Pressure washing a brick house is one of the most effective ways to restore its original beauty and curb appeal. Over time, brick exteriors accumulate dirt, grime, mold, mildew, and pollutants that can make even the most well-built home look tired and neglected. While brick is a durable and long-lasting material, it requires proper maintenance to keep it looking its best. Pressure washing, when done correctly, can safely and efficiently remove years of built-up grime, revealing the vibrant color and texture of the brick underneath. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to pressure wash brick house exteriors safely and effectively.
Before you even pick up a pressure washer, it’s crucial to understand the nature of brick. Brick is a porous material, meaning it can absorb water. This is why using the correct technique is paramount. A high-pressure stream of water can force moisture deep into the brick and the mortar joints, leading to potential damage, especially in freezing climates where trapped water can expand and cause cracking. The goal is to clean the surface without compromising the structural integrity of the brickwork. This involves using a combination of appropriate pressure, the right cleaning solutions, and a methodical approach.
Why You Should Pressure Wash Your Brick House
Regular cleaning offers numerous benefits beyond just improved aesthetics. Here are the key reasons to consider pressure washing your brick home:
- Enhanced Curb Appeal: A clean brick exterior instantly refreshes the look of your entire property, significantly boosting its curb appeal. This is especially important if you are considering selling your home, as first impressions are critical.
- Prevention of Damage: Mold, mildew, and algae are not just unsightly; they can actually degrade the mortar between bricks over time. By removing these organic growths, you help preserve the longevity of your home’s structure.
- Healthier Living Environment: Removing mold and mildew from the exterior walls can improve the air quality around your home, which is beneficial for individuals with allergies or respiratory issues.
- Preparation for Repairs or Painting: If you need to repoint mortar or apply a fresh coat of paint to trim, a thoroughly cleaned surface is essential for proper adhesion and a professional finish.
- Increased Property Value: A well-maintained exterior is a clear indicator of a cared-for home, which can positively influence its market value.
Essential Equipment and Cleaning Solutions
Gathering the right tools is the first step to a successful project. You will need a pressure washer, but not just any model will do. For brick, an electric pressure washer is often preferable to a gas-powered one because it typically offers lower PSI (Pound per Square Inch) settings, which are safer for soft surfaces like brick. Ideally, you want a machine that allows you to adjust the pressure down to 500-1200 PSI.
In addition to the pressure washer, you will need:
- A Wide-Angle (40-degree) Nozzle: This is the safest nozzle for brick as it disperses the water pressure over a larger area, reducing the risk of etching or damaging the surface. Never use a zero-degree or 15-degree nozzle on brick.
- Professional-Grade Surface Cleaner Attachment (Optional but Recommended): This attachment uses a rotating bar with two nozzles under a protective dome. It creates a uniform cleaning pattern and prevents streaking, making the job faster and more consistent while keeping the pressure safely away from the brick surface.
- Brick-Safe Cleaner: For light dirt, a simple mixture of dish soap and water may suffice. For tougher stains, mold, or mildew, use a dedicated brick cleaner or a oxygenated bleach solution. Avoid chlorine bleach as it can damage surrounding plants and discolor the brick. Always test any cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area first.
- Safety Gear: Safety glasses, gloves, and sturdy, closed-toe shoes are non-negotiable. Pressure washers are powerful tools that can cause serious injury.
- Garden Sprayer: For applying cleaning solution to the brick surface before washing.
- Stiff-Bristled Brush (Nylon, not wire): For agitating stubborn stains after applying the cleaner.
Step-by-Step Guide to Pressure Wash Brick House Exteriors
Following a systematic process is key to achieving great results without causing damage. Plan for a cool, overcast day. Direct sunlight can cause the cleaning solution to dry too quickly, leaving streaks.
Step 1: Preparation. This is the most critical phase. Start by removing any obstacles from the work area. Cover nearby shrubs, plants, and flowers with plastic sheeting to protect them from the cleaning solution and high-pressure water. Close all windows and doors tightly. Use a putty knife to inspect and clear mortar joints of any loose debris. If you find significant cracks or crumbling mortar, note these areas for repair after the cleaning is complete.
Step 2: Pre-Soak and Apply Cleaner. Lightly wet the brick surface with plain water using the pressure washer on a low setting. This prevents the brick from absorbing the cleaning solution too quickly. Then, using a garden sprayer, apply your chosen brick-safe cleaner according to the manufacturer’s directions. Start from the bottom and work your way up to prevent streaking. Allow the solution to dwell on the surface for the recommended time, typically 5-10 minutes, but do not let it dry.
Step 3: Agitate Stubborn Stains. For areas with heavy biological growth or stains, use a nylon-bristled brush to gently scrub the surface after the cleaner has dwelled. This will help loosen the grime for a more effective wash.
Step 4: The Pressure Wash. This is where technique matters most. Reattach the 40-degree nozzle to your pressure washer. Start with the pressure washer at its lowest setting and test a small, hidden area. Hold the wand at a consistent 45-degree angle to the brick surface, and keep the nozzle at least 12-18 inches away. Work in small, manageable sections (e.g., 4×4 feet), moving the wand in a smooth, sweeping motion. Always work from the top down. This prevents dirty water from running down over clean areas and causing streaks.
Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly. After washing a section, rinse it thoroughly with clean water to remove all traces of the cleaning solution. Again, work from the top down to ensure a streak-free finish.
Step 6: Final Inspection and Cleanup. Once the entire house has been washed and rinsed, do a final walk-around. Look for any missed spots or areas where cleaning solution residue might remain. Rinse these areas again. Finally, remove the protective coverings from your plants and rinse them lightly with a garden hose to wash away any accidental overspray.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many well-intentioned homeowners cause irreversible damage by making simple errors. Avoid these common pitfalls at all costs:
- Using Too Much Pressure: This is the number one mistake. High pressure can etch the brick, dislodge mortar, and force water behind the brick facade, leading to interior water damage.
- Holding the Nozzle Too Close: Even with a wide-angle nozzle, holding it too close to the surface concentrates the pressure and increases the risk of damage. Maintain a safe distance of 12-18 inches.
- Using the Wrong Cleaner: Harsh chemicals like acid-based cleaners or straight chlorine bleach can stain or corrode brick and mortar. Always use a cleaner specifically formulated for masonry.
- Ignoring Safety Precautions: Never operate a pressure washer without safety glasses. The high-pressure spray can kick back debris at high velocity. Also, be extremely cautious when using a ladder with a pressure washer, as the recoil can cause a loss of balance.
- Washing in Direct Sunlight: As mentioned, this causes the cleaner to dry too fast, resulting in uneven cleaning and potential streaks.
When to Call a Professional
While pressure washing a brick house is a feasible DIY project for many, there are situations where hiring a professional is the wiser choice. If your home is particularly tall, requiring extensive ladder work, the risk may outweigh the reward. Professionals have the experience and insurance to handle such jobs safely. Additionally, if the brickwork is very old, historically significant, or already shows signs of significant mortar deterioration, a professional will have the expertise to clean it without causing further harm. They also possess commercial-grade equipment and eco-friendly cleaning solutions that may be more effective for severe staining.
In conclusion, knowing how to properly pressure wash brick house exteriors is a valuable skill for any homeowner. It is a cost-effective method to maintain and enhance your property’s appearance and structural health. By prioritizing safety, using the correct equipment and techniques, and understanding the material you are working with, you can achieve professional-level results and enjoy a clean, beautiful home for years to come. Remember, the mantra for pressure washing brick is always ‘low and slow’—low pressure and a slow, methodical approach.