How to clean the bricks from the mortar
The contents
If you are a Builder, you know that after the erection of the carton brick, the walls are not quite complete. This is because when laying on a clean bricks cement mortar remains, which spoils the overall picture. Another case – you want to build something using second-hand bricks. They will also be in pellets of cement. Whichever situation you are faced, you have to solve the same task – to clear the bricks from the mortar.
Is it possible to do? Yes, and in this article we will tell you how to do it quickly and efficiently. Next will be described several methods for cleaning brick, which you can choose for yourself.
A little about the methods of cleaning bricks ↑
Glad that to clean the bricks of excess mortar in several ways. After all, if there are plenty to choose from, the task can be performed better. Especially because the bricks are different and vary in hardness, size and type of surface. In addition, the choice of method affects the degree of pollution. All cleaning methods can be divided into two groups:
- Mechanical removal of the mass.
- Chemical removal of the mass.
Their name already says about how you will work. The mechanical method is to use physical power and hand tools like hammer, chisel, trowel, etc. However, this method can be applied not always. There is a risk of damage to the bricks if they are not firm enough. Therefore, often resort to the second method – the use of special chemical agents to remove contaminants. The basis of such solvents are the following acids: phosphoric, hydrochloric and sulfuric.
Under the influence of aggressive acids it will break down. In the old days it was purified simplest way possible – the friction of the bricks one on the other. Let’s take a closer look at how to clean brick from mortar using one or another method of cleaning for different types of bricks.
Cleaning bricks mechanically ↑
In order to cope with the problem mechanically, you need to know some rules. So, you can get rid of contaminants quickly, efficiently and without damage to the material. For example, to clean the ceramic and silicate bricks in the same way it is impossible, because the silicate brick mortar keeps much stronger. So, before you clear the bricks from the mortar, you must have the following tools:
- construction trowel, brush or metal trowel;
- a hammer, a chisel and a chisel;
- sandpaper;
- construction hammer;
- gloves, respirator and goggles.
The first step is to soften the solution to become more pliable and easier away from the material. To do this, pour the wall or the bricks with water until until the water will no longer soak in. Such a remover solution with a brick will help get rid of particles that is easily to hold. Now define the nature of the contamination: if the stain is cement flat and not voluminous, use a trowel, spatula or brush on metal. Your goal is to gently remove excess solution by mechanical means. With a spatula handy to pry the solution and quickly remove it. To complete the work will help brush on metal. It you remove the excess solution remaining after work with a trowel or spatula. In the end, once again generously wash the bricks, removing all unnecessary.
As for the big dried pieces, they need to knock down with a hammer and chisel. Here you need to work carefully because there is a great likelihood of damage to the brick. Do not strike perpendicular to the bricks. Work in parallel to them, so attacks were directed either up or down. For convenience, instead of a cold chisel can be used with a chisel.
Its small sharpening angle and uneven sides provide comfort in carrying out the work.
Some «master» suggest to remove the cement with nails. This is not correct, since the conical working part you’ll leave on the bricks, tracks, grooves and scratches that affect the appearance. When your goal is to clean used materials that were in use then there is nothing better than building a hammer, similar to the pickaxe. They are easy to knock down frozen chunks of cement. Once all the large particles will be removed, is to treat the surface with sandpaper. At the same time, mechanical processing of red-brick ends.
Clean sand-lime brick ↑
Cleaning sand-lime brick requires more effort, attention and perseverance. You will need:
- sandpaper;
- drill with sanding attachment;
- metal brush;
- respirator and safety glasses.
As in the first case, wet cement and try to peel it with a brush on metal. Using a power drill, work very carefully so as not to damage the brick surface and leave notches (drill better use for removing large pieces). Be sure to work in a respirator and goggles to protect respiratory organs and eyes. The treated surface sand and moisten with water. Use the chisel and hammer is not recommended, because you can damage the material.
Cleaning the brick by chemical means ^ the
Again, this method can only be used for ceramic bricks, silicate products cannot be exposed to chemicals! The principle of operation is quite simple: you need to apply the gel to clean brick from mortar that will control pollution. First you need to buy a vehicle. In specialty stores have a huge range, so problems with the choice you have should arise. Can consult with the store employees. They can advise a quality product. Important – read instructions carefully and choose a cleaner that will match the type of surface. So you will prevent possible damage to the material.
Basically, all the tools are made on the basis of acids. Different can be only in the application of specific tools. For example, some of them are required to apply on a dry surface, others on damp or completely soaked with water. The package will be updated information about consistency and exposure time. The main advantage of the method is that you save your strength, and the cleaning process is considerably accelerated.
If you do not want to buy in the store, you can cook it yourself. You need hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid. Mix it with water in a ratio of 1:10. Mix thoroughly. Before how to clean brick from mortar, it is necessary to moisten. Then apply solution with a cloth, brush or roller. After 10-15 minutes, wash it off with water. Any small spots of mortar will be removed. When you need to remove massive pieces, the procedure is the same, but the exposure time increased to 20-30 minutes. Razmyagchayuschiesya solution remove tool (putty knife, trowel, chisel) and rinse everything under running water. Since we are talking about acid, it is important to follow precautions. Be sure to wear gloves and glasses!
Clean second hand products need different way: put them in a cast-iron bath, pour the acid solution and boil on the fire until, until the cement is completely dissolved. In the end abundantly rinse with water.
It should be noted that chemical cleaning solvents has one drawback – sometimes after working on the surface can appear white marks and smudges. But, this is not a problem, as they can easily get rid of. You can purchase cleaners for facades and clean up pollution. As for cleaning store-bought mixes, the statement is quite simple:
- Dilute the concentrate according to the guidelines on the packaging.
- Apply the diluted solution to the surface.
- Wait the time specified in the instructions.
- Remove excess residue with water.
When you do this, be sure to use protection! At this stage everything is almost ready. You only have to bring everything to the mind. Cleaned the bricks you want to cover the water repellent. He will give the material a property to repel water, thus protecting it from contact with water. This step is not necessary to do.
As you can see, to get rid of the mortar on the bricks you can, while you can choose several ways. If you follow the instructions and do everything correctly, the result will not keep itself waiting.