Stained bricks problem

[Deckie]

Can anyone advise please on who would know about cleaning bricks that have been stained. They don’t look damaged but they have long streaks of white running down them of I don’t know what, maybe lime. Is it something a builder should know all about or someone more specialised? I obviously want to avoid approaching a cowboy who ends up taking the surface off with a wire brush on a drill.
Thanks.

 

 

Edited June 27, 2022 by Deckie

[PeterW]

Have you tried jet washing them ..? Need to know what it is to start with - looks like salts but could also be dilute emulsion paint. 

[Temp]

That looks like salt efflorescence. My guess is your gutter is leaking/overflowing and the rain water is washing salt out of the bricks.

 

Fix the leak and try using a stiff broom to remove the salt.  Some websites say washing the bricks with water or pressure washing can work. Others say it makes things worse.

 

Some info here..

https://prosoco.com/brick-efflorescence-removal-and-prevention-tips/

 

Personally I would avoid using chemicals as they can mark the brick work. Even scrubbing with a stiff brush can do that so try small areas first.

Edited June 27, 2022 by Temp

[Deckie]

Thanks but I was looking to get a specialist in to do it but I don’t know who to approach. Maybe a builder might know or claims he knows but could end up ruining them permanently which is what I want to avoid.

[Temp]

Google found.. 

https://artemrestoration.com

Who offer a brick cleaning service but I've never used them. They are London based. Says they also remove paint etc

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Deckie]

Many thanks Temp, I couldn’t find anyone like that, I’ll have to see if they’re willing to travel to Hampshire 🙂.