Consultant Brick Cleaning Services

Tips on brick maintenance

Regular inspection

Inspect your brick surfaces regularly to detect early signs of damage like cracks, chips, loose bricks, plant growth, water damage, moss, and mildew build-up. 

If you notice any of these issues, it's best to seek the expertise of a professional brick cleaner who can assess the property and recommend necessary repairs.

Gentle cleaning

Maintaining the stability of your brick surfaces requires routine cleaning. For regular maintenance, use a mixture of warm water and mild soap along with a hard-bristled brush to effectively remove surface dirt and grime.

 Do not use harsh cleaning chemicals or wire brushes because they can scratch and damage the brick's surface and protective seal.

Implement preventative measures

To preserve the integrity of your brick surfaces, consider installing gutters and downspouts to redirect rainwater away from brick walls, reducing the risk of water damage. Applying waterproof solutions over the bricks can prevent water penetration.

Trim any overhanging branches or foliage near the bricks to prevent plant growth from infiltrating the mortar joints.

Avoid brick acid cleaners

It's crucial to avoid using brick acid cleaners unless you are a qualified brick cleaner with the necessary knowledge of their application.

These cleaners contain highly corrosive solutions that can dissolve mortar and cement, posing a serious risk of chemical burns if they encounter unprotected skin.

Re-seal bricks periodically

If your brick surfaces were previously sealed, it is essential to periodically reapply a high-quality brick sealant to maintain their protective barrier.

Sealing the bricks prevents water penetration and reduces the effects of weathering and staining, ensuring the bricks stay in good condition for an extended period.

What types of brick damage can occur?

When your brick surface undergoes damage from external forces or lack of maintenance, you must act promptly and hire professional help to address the issues. Delaying the repairs may lead to further deterioration, potentially resulting in expensive fixes or compromising the building's structural integrity.

Graffiti Damage

Vandalism can leave unsightly stains permanently on your brick surfaces if not promptly addressed. Preventative measures like applying anti-graffiti paint to the bricks can protect against vandalism. Without this protection, graffiti damage will require the expertise of a specialist cleaner to effectively remove the graffiti without harming the bricks.

Efflorescence Damage

Newer brickwork is particularly susceptible to efflorescence, a phenomenon where a white, powdery substance emerges on the brick surface. This condition is due to the movement of salts within the brick to the surface, which can detract from the building's appearance.

While you can brush away efflorescence, it is essential to have an expert cleaner assess the situation and target the issue at its source to prevent its return.

Stain Damage

Brick staining is a common issue caused by various external factors, such as pollution and organic growths like algae and ivy. Rust stains from iron and manganese can negatively impact the mortar joints and weaken the overall structural integrity of the brickwork.

Regular cleaning and maintenance can help prevent these stains from becoming severe and affecting the visual appeal and stability of the brick surfaces.

Frost Damage

During temperature drops, bricks absorb moisture, which freezes and expands within the brick's pores. This expansion puts pressure on the brick, leading to cracks and eventual crumbling. Swift intervention is necessary to address frost damage, as prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can disintegrate the bricks.

By taking immediate action and seeking professional assistance when needed, you can effectively preserve the beauty and integrity of your brick surfaces for the long term.

We cover all areas in the Tonbridge and Malling district of Kent, including:

• Addington
• Aylesford
• Branbridges
• Beltring
• Blue Bell Hill
• Borough Green
• Burham
• Ditton
• East Malling
• East Peckham
• Eccles
• Golden Green
• Hadlow
• Ightham
• Larkfield
• New Hythe
• Offham
• St. Mary's Platt
• Shipbourne
• Snodland
• Stansted
• Tonbridge
• Wateringbury
• West Peckham
• Wouldham

Give our support team a call

Get in touch today at either 0208 066 0360 or enquiries@icecleaning.co.uk to discover the full range of cleaning services available for customers in West Malling.