A chimney is an interesting feature of a house, especially if it is an exterior brick one. The downside of exterior brick chimneys however is that they can get quite dirty, so you need to clean them periodically.
Cleaning an exterior brick chimney is not hard if you know the right steps. But before we get into the gist of how to turn your chimney cleaning into a DIY project, let’s first get a better idea of what a brick chimney is.
A chimney brick is made of special brick that is resistant to fire. These bricks can withstand temperatures up to 1450 degrees Fahrenheit. They are made of refractory ceramic which makes them durable and perfect for chimney linings.
It is important to keep the bricks clean as the spot and creosote buildup can cause a fire. Also, this brick is exposed and is visible from the street, so it is always a good idea to keep it looking nice and tidy.
Cleaning exterior brick chimney step-by-step guide
Start your chimney cleaning by gathering the right tools and materials so there are no hiccups along the way. Get a chimney brush, a bucket of water, soap, a chimney brick cleaner, and a paintbrush.
Make sure to clean the chimney brick when the weather is appropriate. This means that you need to wait for a cool day, not too hot or too cold. Also, it must be dry and sunny. Try to pick a day with no wind so no dirt is attached to the brick when it is wet and soapy.
Also, clean your chimney during a period when you are not using it.
Start by adding some cooking oil to a spray bottle and mix it with water and two tablespoons of baking soda. Shake it well and spray it over the brick. Let it sit for a while and then rinse it and start scrubbing it with the soap content. Rinse this layer as well and then spray the surface with lubricating oils.
Never use any bleach or chlorine instead of soap, even if you see harsh stains on the surface. Also, avoid any power tools because they can cause damage to the surface of the brick. You can use a pressure cleaner if you feel the dirt is hard to come off.
If the entire process seems too overwhelming, contact us at RH Renovation NYC to do a proper cleaning of the exterior brick chimney.
