Brick Cleaning Products in Hampton Roads
Is your brickwork in Hampton Roads affected by unsightly stains, efflorescence, or the effects of weathering? These issues can reduce your property’s curb appeal and compromise structural integrity, potentially leading to costly repairs. In Norfolk, cleaning and sealing your brick can restore its appearance and longevity.
At Batchelder & Collins, we provide the highest quality brick cleaning and sealing supplies to help you revitalize and protect your investment. Since 1868, we’ve served the community with trusted masonry solutions. Our selection of Prosoco and EaCo Chem products are specifically designed to tackle common problems like acid burn, calcite, efflorescence, manganese staining, and white scum. Explore our range today and discover how we can help you enhance your brickwork’s natural beauty, durability, and longevity.
Common Surface Issues With Brick or Pavers
Homeowners and business owners may find that brick surfaces change even over just a few months. You may find yourself trying to use various cleaning solutions to no avail. If you have any of these common conditions on your brick surfaces, the proper cleaning solutions will help you.
Acid burn (iron oxide stain) is the formation of a yellow, orange, or brown rust-like stain that occurs on the face of the brick, which may also leach into the mortar joint, caused by the reaction between the iron oxides in the brick and mortar sand and hydrochloric acid application. Acid burn can occur due to several factors, the most common of which include:
- Not thoroughly saturating bricks with water before applying acid
- Failing to rinse off the acid completely after the application
- Not performing the neutralizing process when necessary, especially with high iron content bricks
- Working in direct sunlight
Calcite is another problem with masonry, specifically with brick and block, and it can be extremely difficult to remove. Calcite appears as a thick, whitish deposit that usually builds up over time. It is typically formed when excess moisture evaporates, leaving a heavy calcium residue.
Efflorescence is a whitish crystalline deposit on masonry, stucco, or concrete surfaces. It has been a problem for many years and is sometimes referred to as “whiskers.” Efflorescence has been controversial.
Manganese is sometimes used as a colorant in brick composition. Manganese staining is a form of efflorescence that develops when moisture in the wall draws salts and color from the brick composition to the surface of the masonry. As the water evaporates, the color of the manganese is left behind.
White scum (insoluble salts) is a thin film of hard white/gray deposits formed on the face of the brick or tile. White scum is not the water-soluble, white efflorescence that can normally be brushed away or easily washed off the surface with standard cleaners or a proprietary Sure Klean® cleaner.
How Often Should I Have My Brick Surfaces Cleaned?
How often you should clean brick surfaces depends on several factors, including:
- Your property’s location
- Weather conditions
- The amount of foot traffic they get
- The type of brick surface present
It’s usually helpful to clean them annually or every other year to prevent the buildup of dirt, grime, mildew, and discoloration.
What Are the Benefits of Sealing Brick After Cleaning?
Once you clean away all of the grime from these surfaces, sealing them provides a way to continue to protect them for years to come. Sealing allows you to protect the brick’s structural condition for years, creating stability and maintaining beauty over a longer period. After our cleaning services, using a sealer can offer several benefits:
- Enhanced durability
- Moisture protection
- UV protection
- Weed prevention
- Stain resistance
- Increased longevity
- Aesthetic preservation
- Reduced maintenance
Tips for Maintaining Sealed Brick Surfaces
Bricks are one of the home projects you’ll want to maintain over time. When properly maintained, they certainly add charm to your home. After using our sealing services, we recommend a few additional steps to keep them at their prime.
Some tips for the maintenance of sealed brick surfaces in Norfolk that we often recommend include:
- Clean them regularly. Remove dirt as it builds.
- Inspect them closely for damage. Natural stone, brick, and other hard materials break down slowly. Catching damage sooner means restoring it instead of replacing it.
- Avoid pressure washing. Although pressure washing seems like a simple way to clean these surfaces, it can damage them by stripping off the sealant.
- Reapply the sealant when recommended (often every one or two years).
- Avoid using any harsh chemicals on the surface.
- Prevent staining by being mindful of what is applied to the surfaces.
Types of Brick Cleaning Products
Various cleaning products are available that could help with the cleaning and restoration services of your bricks. Whenever possible, we recommend having the cleaning performed by experienced professionals to avoid damage.
- Acid-based cleaners: Acid-based cleaners, such as citric acid, masonry cleaners, and phosphoric acid-based solutions, cause a chemical reaction on the surface to remove dirt and grime.
- Solvent-based cleaners: These cleaners, like degreasers, break down the material on the surface, loosening it from its hold on the brick so that it can be washed away.
- Eco-friendly options: These types of cleaners use more natural and environmentally friendly products to clean surfaces. They are less likely to be toxic to people, pets, and wildlife.
Featured Brick Cleaning Products for Our Norfolk Customers
Batchelder & Collins offers Prosoco and EaCo Chem brick cleaning and sealing products to customers in Norfolk.
Both of these brands of brick cleaning solutions are designed to provide ample cleansing without damaging the bricks.
Prosoco offers a quality cleaning line. From masonry cleaning to water repellents, they provide site-specific protection for your brick. We also recommend the company’s green building and cleaning products.
EaCo Chem offers biodegradable and non-corrosive cleaning products that are highly effective but also safe for the environment.
Why Our Customers Choose Supplies From Batchelder & Collins
At Batchelder & Collins, you’ll find high-quality materials for cleaning, restoring, and maintaining your brick surfaces. Whether you need restoration products or waterproofing solutions, our Norfolk-area customers return year after year for our years of experience and dependable service.
Testimonials
“Way better selection and prices than the big box stores. Also, the older man who loaded us up was extremely nice. I’ll be back simply because of him.” — W.G.
“Outstanding customer service! Very helpful & friendly staff.” — Richmond P.
“Great selection of brick, pavers, stone and outdoor hardscape items.” — Jerry H.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brick Cleaning Products
Can You Remove Efflorescence From Bricks?
Efflorescence can be removed from bricks using several methods, such as dry brushing and pressure washing. Our team can help you choose the right method for your surfaces. Usually, efflorescence is temporary and will wash away over time. However, diluted muriatic acid and efflorescence removers can be helpful.
Do You Need to Clean Brick Before Sealing?
It’s typically highly beneficial to clean the brick before sealing it. Cleaning will often contribute to fuller coverage and more durable results.
How Long Does Brick Cleaning Take?
Various factors play a role in this, including the type of mortar and grout, weather conditions, the cleaning method used, and how frequently you have had them cleaned in the past.
Clean and Seal Like a Pro and Get Your Supplies in Norfolk or Williamsburg Today
When it comes to getting your brick cleaning and sealing products, turn to Batchelder & Collins. We would be happy to offer a free quote for any of the materials you need. Our service areas include Williamsburg and the surrounding area of Norfolk. Call us at 757-625-2506 or use our contact form to learn more about available products and pricing.
