When it comes to maintaining the exterior of your home, power washing a brick house is a necessary part of upkeep that should not be overlooked. Not only does regular power washing keep your house looking its best, but it can also prevent dirt and grime from seeping into the brick’s pores and attracting pests over time.
If you’ve been looking for an effective way to protect the integrity of your brick house while also making sure it retains its aesthetic appeal, don’t worry- this guide on how to power wash a brick house will help cover all the steps for successful power washing with easy-to-follow instructions.
Needed Materials
Given below are the materials you will need to power wash a brick house:
- Pressure Washer (Gas or Electric)
- Extension Cord
- Hose Attachments
- Goggles
- Long Pants and Sleeve Shirt
- Gloves
- Garden Shovel
11 Step-by-step Guidelines on How to Power Wash a Brick House
Step 1: Clear the Area
Before starting your power washing session, take some time to clear away any dirt and debris from around the house. This will help ensure that nothing is accidentally damaged during the process. It’s also best to remove any plants or flowers that may be in the vicinity of the house, as they could be harmed by the powerful pressure of the washer.
It’s a good idea to wear gloves and long pants and sleeve shirt as you do this. But, if the area is especially dirty, it may be worth investing in some safety gear like boots and goggles for extra protection.
Step 2: Pre-spray
Before getting into power washing, you will want to pre-treat and pre-spray any areas that are especially dirty. This will help break up stubborn dirt and grime so that it can be easily removed with the power washer. You can use a mild detergent for this step. You can also use specialized products that are designed to break down dirt and grime, such as brick cleaning agents. It’s important to be sure that the product you choose is appropriate for use on brick.
Step 3: Connect Hose Attachments
Once you have pre-treated the area, you will need to connect your hose attachments to the pressure washer. This will allow you to direct the water to specific areas for more targeted cleaning. It’s important to make sure that all connections are secure and there are no leaks in the hose.
You will also want to make sure that the pressure washer is connected to a stable power source (such as an extension cord) and that it is not in direct contact with any water.
Step 4: Test the Area
Once you have connected your hose attachments, it’s best to do a quick test of the area to make sure the pressure is not too high. You can do this by spraying a small portion of the wall and observing how it reacts. If you find that the pressure is too strong, you will need to lower it before continuing.
But, if the pressure is good, you can move on to the next step. This step is especially important if you are using a gas-pressure washer, as the pressure can be higher than that of an electric washer.
Step 5: Start Power Washing
Now that your attachments are secure and the pressure is at an appropriate level, you can start power washing the house. Start at the top and work your way down, taking care to cover all areas evenly. Make sure to keep a consistent pressure across the wall so that it is not damaged by too much or too little water. It’s best to work in small sections so that you can take your time and make sure everything is clean.
Step 6: Rinse
Once you have finished power washing, it’s time to rinse the area. Use the same hose attachment or switch to a lower-pressure setting if needed, and make sure to rinse all surfaces thoroughly. This will help remove any detergent residue that may have been left behind. You may also want to use a gentle brush or sponge to scrub any stubborn areas that the pressure washer could not reach.
Step 7: Let Dry
Once you have finished rinsing, it’s important to let the area dry completely before continuing with any other tasks. This will help ensure that no damage is done to the brick from excess moisture. It may take several days for the area to completely dry, depending on the weather. You can cover the area with a tarp to help speed up the process.
Step 8: Re-apply Sealer
Once the area has had a chance to dry, it’s time to re-apply the sealer. This will help protect your brick house from dirt and water damage over time. It’s important to use a high-quality sealer that is designed specifically for brick surfaces. It’s also a good idea to add an additional coat of sealer to any areas that have been especially worn down by the power washer for extra protection.
Step 9: Clean Up
Once you have finished power washing and sealing your house, it’s time to do a bit of cleanup. Make sure to remove any excess dirt or debris that may have been left behind during the process, and store your equipment in a safe place until it is needed again.
But, before you put everything away, it’s a good idea to check the area for any signs of damage. If there are any cracks or chips in the brick, contact a professional as soon as possible to have them repaired.
Step 10: Inspect the Area
When you are finished, take some time to inspect the area and make sure that everything looks good. Look for any areas that may have been missed during the power washing process and double-check all connections on your pressure washer. It’s also a good idea to take some photos of the house for future reference.
Step 11: Maintenance
Finally, remember to perform regular maintenance on your pressure washer to ensure it is running properly and safely. This will help extend the life of your equipment and keep your brick house looking its best for years to come. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions when performing any maintenance on your equipment.
To further protect your brick house from damage, you may also want to consider having a professional inspection done every few years. This will help identify any potential issues before they become too serious and will save you time and money in the long run.
Tips
- Always Use the Lowest Pressure Setting Possible When Power Washing Your House. Too Much Pressure Can Damage Brick Surfaces and Cause Cracks or Chips in the Mortar.
- When Pre-treating, Be Sure to Use a Detergent Specifically Designed for Brick Surfaces. Regular Soap and Water May Not Be Strong Enough to Remove Stubborn Dirt and Grime.
- It’s Important to Wear Protective Clothing When Power Washing, Including Goggles, Long Pants a Sleeved Shirt, and Gloves.
- Make Sure to Inspect All Hose Connections Before Starting the Power Washing Process. Any Loose or Leaking Connections Can Cause Damage to Your Brick House.
With these steps on how to power wash a brick house in mind, you are now ready to start power washing your brick house! If done correctly, this process can help keep your brick house looking its best while also protecting it from dirt and water damage. Good luck!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How Often Should I Power Wash My Brick House?
A1: It’s best to power wash your brick house at least once a year, or more if necessary. This will help protect the integrity of the brick and keep it looking its best for years to come. It’s also important to inspect your brick house periodically for signs of damage or discoloration, as this could indicate that a more intensive power washing is necessary.
Q2: What Pressure Setting Should I Use?
A2: When power washing your brick house, it’s best to start on the lowest setting and work up gradually. This will help ensure that the pressure is not too strong, which could damage the brick. You can also use a mild detergent or specialized cleaning agents to help break down dirt and grime before power washing.
Q3: What Areas Should I Be Sure to Clean?
A3: When power washing a brick house, it’s important to make sure you cover all areas evenly. It’s especially important to pay close attention to areas that may be more prone to dirt and grime build-up, such as around windows and doors. Additionally, make sure you get into all the nooks and crannies of your wall so that no area is left unchecked.
Q4: What Do I Need To Do After Power Washing?
A4: After you have finished power washing your brick house, it’s important to rinse the area thoroughly. This will help remove any excess detergent residue and will also help protect the brick from water damage.
Additionally, make sure to let the area dry completely before re-applying a sealer or performing any other tasks. Finally, remember to inspect the area and perform regular maintenance on your pressure washer to ensure it is running properly and safely.
Conclusion
In conclusion, power washing a brick house requires diligence and care to prevent damaging the mortar and clay bricks. However, with the right tools and technique, your brick house will be shining in no time. If you find that using a power washer is beyond your skill set or too tough, contact a professional who can help pressure wash your home safely and effectively.
While it’s important to understand the basics of how to power wash a brick house, it’s just as important to stay safe during this process.
Wear protective gear such as goggles and gloves to protect yourself from the powerful stream of water released by the pressure washer hose.
Finally, use detergents sparingly so that any environmental damage done is minimized. Accomplishing all these steps should guarantee that when you are finished power washing your brick house looks like new again!