Friday, April 25, 2014

Things to consider while cleaning your retaining wall

A retaining wall is a structure that performs the role of retaining soil, water and other materials in a vertical condition. These walls help in the prevention of soil erosion and sliding.  Retaining wall can be made up of several different materials, such as stone, concrete or wood. Generally, these walls are constructed in the yard or garden, as they can add a lot of charm and attractiveness. Therefore, these walls should look beautiful, and for this purpose, regular cleaning is very important.

Today, we will outline some tips to help you in cleaning these walls. The type and method of cleaning depends upon the materials used in walls.

You cannot use harsh chemicals to clean the wall made up of old stones. The dirt can penetrate deep into the blocks, if the wrong method of cleaning is used. Use professional-grade degreaser to clean such walls. Before embarking on the cleaning process, soak the entire wall, and wait for 10-15 minutes. After this use the degreaser.
Bricks or concrete blocks can be cleaned with any ordinary dish bar or liquid. You can make a solution of dish soap and use a garden sprayer. If the stains are too stubborn, then you can use bleach.

Use a hand-bristled scrub brush or a toothbrush to remove the stains.
Another option is to hire a professional retaining wall cleaning professional in Rochester New York.

Seal the surface with a breathable masonry sealer to avoid the recurrence of stain.

Efflorescence takes place naturally in concrete. Powdery white stains on the retaining wall blocks are the result of efflorescence. This problem is temporary, and can be prevented by reducing the amount of moisture.