Firebrick?

GumDestroyer

New Member
This old historic building looks like firebrick. The brick has a very light yellowish-orange brown tone.
The brick is very dirty and has lichen attached as seen in the picture. I will approach this with caution. :cool:firebrick.jpgfood bank 3.jpgfood bank 4.jpgFood bank.jpg
 
If it is an official historical building, you first need to contact your local historical preservation committee or department. We've done many historical restorations. Two rules of thumb are low pressure (some require less than 600 psi) and ph neutral solutions.

First and foremost learn if this building is of historical status. If so, do nothing until you get the blessings of your local historical preservation authorities.

Get your foot in the door with your local historical preservation authorities and you have found a very valuable and profitable niche market.
 

Doug Rucker

PWN ADMIN TEAM -
Staff member
I use to clean a church that had brick that "looked" like that in downtown Clearwater Fl for years. I used a mostly cold water at low pressure and it cleaned up pretty good. In bad areas I would spray a little Bleach 6% and water and, dwell 15 seconds or so, and then wash off. Not all brick that look alike are alike. You should be able to find out from someone that owns or manages the building what type of brick it is.

2 things I would do if I were you.

1) Do not pass go, and do exactly like Jim said reference Historical Building and contacting the local Histroical Society. Jim has given you some great advice there and it will not only help you on this job, but once completed, you'll get many referrrals from them.
2) Email the pics to Mike at Eaco Chem and get his advice before using any chem.

You could also use the BT200 on that brick with no worries of damage to the surfaces. The BT200 is certified Green and will not damage or hurt any surface and kills mold and mildew. I use it on Soft Brick applications all the time with great results. Mark at Easy Clean 916.638.0828 stocks the BT200.

No matter what you use, if this is a delicate brick, you'll want to clean in SMALL sections at a time. I personally would stay away from any type of Acid cleaner as I see grass, windows, and landscape areas, but Mike at Eaco Chem can guide you on that too.

Doug
 

GumDestroyer

New Member
If it is an official historical building, you first need to contact your local historical preservation committee or department. We've done many historical restorations. Two rules of thumb are low pressure (some require less than 600 psi) and ph neutral solutions.

First and foremost learn if this building is of historical status. If so, do nothing until you get the blessings of your local historical preservation authorities.

Get your foot in the door with your local historical preservation authorities and you have found a very valuable and profitable niche market.

I have discovered it's not an official historical building. I will be doing some small test sites on the back side of the building next week. We have several buildings like this built in the 1940s in my area. I do not see any calcite issues or efflorescence issues. Should be a low pressure / chem clean / no scrub.
 

GumDestroyer

New Member
I use to clean a church that had brick that "looked" like that in downtown Clearwater Fl for years. I used a mostly cold water at low pressure and it cleaned up pretty good. In bad areas I would spray a little Bleach 6% and water and, dwell 15 seconds or so, and then wash off. Not all brick that look alike are alike. You should be able to find out from someone that owns or manages the building what type of brick it is.

2 things I would do if I were you.

1) Do not pass go, and do exactly like Jim said reference Historical Building and contacting the local Histroical Society. Jim has given you some great advice there and it will not only help you on this job, but once completed, you'll get many referrrals from them.
2) Email the pics to Mike at Eaco Chem and get his advice before using any chem.

You could also use the BT200 on that brick with no worries of damage to the surfaces. The BT200 is certified Green and will not damage or hurt any surface and kills mold and mildew. I use it on Soft Brick applications all the time with great results. Mark at Easy Clean 916.638.0828 stocks the BT200.

No matter what you use, if this is a delicate brick, you'll want to clean in SMALL sections at a time. I personally would stay away from any type of Acid cleaner as I see grass, windows, and landscape areas, but Mike at Eaco Chem can guide you on that too.

Doug

I shot pics to Mike and will soon have a sample test kit. OneRestore?....will see. Low pressure / cold water / proper chems / foliage protection / 10/4...have a great day!! I will save the BT200 for the next driveway in town.
 

Our Sponsors

Top