BRICK

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT:

• Pressure Washer: 4 GPM or better, 2000 PSI or better

• Pressure Washing Wand with 0 Degree Turbo Nozzle

AVERAGE CLEANING RATE:

1000-1500 sq ft per hour

IMPORTANT NOTES:

Brick and the mortar in between can become extremely brittle. Use the minimum amount of pressure possible and remain 6 inches away from the surface. Move in as close to 4 in and apply no more than 2000 PSI on sensitive brick or mortar. If the brick is very sensitive, consider a soft wash only option.

Retaining walls tend to develop a hardened white residue. This is either efflorescence or calcium deposits. In either case, pressure washing or soft washing is not a viable solution. A chemical restoration process is needed for cleaning.

RECOMMENDED SCOPE OF WORK:

Before beginning, ensure you have completed all the steps in the Worksite Preparation Guide.

1. PRE-RINSE

   Use a wide mouth, large orifice nozzle (like a black soap nozzle or M5 Twist) to rinse the entire surface. The goal is to clear any loose dirt or debris and to cool down the surface before pre-treating it with chemical.

2. APPLY PRE-TREATMENT CHEMICALS (Optional)

   Apply a 3-4% mixture will begin to break down organics and clean the concrete. Apply a even coating across the entire surface and allow 15 minutes of dwell time before rinsing.

   Pro Tip: Rinse the pretreatment chemicals before pressure washing. Vertical surfaces tend to bounce chemicals back toward the technicians which can cause minor chemical burns. 

3. PRESSURE WASH

   Use a 0 Degree Turbo Nozzle to pressure wash the surface. Move the nozzle in a slow and controlled straight line along the concrete about 4-6 inches away from the surface in a single pass. Continue this until the entire surface is complete.

4. RINSE & INSPECT

   Once the entire surface has been cleaned, it's time to rinse. Use partially open ball valve or a M5 Nozzle to rinse the entire concrete clean. Inspect the concrete for any missed spots, post cleaning damage, or any other defects. Use the pressure washing want to touch up these spots or reapply the surface cleaner to larger areas.

SOFT WASH SCOPE OF WORK:

If the pavers have sand and redistribution is not an option, soft washing can be a good solution instead of pressure washing.

Before beginning, ensure you have completed all the steps in the Worksite Preparation Guide.

1. PRE-RINSE

   Use a wide mouth, large orifice nozzle (like a black soap nozzle or M5 Twist) to rinse the entire surface. The goal is to clear any loose dirt or debris and to cool down the surface before pre-treating it with chemical. 

2. APPLY SOFT WASH SOLUTION

   After the surface has been properly cleared, you may apply a soft wash solution with a pump sprayer or a dedicated soft wash system. Use a 4-6% sodium hypochlorite dilution with a medium surfactant level. 

3. ALLOW TO DWELL

   Allow the soft wash solution 10-15 minutes of dwell time.

4. RINSE & INSPECT

   Once the entire surface has been cleaned, it's time to rinse. Use low pressure fan tip or M5 Nozzle to rinse the entire concrete clean. Inspect the surface for any missed spots, post cleaning damage, or any other defects. Re-apply the soft wash solution as needed. If the stains persist after two treatments, consider going to a stronger soft wash solution. Do not exceed 6% sodium hypochlorite.