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Washing, instead of painting, a council home.

  • 08-07-2011 5:16pm
    #1
    marble pie
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13 ✭


    This may be a silly question but I'm wondering if people have much experience washing the exterior of redbrick homes? I'm hesitant about painting an entire council house, primarily because of the cost, and would prefer to simply wash the walls if that would make a noticeable difference. Do people think it's worth the effort to do this? What would be the best ways of approaching the job?

    Thanks
    Tagged:


Comments

  • #2
    mp22
    Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators, Regional South Moderators Posts: 6,854 Mod ✭✭✭✭mp22


    A wire brush might be the way to go,could be difficult to get a even finish though.


  • #3
    CarrickMcJoe
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,379 ✭✭✭CarrickMcJoe


    mp22 wrote: »
    A wire brush might be the way to go,could be difficult to get a even finish though.

    WHAT! You want the OP to wire brush the whole outside of a brick house, you're havin a laugh.
    Get a powerwasher and do it and yes it will make a difference.


  • #4
    mp22
    Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators, Regional South Moderators Posts: 6,854 Mod ✭✭✭✭mp22


    If the red bricks and the mortar are old a power washer will cause problems,loosening joints plus some red bricks can get porous with age.If there newish go nuts.:D


  • #5
    michael999999
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 7,771 ✭✭✭michael999999


    Cant you get a mild acid wash to clean the bricks!


  • #6
    paddy147
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 15,858 ✭✭✭✭paddy147


    acid wash it,simples.


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  • #7
    marble pie
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13 ✭marble pie


    Thanks for all the tips. I've heard also that powerwashing can damage the bricks and mortar more than you'd probably think but acid washing, that's something I'm going to look into.


  • #8
    looksee
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 28,624 ✭✭✭✭looksee


    Be very careful with powerwashing on bricks, you can easily do damage.


  • #9
    antiskeptic
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,555 ✭✭✭antiskeptic


    I'd be careful with acid. Test on a small area and leave a few weeks after washing off to see if there has been a reaction with any of the constituents of the brick.

    A powerwasher with mild detergent and warm water, used judiciously (i.e, from a bit of a distance) might give a result.


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