Brick And Siding Cleaning

Brick Cleaning

When it comes to brick cleaning, pressure washing is usually the normal method used by most pressure washing contractors.  In some cases, lighter pressure, or soft washing must be used, especially for siding cleaning.  Most brick can handle a psi of 3,500 or less, like concrete cleaning.  Now the thing that most pressure washing contractors don’t account for is weak mortar in between the bricks.  Many of the older homes in our communities have softer brick, and must be cleaned very carefully to prevent damage.

If you hire a pressure washing company that has the knowledge to properly perform these cleanings, then they should know the proper ways to test the mortar before cleaning an area.  Time after time we have been called out to a property to fix areas that a fly by night pressure washing company, or a homeowner themselves have damaged.  Many times we can correct the problem, many times the damage is too severe to correct without replacing the brick and mortar.  We recommend that if you do not know the proper techniques of pressure washing, then you call us beforehand.  Even if you plan to clean it yourself, we will be happy to come out and give you tips on doing it properly.

Efflorescence on brick is a problem with many buildings and homes.  Most of the time, efflorescence is caused by sprinklers that are not adjusted properly, and are spraying against the side of the house or building.  Always make it a priority to check your sprinklers to make sure they are spraying in the proper direction.  Efflorescence removal is a costly, and simple prevention checks can save you a lot of costly removal fees.  See our efflorescence web page for more information on the aspects and removal of efflorescence.

Siding Cleaning

Cleaning siding takes knowledge and know how to perform this task properly.  Depending on what type of siding you have, depends on what type of cleaning technique you use.  Not using the right pressure washing company can leave your siding damaged, or worse, destroyed.  Sometimes even beyond repair.  We always recommend that with the hiring of any contractor, that you perform background checks, get references, and check reviews before hiring them.  Regularly scheduled cleaning, usually annually, will keep your siding looking and lasting longer than normal.

Hardie Plank Cleaning

Hardie Plank and Hardie Siding cleaning is pretty basic.  This type of siding is made up of premium cement, finely-ground sand, natural cellulose (wood) fibers, and water that are combined and cured through a proprietary manufacturing process into a highly durable siding material.  This composition makes the cleaning of this material fairly easy, due to the high strength of this material.  Pressure washing is the normal method of cleaning this material.  Soft washing can also be used so paint is not damaged on the siding.

Stucco Cleaning

Stucco cleaning is where most non-professional pressure washing companies fail.  If a pressure washing company is not familiar with soft washing, you should not let them clean your stucco property.  Time after time, I see damage to stucco properties where a non-professional company, or a home owner tried to pressure wash it themselves, without using the soft wash method.  (See the photo to the right)  Stucco cleaning requires a chemical cleaning, rather than a pressure cleaning.  Using a pressure of over 500 psi can cause major damage to the stucco, and paint on the stucco.

Vinyl Siding Cleaning

Vinyl siding cleaning is another type of siding that needs to be soft washed.  High pressure can break apart the vinyl siding,  pit the vinyl, and cause structural or aesthetic damage. High pressure on vinyl siding can also cause discoloration.  When it comes to vinyl siding, make sure the pressure washing company you choose only performs soft washing to clean it.

Aluminum Siding Cleaning

The soft washing method should be used for cleaning aluminum siding.  Using high pressure on aluminum siding will cause the siding to dent, bend, or become damaged overall. Depending on if the aluminum siding needs to be cleaned free of dirt or mold will depend on the chemicals and pressure to be used to clean the siding.  With aluminum siding, you do not want to perform both pressure washing and chemical washing.  Doing both will show a difference, and the outcome will be very poor.  Feel free to call us for a free estimate, or tips on how to clean the siding.

Other Types Of Siding Cleaning

Other types of siding cleaning should always be performed by a professional if you are not certain that you know how to clean it yourself.  Trying to pressure wash siding, brick, concrete, or any other type of surface can be dangerous if you are not familiar with using a pressure washer.  We always recommend hiring a professional for this service.