16.1 CONSTRUCTION CLEANING

Cleaning new brick and concrete masonry is easiest if some simple protective measures are taken during construction. But even with protections in place, some mortar smears and splatters will have to be cleaned after the work is complete.

The finished appearance of masonry walls depends to a great extent on the attention given to the surfaces during construction and during the cleaning process. Care should always be taken to prevent mortar smears or splatters on the face of the wall, but if such stains do occur, daily cleaning can help prevent permanent discoloration. Excess mortar and dust can be brushed from the surface easily when the work is still fresh. For brick walls, a brush of medium-soft bristle is preferable. Any motions that rub or press mortar particles into the unit face should be avoided. On concrete block walls, mortar droppings are easier to remove after they have dried.