Brick Cleaning using softwashing based solutions

Softwashing UK specialise in brick cleaning. In fact, high pressure jets should never be used on masonry. On new builds it is vital to protect the longevity of a newly erected building, when removing lime, mortar, cement, and other building site detritus. Established building surfaces also become infected over time. To protect and cleanse brickwork a softwash is recommended in both cases.

Diligence in brickwork cleaning is imperative. Using water, no matter what the pressure or amount, can prove hazardous to any building when misdirected, so we utilise our health and safety expertise and exercise all necessary precautions. Our commitment to best practice guarantees that water will never enter where it shouldn’t because we seal all and any potential water entry points prior to cleaning, using temporary guttering if necessary. We undertake a thorough inspection of the masonry surface prior to cleaning, to identify any areas that require repair or re-pointing.

On newly erected brickwork the finish can be adversely affected from smears caused by lime, mortar, and cement pointing. Left to their own devices these smears and deposits take weeks and months to weather away. Softwash cleaning techniques can be used to remove these loose adherent residues. In such cases we use a designated brick cleaning agent that removes brick acids, followed by a low pressure rinse with clean water.

While brickwork is designed to withstand most weather-cycles, over time its surface can become infected with unsightly black staining. While a high pressure wash will remove the stains, bricks are just not designed over the course of their life-cycle to withstand high pressure hydro-blasting, as the effects of high pressure cleaning on brickwork can be seriously corrosive.  High pressure washing blasts away protection, so the surface of the bricks become subject to erosion, which makes future staining and infection a case of sooner rather than later. High pressure cleaning can also permanently damage mortar, leading to unnecessary structural weakness. Put simply- softwashing is the best way to clean brickwork while protecting both appearance and structural integrity.

Softwashing’s chemical formulas are pH neutral and ensure a thorough cleanse. Our chemicals penetrate the porous surface of the brick to kill the mildew, algae, moss roots, and other atmospheric infectants that live deep inside, whereas pressure washing only removes these infectants temporarily from the surface. The effects, therefore, of a softwash last for far longer than a high pressure wash. The nature of softwashing ensures that there will be no permanent or corroding damage to the brickwork surface, and a softwash will also protect the delicate brick joints and mortar, avoiding weakness and defacement to ageing brickwork.

To discuss brick cleaning contact Softwashing UK today.