Posted by: Amy on June 07, 2000 at 14:50:27:

In Reply to: Brick Cleanup, Tuck Pointing Posted by: Don Taggart on August 04, 1999 at 23:20:06:

: I have a house built in 1862, upon which the brick is looking pretty rough in places. Looks like water stains in some areas, and just plain chalky and flaky in others. What is the best way to clean it up? I've heard scrubbing with ammonia, muratic acid, light sanblasting.

: Also the mortar is all red, I guess from the bricks bleeding on it for a hundred years. I got a quote to get it done for 16k! That seemed a little much too me. Can I do this myself? I've read about a grout bag in other posts. Would that be the ticket for me? Is there a special tool for removing the mortar?

: If I did happen to ever complete this project, should I have the brick sealed? If so, how would one go about that?

: Thanks,
: Don

Did you decide to do this yourself or did you hire it out. I just bought an old home and am facing the same dilemna.

Followups::

: : I have a house built in 1862, upon which the brick is looking pretty rough in places. Looks like water stains in some areas, and just plain chalky and flaky in others. What is the best way to clean it up? I've heard scrubbing with ammonia, muratic acid, light sanblasting. : : Also the mortar is all red, I guess from the bricks bleeding on it for a hundred years. I got a quote to get it done for 16k! That seemed a little much too me. Can I do this myself? I've read about a grout bag in other posts. Would that be the ticket for me? Is there a special tool for removing the mortar? : : If I did happen to ever complete this project, should I have the brick sealed? If so, how would one go about that? : : Thanks, : : Don : Did you decide to do this yourself or did you hire it out. I just bought an old home and am facing the same dilemna.

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