Masonry Magazine May 2008 Page. 23
Above This photo of Sprint National Headquarters in Overland Park, Kan, shows why a good construction cleandown to remove excess mortar is needed before buildings are ready for clients. It's easy to tell which part of the building still has jobsite soiling and excess mortar.
needed. Henry says the difference will be in the delicate nature of older brickwork.
"With restoration cleaning, it's even more important to pay attention to the psi," he says. "Masonry 100 years old is going to be a bit more delicate than new construction and, if the psi is too high, you can blow old, weather-weakened masonry to bits."
The Cardinal Rule, he says, is to always do a test, so you can try out the equipment, adjust the psi and practice the chemical procedure, especially with restoration work.
"You don't want to open with 1,000 psi and find the 100-year-old masonry crumbles under the high pressure," he says.
Second Opinion
Randy Weil, owner of Kem-O-Kleen, agrees with this process, but he doesn't believe staying under 1,000 psi is necessary, especially with regard to new-construction clean down. In fact, he says his masonry cleaning machine (invented and designed by a mason) operates at 3,000 psi and is perfect for getting the job done efficiently.
Invented by Charlie Hewitt, a mason with 35 years of experience in the industry and tired of cleaning brick with a bucket of muriatic acid and a brush, the Kem-O-Kleen machine-specifically the K3003-12 preferred by masons - is a hot water pressure washer that introduces the cleaning chemicals into the stream following pre-wetting. This patented technology covers not only the overall machine, but also a number of individual features.
Weil offers this equation for masonry cleaning: Heat X Chemicals X Time X Education Clean
Clean, Restore or Protect... Your Next Project!
Environmentally Friendly New Masonry Cleaning, Restoration and Water Repellent Products
There are still contractors who resort to surface-damaging masonry cleaning standbys like sandblasting or muriatic acid. But Diedrich's advanced New Masonry Cleaning. Restoration and Water Repellent Products are specifically formulated to cost-effectively reveal the beauty underneath the grime. Safe to work with, with proper precautions, posing fewer hazards to workers and the environment.
In addition to our fine masonry cleaning/restoration/ water repellent products, Diedrich offers:
• Excellent technical support, including our toll-free number and knowledgeable support staff for all inquiries;
• Free on-site training and technical support;
• Customer support, with on-site visits,
• Five nationwide distribution centers;
• Buyer reward merchandise program;
• And more!