How to Pressure Wash Your Brick House: Secrets of Pressure Washing
Just as keeping the inside of your home clean is important, keeping the outside of your home clean is important too. When people come to visit you, it’s the outside they see first, so if the outside is dirty, they will get the wrong first impression. This is very important for brick homes because they dirty pretty quickly. So, to solve this issue, what you need to know is how to pressure wash your brick home.
But what is pressure washing, you might ask, and you get that answer first. Pressure washing has many benefits aside from keeping your beautiful home clean. We will cover what you need to start and how to do it in simple steps.
What is Pressure Washing?
The simple answer is that pressure washing cleans various surfaces like brick walls using pressurized water. But a more detailed answer should help you understand it more easily.
Pressure washing, or power washing, is a common way of cleaning. It uses strong, high-pressure water to clean away dirt, grime, mold, mildew, and other things from different surfaces. This method uses a pressure washer that pressurizes water and shoots it out through a nozzle at a very high speed. The power from the pressurized water is very effective in cleaning surfaces such as brick walls, driveways, sidewalks, decks, and vehicles.
Professional cleaning services such as Sun Soft Wash provide this service at affordable prices.
Importance of Pressure Washing Your Brick House Regularly
Prevents Damage
Pressure washing your brick house regularly is crucial because it helps prevent damage to the bricks. Over time, mold, dirt, and mildew can build up on your brick, making it wear out. By cleaning it with high-pressure water, you remove these harmful elements, preserving the integrity of the bricks and preventing long-term damage.
Increases Longevity
Regular pressure washing contributes to the longevity of your brick house. The accumulation of dirt and contaminants can weaken the structure over time. You remove these potential threats by routinely cleaning the exterior, ensuring that your brickwork remains durable and stands the test of time.
Boosts Curb Appeal
Maintaining a clean exterior through pressure washing significantly boosts your home’s curb appeal. A well-kept appearance makes a positive impression on visitors and neighbors. It also enhances the overall aesthetics of your neighborhood. Whether you plan to sell your house or take pride in your home, a good-looking exterior is key.
Healthier Living Environment
Pressure washing benefits your brick house and contributes to a healthier living environment. Mold and mildew, if left unchecked, can release spores that may negatively affect health. By removing these contaminants from the exterior, you create a healthier atmosphere inside your home, promoting the well-being of your family.
Prevents Pest Infestations
Regular pressure washing is an effective way to prevent pest infestations. Accumulated dirt and grime create hiding spots for pests around your home. Keeping the exterior clean eliminates potential habitats for insects and rodents. This proactive measure helps protect your home from unwanted invaders, maintaining a pest-free living environment.
Getting Started
Gathering the Right Tools and Equipment
The correct tools and equipment for pressure washing are crucial for a successful and efficient cleaning process. You might need:
- A pressure washer with the right pressure for your brick
- Different nozzles for various spray patterns
- Any cleaning agents or detergents necessary
Why It’s Important:
- Effectiveness: The right tools ensure that your pressure washing efforts effectively remove dirt, stains, and contaminants from your brick house.
- Prevention of Damage: Using the proper equipment helps prevent damage to the bricks or other surfaces, ensuring a thorough yet gentle cleaning process.
- Time and Energy Savings: Proper tools make the job easier, saving you time and energy while achieving better results.
Preparing Your Brick House for Pressure Washing:
Before starting the pressure washing process, preparing your brick house is essential. This involves tasks like removing outdoor furniture, covering delicate plants, and inspecting the brick surface for any damages.
Why It’s Important
- Safety: Preparing the area ensures the safety of the person performing the pressure washing and the surrounding property. Removing obstacles reduces the risk of accidents.
- Effective Cleaning: A well-prepared surface allows for more effective cleaning. Clearing away obstacles ensures that the pressure washer can reach all areas, providing a thorough and even clean.
- Prevention of Further Damage: Inspecting the brick surface beforehand allows you to identify and address any existing damages. Repairing loose bricks or mortar before pressure washing prevents further harm.
How to Pressure Wash Your Brick House?
