While stone and brick can usually withstand the high pressure of power washing without damage to the structures, softwashing may still be the better choice for both cleaning and maintaining the appearance of your masonry.
But I have a power washer, I can do the stone myself.
Attempting a DIY project with power washing is definitely cheaper, but it may not save you money in the long run. Below are common issues that result when traditional power washing meets stone and masonry.
Efflorescence Pressure washing can remove the natural protective patina of stone and masonry surfaces. It will also remove any coating or sealers. This opens up the pores in the surface, allowing water to penetrate deep into the stone or masonry. Over-saturated stone or masonry can cause a condition known as efflorescence, a white powdery residue that accumulates on the surface causing pitting, flaking and delamination. If you have noticed efflorescence on your stone surfaces, we can 1) help remove it and 2) treat the surface so that’s it’s regrowth is delayed.
Scarring In order to get difficult soiling removed fast, some contractors and DIYers will not place the correct tips on their pressure washers. This can cause severe scarring of the surface. It is easy to recognize scarring by deep patterns carved into the surface of the stone or masonry.
Missing Grout & Point Grout on interior surfaces and point on exterior surfaces can be removed by pressure washing. When this happens, grout and point can become soft, weak, and crack with age. Using a pressure washer accelerates this process through over-saturation. And as we have already mentioned, over-saturation can lead to efflorescence.
A professional job with professional results
Stone and masonry are tough, but once the surface is damaged there is little to be done to undo it. Suddenly a DIY project can turn into costly repairs and replacement and that’s why a softwash may be the best choice for your stone structures.
When softwashing masonry and stone, professionals at Lady Bird Softwash use a specialized formula blend of detergent and biodegradable chemicals, specific to your home’s needs. Softwashing not only cleans the surface, removing mold, mildew, algae and other environmental pollutants, it continues to work beyond it’s initial application to inhibit regrowth. Which means those black and green stains are not only removed without lasting permanent damage, they stay gone longer.
Do you have stone and masonry covered in efflorescence, mold, mildew and algae? Contact us and lets discuss your project needs.
Lady Bird Softwash 