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Masonry & stone exteriors have been a popular building material for centuries. They are energy efficient and aesthetically appealing. Brick is relatively maintenance free, but an occasional cleaning, spot checks for water damage, and repointing are necessary in order to ensure their long-lasting structural integrity.

When considering your options for maintenance and cleaning, your first plan of action should be to use the least aggressive approach. Different tyes of dirt on your homes exterior surface will require a different cleaning agent. It’s a good idea to cleand the exterior of your home with a garden hose. With a spray nozzle, or a spray bottle remove any loose dirt that may be there.

If a particular side of your home receives little to no sunlight and the nearby vegetation is damp, be on the lookout for moss, mold, or mildew growth. A solution of one cup of bleach mixed with a gallon of water can be applied with a scrub brush can be used to clean most problem areas. Use a natural or synthetic bristle brush—wire brushes leave traces of steel behind that will rust and discolor the bricks. Before applying a bleach solution to brick, give the area a thorough soaking. This will help prevent the brick from absorbing the bleach.

If doing the maintenance yourself is not an option or if you feel unsure about the cleaning agent that would be the best for the job, call a professional.

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