Making Money With Brick Cleaning

Brick cleaning can provide a pressure washing professional with a steady stream of work when times are otherwise slow. Construction contractors and subcontractors are great sources of repeat business. Building a reputation is critical to securing a contract such as this, and this means learning a lot about how to clean brick.

Nothing can kill a business as fast as an angry contractor who has had to deal with discolored or broken brick. Accidents happen from the improper mixing of chemical cleaning solutions and improper pressure settings. The face of the brick can be scarred or pitted, and mortar joints can be weakened or broken. It is essential to have knowledge of brick cleaning before undertaking a job.

Many builders prohibit brick cleaning using Muriatic Acid for just this reason. While it does a great job on red brick walls, improper mixing can have disastrous results. The recommended mixture is nine part water to one part Muriatic Acid, resulting in a ten percent solution. Anything stronger can eat into the face. It is not appropriate to use on any other type of brick.

Pressure washing professionals often prefer this cleaning agent, as it is affordable and readily attainable. A solid relationship between the cleaner and the professional requires mutual understanding and trust. It is helpful to arrive on a job site armed with information. The name of the brick manufacturer and their specific recommendations for cleaning can ease the process. It is also advisable to find out when the mortar job was completed. Ideally, brick should cure at least 28 days before being pressure washed.

Brick cleaning is fairly easy and straightforward when the surface is smooth. However, sandy or rough texture surfaces can present a greater challenge, particularly if excess mortar has become lodged in the crevices. Carful scraping in advance of washing is advised. A long-range acid injector is ideal for applying chemical solutions. This allows for greater control over the concentration of the solution, prevents the hose and gun from being contaminated by the chemical, and achieves greater precision with pressure settings.

To prevent streaking during brick cleaning, the wall must be kept wet at all times. The bottom layers take longer than the top, since it is often dirtier. This area should be washed first. Most brick associations recommend using cold water and a psi setting of less than 1000. Light color brick is especially sensitive to water penetration and will develop mineral oxidation if exposed to higher pressures.

Brick that is reclaimed is extremely difficult to handle. Since these are antiques, replacement is impossible if they are damaged. This type of brick cleaning takes a great deal of skill and knowledge. It is possible to develop the knowledge of how to handle special cases such as these, but it is best avoided until the pressure washing company can provide assurance that nothing will be damaged.

Brick cleaning as an ancillary service can be highly profitable. Once a company develops a reputation for performing quality work, contractors will use them over and over again. This can lead to even more referrals and the start of a dynamic business that is lucrative for everyone involved.