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Hello,
How do I remove the white stains on my red brick. The stains are caused by the (old), white vinyl siding on the gable ends “running”. This is common place throughout my neighborhood. I will replace the siding but the stains remain. My friend with a power washing business can’t budge this stuff. He recommends using muraitic acid to wash down the walls. But he won’t use the stuff.
First of all, I don’t know the first thing about muratic acid, before I can hire some one to do this,1) will the acid hurt my new Andersen windows, eat the vinyl or the glazing? Maybe I could cover the windows with plywood to avoid contact with the acid? 2) Will it kill all my grass, and if it does will grass ever grow in that spot again? 3)Is it bad for the bricks and mortar? 4) And who the hell do I call to get an estimate?
I will have this done by a pro, but I would like an idea of what’s involved. As always, Thank You for your suggestions and help. Bill
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Replies
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Bill:
Cleaning brick with muriatic acid isn't rocket science - it's more just hard work. Muriatic acid is not to be taken lightly, but at the same time it is not a dangerous as it may sound. I have gotten a diluted solution on my skin several times without any apparent ill effects.
What I recommend you do is get some muriatic acid and do a small test cleaning to see if it will even do the job you are looking for - which I am very skeptical. Muriatic acid is cheap - I think around $3 a gallon. Get a gallon of muriatic, some rubber gloves - you know, that kind used for house cleaning, safety glasses, a plastic bucket, and a stiff brush. Here are some instructions describing the process. I use it somewhat stronger than what is described in the above link. I really think you need to determine if this will resolve your problem. On the other hand, if you don't have safety glasses, you may not be the type of person to be tackling this task.
Muriatic acid can damage brick - particularly if it has a silica (sand) finish. It dissolves mortar too, however the older the mortar, the less effect the acid will have on it. Still, it's not like you are going to burn a hole in your house. More like possible discoloration. The main trick to it is not leaving it on the brick too long, and not letting it dry there. I have not had a problem with it damaging painted surfaces, or vinyl, but be aware it attacks metal. You probably have steel lintels above any windows you have set in the brick - which can be a problem if they are not well covered with paint.
As far as hiring someone, a local mason (bricklayer) will know someone. Some masons clean their own, but, for example, in my area, there are guys who specialize in pressure washing/acid washing.
To learn more, go to this link, then click on technical notes, technical notes again (good web design) and then go down the left frame to article "20. Cleaning brick".
Good luck.
*Bill,The link Mat gave is a good source. Another is this one; Click on Masonry Online. They have a problem clinic and a current article on masonry cleaning.Beware of strong acid cleaners. You can do irrepairable harm to masonry with improper chemicals and/or techniques.Mat is correct; Cleaning masonry is not rocket science. But it's also not for the uninformed.Proceed with care.
*Matt, THANKS ! Lots of good info. I wiil try some of the other, less caustic cleaning suggestions before I resort to acid. This kind of work is well within my ability, I just like to be carefull with things like this. Bill
*Eric:What a good web site! 100s of articles.