Historic brick cleaning removes black staining (hydrocarbons), as shown in the brickwork photos.
Canada has a document called The Canadian Historic Places that outlines standards and guidelines for historic conservation work across the country. At BrickWash, we adhere to these guidelines.
Bricks are not meant to appear weathered, dull, or unnaturally dark. While some bricks are intentionally black, most cases of darkened brickwork are due to hydrocarbon exterior brick staining. Historic brick cleaning aims to restore bricks to their original color while preventing further deterioration in a gentle, non-invasive way.
Hydrocarbon staining occurs when airborne pollutants accumulate on brick surfaces, gradually darkening them. This buildup not only affects the appearance but also restricts the brick’s ability to breathe, which can accelerate deterioration over time. If left untreated, these stains can make bricks look aged and worn, diminishing the overall look and longevity of the structure.
Removing hydrocarbons from brick often requires specialized detergents. Protective measures are vital to protecting your property and neighbors. Covering of windows and doors, foliage etc are all steps we take to ensure a safe and clean brick cleaning experience.
Historic brick demands additional care. High-pressure washing or abrasive methods like sand or soda blasting should never be used to clean historic or standard bricks. Historic bricks should only be cleaned using low pressure and specialized detergent, applied by a trained professional to prevent damage.
At Brickwash we use detergent-assisted low-pressure steam. Steam cleaning brick allows us to reduce water pressure and clean exterior brick stain and paint with a higher level of effectiveness and reduced risk. Our historic brick cleaning methods are in line with Canadian Conservation Standards and Guidelines
We cover all windows, doors, shrubbery, and metallic objects. For specialty cases like cleaning around copper or brass, we follow a specific preparation protocol to reduce the risk of damage.
All cleaning is performed using low-pressure steam and brick detergent. Detergent is brushed on, never sprayed. Our cleaning method follows a precise pattern to ensure exceptional results.
Our goal is to leave your property spotless and well-maintained. A proper cleanup is always conducted at the end of each job or project.
