Cleaning Procedures

GENERAL CLEANING DOWN

For guidance, the following procedures should be applied after completion of the masonry construction, for the purpose of general cleaning down:

For the removal of general dirt and grime mild detergent such as 'Sugar Soap' may be used. This can be obtained from most builders' merchants.

In the event of staining which cannot be removed by general cleaning techniques, CM1 mortar cleaner by Hydron* may be used subject to clarification from the ForticreteTechnical Department.

This method should not be attempted until all other less aggressive options have been considered.

Under no circumstances should acid or non-approved cleaners containing acid be applied to Forticrete Specification Masonry, Cast Stone, Precast or Astra-Glaze products.

Remedial cleaning procedures may affect the final appearance of facing masonry. Therefore it is advisable to carry out the initial cleaning procedure on an affected area that will not be seen.

ARCHITECTURAL MASONRY & CAST STONE PRODUCTS

The effects of marks and stains can be reduced with the use of a stiff bristle brush (not wire).

For the removal of general dirt and grime a mild detergent such as 'Sugar Soap' may be used. This can be obtained from most builders merchants.

The use of 'brick acid' is not recommended for the cleaning of Forticrete Masonry, as it can seriously attack the cement and aggregate matrix of the blockwork. In the event of staining which cannot be removed by general cleaning techniques, CM1 mortar cleaner by Hydron may be used subject to clarification from the Technical Department.

Power wash treatments are not recommended as they could 'blast out' the fines of the blockwork or damage the mortar joints at high pressures. However, a standard hose may be utilised when washing down.

Please note that mortar which does encroach on to the face of the masonry should be cleaned off as work proceeds. It should not be allowed to 'go off'.

POLISHED MASONRY PRODUCTS

Any mortars, plasters or materials sticking to the block should be removed with a plastic or wooden scraper prior to the contaminant 'going off'. Care should be taken to ensure that this process does not scratch the surface of the block.

The area must then be cleaned down using a mild detergent such as Sugar Soap', washed thoroughly and allowed to dry.

A proprietary marble cleaner can be used to restore the product's sheen if the polished face is damaged during cleaning. A lamb's wool buffer with a bee's wax polish can further enhance the product's sheen. Vegetable-based waxes should not be used as they can attack the cement content of the concrete blocks.

Please note that mortar which does encroach onto the face of the masonry should be cleaned off as work proceeds. It should not be  allowed to 'go off'.

ASTRA-GLAZE

Any grouts, mortars, plasters or materials sticking to the block should be removed carefully with a plastic scraper prior to the contaminant 'going off'. When grout is being used to point Astra- Glaze it must be gun applied and wiped immediately off the face of the block if it encroaches upon it.

*Hydron Protective Coatings Ltd., Phoenix Works, Marlborough
Estate, Cockshutts Lane, Wolverhampton WV2 3NP. Telephone:
01902 450950