Cleaning Your Masonry
Pressure washing new masonry is an important step in the building process that shouldn’t be overlooked. Not only does cleaning the brick, block or stone remove excess mortar or other binding materials but it will bring out the natural beauty of the building product. And though a good cleaning will bring out the natural beauty, improper cleaning can damage the brick, block, or stone surface beyond repair. Here are 3 tips to assist you in hiring a professional masonry contractor to clean your building exterior:
Never begin cleaning until the mortar is cured.
The best time to clean your building project is 14 – 28 days after construction is complete. If you begin washing too soon, before the mortar is dry, it is likely joint damage may incur. But on the other hand, if you wait too long, mortar and grout smears get harder to clean the longer they set.
Always perform a test spot first.
You’ll know you are working with a professional pressure washer if they insist on doing a test spot first. This is a critical step in the process and will uncover any possible issues before the project begins. The test panel will serve as the general job standard.
Never, ever sand blast or use muriatic acid when cleaning brick, block, or stone.
Both of these methods will damage the surfaces. Blasting the surface will etch the brick-and-mortar joints and can leave the masonry vulnerable to weather-related decay. The same is true with using muriatic acid. It can also etch, bleach, and stain the masonry, leaving new metallic stains.
If you are looking for a professional masonry contractor in Des Moines, IA, P & P Stone Construction LLC is the company you can count on. We can grant you the masonry services that you need. So if you want to book a service or want to know more about it, contact us at (515) 328-8166 now!