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Acid washing brick over brand new copper roofs

Hello,

I am repointing close to 10 thousand sq. ft. of brick most of which is situated over brand new copper roofs. I have heard the best way to clean brick after repointing is to use an acid wash solution. The only problem is the copper roof and some gutters underneath. I do not want to ruin the metal but have to clean and seal the new mortar. Any advise would greatly be appreciated.

Mike Galdorise
general contractor - Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
June 4, 2008

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Would sand blast or a high pressure water blast do the same thing?
I Guess that it could be done, but it would require some innovative masking of the roof and gutters. You could not use gobs of the acid either. Glad that it is not my problem.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
June 6, 2008

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July 21, 2008

You could seal the new copper roofs with a clear, protective coating which would protect the copper from acid. One is Everbrite which will not only protect from the acid but will prevent tarnish on the copper roofs. If you want the roof to patina to brown or eventually green, you would need to remove the Everbrite Coating.
Hope this helps,

Teresa Sedmak
Everbrite Coatings

Rancho Cordova, California

Will acid washing damage the brick frieze material or the vinyl siding?

Chad Griffith
homeowner - Mobile, Alabama
March 24, 2009