces excluding the surface to be treated are protected.
  • Bricks are pre-washed using a mild detergent and then chemically cleaned using an appropriate chemical, taking into consideration the surface and the contamination.
  • A chemical clean can removes decades of soiling build up including paint and carbon.
  • A chemical clean will dramatically enhance the appearance of your facade.
  • Collection of chemicals also protection of all glass, etc.
Before and After photo of red brick and stone cleaned by TORC system

Hiring a professional cleaning service for best results.

While it may be tempting to try and clean your brick or stone surfaces yourself, hiring a professional cleaning service is the best way to ensure the job is done correctly and safely. Professionals have the knowledge, experience, and equipment necessary to clean your surfaces without causing damage. They can also recommend the best cleaning products and methods for your specific surfaces. Regular cleaning by a professional service can help maintain the appearance and value of your property.

Maintaining clean surfaces through regular upkeep and preventative measures.

Regular cleaning and preventative measures are crucial for maintaining the appearance and value of your brick or stone surfaces. By scheduling regular cleaning with a professional service, you can prevent this buildup and keep your surfaces looking their best. Additionally, applying sealant or protective coatings can help prevent future damage and make cleaning easier. Don’t wait until your surfaces are visibly dirty – invest in regular upkeep to keep them looking great.

Get in touch

If you are working on a similar project we would love to hear about it. Dont hesitate to call us or send in the details of your project through our contact page at  https://pmac.ie/contact-pmac/

PMAC is a registered Heritage Contractor and a link to the site can be found below.

https://heritageregistration.ie/heritage-contractors-listing/

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