Professional Brick Cleaning for Richmond Homeowners
Brick is built to last, but it still collects dirt, algae, mold, and stains that change the way it looks over time. Jacobson’s Power Washing provides brick power washing services that clean the surface and restore the appearance without damaging the brick or the mortar holding it together. We use the right pressure and the right methods so your brick looks the way it should.
Locally owned
Residential power washing
Fast & affordable service
Brick is one of the most common exterior materials on homes in Richmond, and it’s one of the most misunderstood when it comes to cleaning. A lot of homeowners assume that because brick is hard and durable, you can hit it with as much water pressure as you want. That’s not the case. The brick itself can handle a fair amount of pressure, but the mortar joints between the bricks are a different story.
Mortar is softer than brick. It erodes under water pressure that’s too high or concentrated in one spot for too long. Once mortar starts to break down, water gets into the joints and behind the brick, which leads to moisture problems, cracking, and structural issues over time. Cleaning brick the right way means protecting the mortar while removing what’s on the surface.
Using too much PSI on brick dislodges mortar, pits the surface of the brick, and can force water into the wall behind it. Older homes with lime-based mortar are especially at risk because that mortar is softer than the Portland cement-based mortar used in newer construction.
Homeowners who rent a pressure washer and go at their brick exterior without adjusting the pressure or the nozzle distance often end up doing damage that’s expensive to repair. Repointing mortar joints is labor-intensive work, and it’s avoidable when the cleaning is done correctly in the first place.
A professional brick cleaning service starts with an evaluation of the brick and mortar condition before any water touches the surface. The crew knows what PSI to use based on the age of the brick, the type of mortar, and the kind of buildup that needs to come off. They also know which cleaning agents work on brick without discoloring it or reacting with the minerals in the material.
For heavily stained or mold-covered brick, a pre-treatment cleaning solution is applied before the pressure wash. This breaks down the organic growth and loosens the staining so the pressure washer can remove it at a lower, safer PSI. The combination of chemistry and controlled pressure is what gets the job done without causing harm.
Keeping your brick surfaces clean is about more than just appearance. There are practical reasons to stay on top of it, and most of them come down to protecting the material and the value of your property.
Safe, Effective, Professional results every time
We follow a consistent process on every brick cleaning job to make sure the results are thorough and the surfaces stay protected.
Before we start, we evaluate the type of brick, the age and condition of the mortar, and the kind of buildup on the surface. Older mortar, cracked joints, and areas with existing damage are all noted so we can adjust our approach.
For surfaces with mold, algae, or heavy staining, we apply a cleaning agent rated for use on brick. The solution breaks down organic growth and loosens dirt and mineral deposits. It sits on the surface for a set dwell time before any pressure is applied.
We clean the brick using pressure levels that are safe for the material and the mortar. The PSI, nozzle type, and distance from the surface are all set based on what we found during the inspection. This removes the buildup without eroding the joints or pitting the brick face.
Once the cleaning is complete, we rinse the entire surface and walk the area to check every section. If any spots need additional attention, we treat them before finishing. We don’t leave until the brick is clean and you’re satisfied with the results.
Brick is used in a lot of places around residential properties, and each surface has its own cleaning needs. We handle all of them and adjust our methods based on the condition and age of the material.
We adjust the pressure, cleaning agents, and technique based on the condition of the brick and the type of mortar used. Older brick with deteriorating mortar gets a lighter approach. Newer brick in good condition can handle a more direct cleaning.
We clean brick surfaces for homeowners across Richmond who want the work done correctly. Every job gets the same attention to the material, the mortar, and the final result.
Richmond has a lot of brick. From older homes in the Fan District to newer construction in Short Pump and Midlothian, brick exteriors, walkways, and patios are part of the residential makeup across the metro area. And Richmond’s climate does a number on all of it.
Humidity feeds algae and mold growth on brick surfaces throughout the warmer months. Pollen settles into the texture of the brick every spring. Rain carries dirt and pollutants that stain the surface over time. Shaded walls and north-facing surfaces stay damp longer, which gives organic growth a foothold that’s hard to remove without the right equipment and technique.
Jacobson’s Power Washing provides residential brick cleaning services throughout Richmond, VA and surrounding communities. We know the housing stock in this area, we know what the climate does to brick, and we clean with that knowledge in mind. If your brick surfaces have started to discolor, show green or black growth, or just look worn down, we’re here to get them back to where they should be.
Trusted by homeowners and renters across Midlothian, VA.
Highly impressed with the professionalism! They cleaned our wooden deck and perimeter fence, removing years of grime without any wood damage. It looks freshly stained again. Very reliable and easy to communicate with.
Jacobson’s did an incredible job on our vinyl siding. The green mold and dirt are completely gone, and the house literally sparkles. Fast service and very honest pricing. I won’t go anywhere else for exterior cleaning.
Our driveway had terrible oil stains and dark patches. After one visit from the team, the concrete looks brand new. They were punctual, professional, and did exactly what they promised. Great local service!
Yes, when it’s done at the right pressure level. Brick itself is durable, but the mortar joints between the bricks are the area that needs protection. We set our PSI based on the age and condition of the mortar so the brick gets a thorough clean without any joint damage.
In most cases, yes. Algae, mold, dirt, and most organic stains come off with a combination of cleaning solution and controlled pressure. Some mineral stains like efflorescence (white salt deposits) may require a specific treatment, but they can usually be removed or reduced to the point where they’re no longer noticeable.
Every one to two years is a good schedule for most brick surfaces in the Richmond area. Homes with heavy tree cover, shaded walls, or surfaces near ground-level moisture may benefit from annual cleaning. Walkways and patios with regular foot traffic may also need more frequent attention.
Not when the cleaning is done at the right pressure. We inspect the mortar condition before we start and adjust our approach based on what we find. Older mortar or joints that are already showing signs of wear get a lighter treatment. The goal is always to clean the brick without compromising the mortar that holds it together.
Dirty, stained, or discolored brick doesn’t have to stay that way. Jacobson’s Power Washing provides brick cleaning services that bring your surfaces back to their original condition using methods that protect the material and the mortar.
Call us today or request a quote online. We’ll handle the rest.