With all your preparations, you can move on to pressure washing your brick house. Our guide will break down the steps so you can do it yourself without needing a professional pressure washing service.
Prepare the Area
Before pressure washing your brick house, ensure nothing will get in the way. A pressure washer can easily damage outdoor furniture or items because of its power. So, to prevent that, you need to remove everything around your brick house.
Also, remove or cover any plants around your brick walls with plastic so they don’t get damaged by high-pressure water or runoff.
Inspect the Brick Surface
You must check your brick walls once you have removed and covered everything. Because you will be using high-pressure water, you must ensure no loose bricks or damage on your brick walls. Fix any visible damage before you pressure wash your brick house.
Choose the Right Pressure Washer
Not every pressure washer is built the same; different models have different settings ideal for different surfaces. For brick houses, we recommend a pressure washer with a PSI (Pound per Square Inch) between 2,000 and 3,000 PSI for the best results. Consult with professionals or hire them to clean your brick walls properly.
Use the Correct Nozzle and Spray Pattern
Like pressure washers, your choice of nozzles is also very important. The proper nozzle will give your best pressure and coverage to ensure effective cleaning. The best nozzles for brick walls are the low-pressure ones with a spray pattern between 25 and 40 degrees.
Apply Detergent
After you have prepped your pressure washer, it is time to pick the right detergent or solution to clean your brick house with. Sometimes, just high-pressure water would be enough, but if you haven’t cleaned your walls in some time, you will need extra help.
Using specialized brick or masonry cleaners will help you wash your walls more effectively while protecting the brick and mortar. Apply the detergent from the bottom up and ensure every inch is covered. Wait a few minutes for the cleaner to do its thing before you pressure wash your house.
Pressure Wash Your Brick House
And now it is time to pressure wash. Start from the top down and move the nozzle slowly for full cleaning. This approach ensures none of the dirty water reaches your already cleaned portions. Stay at least 12 inches from the walls to avoid splashback. This distance also makes sure you get adequate coverage.
Rinse Thoroughly
Just because you are using high-pressure water doesn’t mean your walls will be clean in one pass. You must thoroughly rinse the wall multiple times to get all the detergent and dirt. Switch to a plain water nozzle and rinse the brick surface from top to bottom. You might have to do it more than once and pay close attention to the corners and stubborn stains.
With that, you are done with pressure washing your brick house. Inspect your walls to make sure they’re spotless. Let the water runoff go down the drain before you put your outdoor furniture and items back and remove the plastic cover.
Further Reading: Eco-Friendly Cleaning: Tips for a Greener Home
Conclusion
Whether you use a professional pressure washing service or do it yourself, knowing how to pressure wash your brick house can be very helpful. By pressure washing, you can improve your house’s value and looks, plus it increases its longevity.
If you do it yourself, you must take proper care and get the right tools for the job. Once you have prepped your house, follow our step-by-step guide to wash your house properly.
FAQs
How Often Should I Pressure Wash My Brick House?
Preserving the cleanliness of your brick house depends on factors like location and weather. Generally, an annual cleaning suffices but assess your specific needs.
Can I Pressure Wash During Winter?
While possible, it’s advisable to choose milder weather for optimal results. Extreme cold can affect the effectiveness of the cleaning process.
Is DIY Pressure Washing Safe for Any Brick Surface?
DIY pressure washing is safe for most bricks, but precautions are necessary. Consult with professionals if your house has unique brickwork or delicate features.
What Should I Do If I Notice Damaged Mortar?
Address damaged mortar promptly to prevent further deterioration. If your brick is seriously damaged, it’s best to get help from a professional. They can make sure the repair is thorough and lasts a long time.
Are There Environmentally Friendly Cleaning Solutions?
Yes, eco-friendly options are available. Look for biodegradable and phosphate-free solutions to minimize environmental impact while achieving a clean exterior.
Can Pressure Washing Remove Graffiti from Bricks?
Pressure washing is effective against some graffiti. However, seek specialized advice for stubborn cases and consult local authorities for legal graffiti removal.
