 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Home >
Boral Bricks >
Boral Bricks
BORAL BRICKS
Install, Maintain :
Index |
|
|
Guide to Nuvo® Brick Cleaning
|
Correct bricklaying and cleaning are critical to the final appearance of any brickwork. The method detailed below should be followed for the preparation of Nuvo® brickwork.
We do not recommend the use of acid cleaning for Nuvo® bricks. Further, a rushed or heavy handed approached to brick cleaning, such as the use of high water pressure, will be detrimental to the appearance of the brickwork. Please take time to read the recommended guidelines below.
Before you begin, you should be thoroughly conversant with all the necessary safety procedures when dealing with hazardous chemicals – refer to the Clay Brick and Paver Association (CBPI) website www.brickbydesign.com
Home owners should ensure that this information is passed on to their builders, and any trade involved in the preparation or cleaning of bricks (eg: bricklayers and brick cleaners).
- Nuvo® brickwork should be prepared with a flush struck mortar joint. Followed by a light sponge approximately 30-40 minutes later (per the time lapse for raking mortar joints).
- Bricklayers should always work clean to ensure minimal mortar stains need to be removed. The majority of mortar residues and smears should be cleaned during bricklaying, before they set.
- Mask and protect adjacent metal, glass, wood and plastic surfaces as recommended by the product manufacturers.
- Before you start to clean, remove all mortar ‘dags’ with a wooden scraper.
- Work a small area at a time, and wherever possible avoid cleaning in direct sunlight. Start at the top of the wall, working across and down.
- We do not recommend the use of acid when cleaning Nuvo® bricks. If joints are struck flush and sponge finished, any minor remaining mortar residue should be easily cleaned using low pressure water cleaning – up to 1,200psi. However if a cleaning solution is used, the wall must be thoroughly saturated with water before applying the solution. Ensure the cleaning solution is diluted to less than 1 part acid to 20 parts water, applied with a soft broom and remains on the wall for no longer than 3 to 6 minutes. Thoroughly wash off all cleaning solution. Never allow the brickwork to dry out while the solution remains on the bricks.
- Pressure cleaning can be used to rinse the wall if the following precautions are adhered to:
- Keep the pressure low – up to 1,200psi (8,200kPa).
- Use a wide fan spray nozzle.
- The nozzle should be no closer than 500mm from the wall at all times.
- Mortar should be five days old prior to pressure cleaning.
- If the mortar joint or bricks are showing damage then the pressure is too high or the nozzle is too close to the wall.
- If a cleaning solution was used, after rinsing, brickwork should be completely neutralised by applying a dilute solution of 100g bicarbonate-of-soda (baking soda) in 4 litres of water. Leave this on the wall.
CAUTION: It is advisable to wear rubber gloves, protective glasses, protective clothing and avoid breathing the vapours when using any chemicals. Hydrochloric acid is extremely corrosive. Avoid splashing the acid on any areas surrounding the brickwork. High strength hydrochloric acid solutions are likely to discolour the brickwork.
DOWNLOAD a PDF
Nuvo® Bricks Mortar and Brick Matching Guide (896KB)
|
|
|
All products contained herein © Boral Bricks. Page layout © 1996-2008 Architecture Media (Selector) Pty Ltd.
All rights reserved.
|
|
|
|
Photographs