DIY Brick Cleaning

[JK1983]

Hi all,

Hoping for a bit of guidance.

I'm looking to clean the external brickwork on two elevations of our Victorian property. We've got to put a scaffold up for roof works so figure it'd be a good time to get it done.

I've had a quote to clean the brick and seal with silicone spray (breathable yet waterproof apparently?!) For approx £2300. Although this doesn't seem crazy it's a job that's not top priority and the money could be better spent elsewhere, but would be daft not to do it whilst the scaffold is up.

Has anyone got any experience of cleaning exterior brick themselves? Is it something I can do myself? I feel that providing I have the right materials it should be relatively straightforward, am I mistaken?

Any hints, tips, suggestions of chemicals and equipment would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers

 

[footprints]

What is your pointing like? scrubbing with a stiff hand broom and plain water then re-pointing looks great really brightens the whole thing up, more so if you have those
lovely Victorian yellow stocks.
Re-pointing will have real benefits unlike the questionable services offered by cowboys to slap on a miracle coating the property has survived for over 100 years without.

 

[JK1983]

The pointing is in fairly good condition, I'd say it's been redone in the last 5 years but much of the brick work is very dull, discoloured, black etc.

There's a few houses on the road that have been cleaned up and they look great so I think it's worthwhile. I'll try a stiff brush and water at low level and see what happens.

 

[foxhole]

Try some brick acid.

 

[jj4091]

Pressure washer?

 

[HERTS P&D]

Easy:

Andy

 

[Newboy]

Don't use aggressive chemicals or a pressure washer if there's a chance that the bricks are soft Victorian - the surface will be irreparably damaged.

A stiff brush, a little bit of water with detergent and a lot of elbow grease works wonders.