how to clean up internal exposed brickwork
Tani H-S
5 years ago
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Defined Builds Limited
5 years agoTani H-S
5 years agoRelated Discussions
Exposed Brickwork or Not??
Comments (9)Hi we have just encountered a similar situation with our internal stair wall. Our plaster practically fell off the wall when we had to install a steel beam. There were generally negative comments from those around about leaving it as brick but my husband who is an architect and I really liked it. I cleaned it down with an acid wash, cleaned again with water then sealed it with a 50/50 PVA/water mix. It has it's imperfections, where brick has crumbled a bit and where previous owners have tried to sort it, though not very well, but it all adds a bit of character. We love it. I can see where builder is coming from on the insulation front but it's your house and if you're happy to go with the extra work externally to enjoy the inside more then go for it. You could always strip the plaster off, decide it's not for you and plaster over it, but if you don't even try you will always wonder....See MoreAdvice on tidying fireplace brickwork
Comments (3)Hi Paul, It looks to me that the bricks on the side are a later addition. They don't appear to match or intersect with the original red brickwork. I would suggest getting an old blunt chisel/brick bolster and a heavy lump hammer and just knocking these off - I don't think it'll be much trouble and doesn't take an expert. For the brickwork itself you can try using a firm wire brush to remove some of the black discolouration but it may not make much difference. I know you can get some acids that clean up brick but I don't have any experience with that. Finally I would suggest getting someone experienced in to do the re-pointing which will smarten it up a lot. Since its an old rustic fireplace its worth finding someone willing to use traditional lime mortar. Hope this helps....See MoreUse Internal glass screen to brighten up room
Comments (21)Hi Sunny. If you need the dining table there I would definitely go for a banquet style seating area that can be pulled out when required but give enough space on a daily basis for passing sensibly. It seems like this space would really benefit from a 3D render package allowing you to visualise the space and how it will look when finished. You would then be able to try a few different options on the door front as well as the seating area. They don't only allow you to visualise the space saving you from making costly mistakes but you can then also use them when sourcing and with contractors to get your ideas and requirements across more clearly. I added a few images from some our recent 3D's to give you an idea of what you get (usually 5/7 images of each space). I look forward to hearing more on your new space. All the best, Gina...See MoreHow to clean off residue from old porch
Comments (2)Never tried it but worth a shot. I found this online 1 Move a heat gun back and forth along the bead of caulk that you desire to remove from the bricks, holding it approximately 6 to 8 inches away. Continue in this manner until the caulk it is warm and pliable. 2 Use a putty knife to scrape along the edges of the caulk and pry it up. Remove as much caulk as you can with the blade of the putty knife. 3 Work up the edges of difficult sections of caulk with the blade of a utility knife. Scrape away the caulk once the edges are released from the brick with the blade of the putty knife. 4 Scrub any remaining caulk and caulk residue from the surface of the brick with warm water and a sponge. Rinse and allow the brick to dry. Clean the brick using a sponge and denatured alcohol. Things You Will Need Heat gun Putty knife Utility knife Warm water Sponge Denatured alcohol Tip Heat one small section of caulk at a time when removing large lengths of old caulk. Warning Wear eye protection....See MoreUser
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