Masonry Power Washing
Brick should be cleaned, not blasted. The wrong pressure does permanent damage.
Overview
Masonry cleaning sits at the intersection of appearance and preservation. Done correctly, it removes dirt, atmospheric staining, organic growth, and efflorescence and makes a building look decades younger. Done with too much pressure or the wrong technique, it erodes mortar joints, strips the fired face off brick, and drives water deep into the wall — causing the exact damage it was supposed to prevent.
We clean masonry using the gentlest effective method: appropriate pressure, masonry-safe cleaners matched to the staining, and techniques that protect soft brick and historic surfaces. We never sandblast brick. The goal is a clean wall that's also an undamaged one.
Scope of Work
- Soft washing and low-pressure cleaning
- Dirt and atmospheric stain removal
- Organic growth (algae, moss) removal
- Efflorescence cleaning
- Pre-restoration and pre-sealing cleaning
- Commercial facade cleaning
Quick Answer
Emerald Masonry LLC cleans brick and masonry across Chicagoland with gentle, masonry-safe methods — never sandblasting — removing dirt, staining, and growth without harming the wall. Family-owned, licensed and insured, 40+ years. Call (708) 288-1696.
Warning Signs
When to Call Us
01
Atmospheric Soiling and Dirt
Decades of airborne dirt and pollution dull a masonry facade. The right cleaning method lifts it without harming the brick or joints underneath.
02
Organic Growth
Green or black algae, moss, and mildew on shaded, damp walls are cosmetic but signal persistent moisture. Cleaning removes the growth; addressing the dampness keeps it from returning.
03
Efflorescence and Staining
White salt deposits and assorted staining can be cleaned with masonry-safe methods — though efflorescence also means the water source behind it should be addressed.
04
Prep Before Sealing or Restoration
Sealers and repairs bond best to clean masonry. Gentle cleaning is the correct first step before waterproofing or restoration work.
Materials We Use
- Low-pressure soft-wash equipment
- Masonry-safe, pH-appropriate cleaners
- Biocidal treatments for organic growth
- Stain-specific cleaning agents
What Affects the Price
- Square footage and number of elevations
- Type and severity of staining
- Surface fragility (historic or soft brick)
- Access and height
Every building is different. We provide free on-site estimates so you get a real number for your property — call (708) 288-1696.
Making the Right Call
Soft washing vs. high-pressure blasting
High pressure and sandblasting strip the protective face off brick and erode mortar, causing permanent damage. Soft washing with the right cleaner removes the soiling while leaving the masonry intact — it's the only appropriate approach for brick.
Past Work
Project Gallery
Facade cleaning — Chicagoland
Efflorescence and stain removal
Commercial masonry cleaning
FAQ
Common Questions
It can, if it's done with too much pressure or the wrong technique — eroding mortar and stripping the fired face off the brick. We use the gentlest effective method and masonry-safe cleaners, and we never sandblast brick. Done correctly, cleaning is safe and restorative.
Sandblasting removes the hard, weather-resistant outer skin of the brick, exposing the soft, porous interior. That dramatically accelerates water absorption, spalling, and decay. It permanently damages the masonry and should never be used on brick.
Yes. We clean efflorescence, algae, moss, and atmospheric staining with masonry-safe methods. With efflorescence, we also recommend addressing the water source so it doesn't simply return.
Yes — sealers and repair materials bond best to clean masonry. Gentle cleaning is the proper first step in a waterproofing or restoration sequence.
Get Started
Request a Free Masonry Power Washing Estimate
Free on-site estimates for commercial and large-scale residential projects across Chicagoland. Upload diagnostic photos and we'll get back to you the same day.
Phone
(708) 288-1696Other Services
Service
Tuckpointing & Repointing
Stop water intrusion at the source — before it reaches the structure.
Service
Brick Repair & Replacement
Individual bricks fail. We replace them before the damage spreads.
Service
Chimney Repair & Rebuilds
The chimney is the most exposed masonry on the building. It shows first.
Service
Masonry Restoration
Large-scale deterioration requires a systematic approach — not a patch.
Service
Efflorescence Removal & Waterproofing
White stains are a symptom. Water in the wall is the problem.
Service
Commercial & Industrial Masonry
Commercial masonry requires a contractor who shows up, communicates, and delivers.
Service
Brick Replacement
When a brick can't be saved, the right replacement disappears into the wall.
Service
Lintel Repair & Replacement
Rusting steel lifts the brick above it. Caught early, it's a contained repair.
Service
Parapet Wall Repair
Exposed on three sides with no roof above it, the parapet fails first.
Service
Foundation Masonry Repair
Where the building meets the ground, water and movement do the most damage.
Service
Limestone & Sill Repair
Stone sills shed water for the whole wall — until they crack and start holding it.
Service
Masonry Caulking & Joint Sealant
The right joint moves with the building. Mortar there just cracks.
Service
Masonry Sealing & Waterproofing
Keep liquid water out while letting the wall breathe — sequence and product matter.
Service
Commercial Masonry Restoration
Large footprints, occupied buildings, and boards that need documentation.
Service
Residential Masonry Restoration
When a home needs more than one repair, a coordinated plan beats years of patching.
Service
Historic Masonry Restoration
Old buildings need soft mortar and a light hand — modern materials damage them.