Chicagoland's Trusted Masonry Experts

Expert Power Washing in Chicagoland

Safe controlled pressure washing without damaging mortar joints or brick surfaces. 39+ years of North Shore experience. Licensed, insured, ASTM-compliant. Free estimates.

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39+

Years Experience

Reviews

2,800+

Projects

4.9

Star Rating

What Is Professional Power Washing?

Professional power washing for masonry uses controlled pressure, correct nozzle angles, and appropriate detergents to remove dirt, algae, efflorescence, and staining from brick, stone, and concrete without damaging mortar joints or surface texture. The key difference between professional and amateur power washing is pressure control - too much pressure erodes mortar joints and pits brick faces. We use 800 to 1,500 PSI for masonry (residential washers run 2,500 to 4,000 PSI - far too high for brick).

Six Signs You Need Power Washing

Sign 1

Black or green algae growth on north-facing walls

Sign 2

White powdery deposits (efflorescence) covering brick

Sign 3

General darkening and discoloration of brick or stone

Sign 4

Paint overspray or graffiti on masonry surfaces

Sign 5

Rust stains from fixtures, railings, or lintels

Sign 6

Staining from mortar smear after tuckpointing

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What Happens When You Delay Power Washing

Surface deposits on masonry are not just cosmetic. Algae retains moisture against brick, accelerating freeze-thaw damage. Efflorescence signals water moving through the wall.

Cost Escalation Timeline

Timeline	Condition	Typical Cost
Year 0-1	Surface soiling, light algae	$200-$500 (simple wash)
Year 1-3	Heavy algae, embedded staining, efflorescence	$400-$1,000 (chemical treatment)
Year 3-5	Biological growth damaging mortar, staining permanent	$800-$2,000 (wash + mortar repair)
Year 5+	Mortar deterioration from retained moisture	Tuckpointing needed ($2,000+)

Featured Power Washing Projects

Power Washing project in Wilmette - completed work by Delta Masonry

Wilmette - 1938 Georgian

Scope: Full facade wash - brick cleaning + efflorescence removal
Mortar: N/A - cleaning only

Power Washing project in Evanston - completed work by Delta Masonry

Evanston - 1952 Three-Flat

Scope: Algae removal all elevations + mortar-safe detergent treatment
Mortar: N/A - cleaning only

Power Washing project in Northbrook - completed work by Delta Masonry

Northbrook - 1965 Ranch

Scope: Driveway + patio + brick walls - comprehensive property wash
Mortar: N/A - cleaning only

Our Power Washing Process

Surface Assessment

We identify the staining type (biological, mineral, chemical, paint), test mortar hardness, and determine the correct pressure and detergent for your specific masonry.

Pre-Treatment

Appropriate detergent is applied and allowed to dwell. Algae gets biocide, efflorescence gets acid wash (muriatic at proper dilution), paint gets appropriate stripper.

Controlled Pressure Wash

Low-pressure washing (800-1,500 PSI) with correct tip angle removes deposits without eroding mortar or pitting brick. Fan nozzles only - never zero-degree tips on masonry.

Detail Work

Stubborn areas, corners, window surrounds, and decorative elements are hand-cleaned to avoid damage from pressure.

Rinse & Neutralize

Full rinse to remove all detergent residue. Acid-washed areas are neutralized to prevent mortar damage.

Post-Wash Inspection

We inspect for any mortar that was already failing and hidden by surface deposits. If tuckpointing is needed, we provide a separate estimate.

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Technical Standards & Mortar Types

Pressure limits for masonry cleaning are critical. The numbers below apply to standard residential masonry in good condition. Older or softer masonry requires even lower pressure.

Mortar Type	Compressive Strength	Correct Use	Risk if Misused
Soft Brick	600-800 PSI	Pre-1940 common brick, soft limestone	Maximum safe pressure. Higher pressure removes surface material permanently.
Standard Brick	800-1,200 PSI	Post-1940 face brick, concrete block	Standard cleaning pressure. Safe for most residential masonry.
Concrete/Hard Stone	1,200-1,500 PSI	Concrete flatwork, granite, hard stone	Higher pressure for hard surfaces only. Still well below residential washer output.

All Delta work follows ASTM C270 Standard Specification for Mortar for Unit Masonry.

Power Washing Pricing

$200-$500

Single wall or chimney

$400-$800

Full house exterior

$150-$400

Driveway or patio

$300-$600

Specialty stain removal

Power washing is often combined with tuckpointing or brick repair at a discounted rate. Free on-site assessment to determine stain type and appropriate treatment.

What Our Customers Say

4.9

★★★★★

Based on 87 verified reviews

★★★★★

"Our brick was covered in green algae on the north side. Delta cleaned it perfectly without damaging the mortar. The difference is dramatic. Looks like new brick."

Christine M.

Wilmette, IL

★★★★★

"Had heavy efflorescence on our three-flat. Delta treated it with the right chemicals and low-pressure wash. No damage to the mortar and the staining is gone."

George P.

Evanston, IL

★★★★★

"We hired a regular power washing company before and they blasted out our mortar joints. Delta used low pressure and actually knows masonry. Night and day difference."

Amy R.

Northbrook, IL

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Power Washing Service Areas

We provide professional power washing services across Chicago's North Shore, Lake County, and northwest suburbs. 39+ years serving these communities.

Neighborhood Expertise

Every neighborhood on the North Shore has different brick, mortar, and construction eras. We know what your home is made of and how to repair it correctly.

North Shore (Wilmette, Winnetka, Kenilworth)

Era 1920s-1960s Building types Mature tree canopy means heavy algae growth on north faces Common material Face brick, limestone, decorative stone Our approach Biocide treatment plus low-pressure wash. These homes have soft mortar joints that standard power washing destroys.

Evanston

Era 1890s-1940s Building types Greystones and multi-units with efflorescence issues Common material Common brick with lime mortar Our approach Acid wash for efflorescence followed by water management assessment. Efflorescence signals water inside the wall.

Northbrook & Glenview

Era 1950s-1980s Building types Ranch and colonial homes with standard brick Common material Machine-pressed brick, harder mortar Our approach Standard pressure wash at appropriate PSI. These homes tolerate slightly higher pressure but still require masonry-trained operators.

Lake Forest & Highland Park

Era 1900s-present Building types Estates with mixed stone and brick facades Common material Multiple materials requiring different pressure settings Our approach Multi-material wash with pressure adjusted per surface type. Stone, brick, and wood require different approaches on the same property.

Power Washing FAQ

Common questions about power washing answered by our licensed masonry experts.

Will power washing damage my mortar joints?

Not if done correctly. Standard consumer power washers (2,500-4,000 PSI) absolutely will damage mortar joints. Professional masonry cleaning uses 800-1,500 PSI with wide fan nozzles and proper technique. We are masons first - we understand mortar integrity and never exceed safe pressure for your specific masonry type.

How often should brick be power washed?

Every 3-5 years for maintenance cleaning. More frequently if you have heavy tree cover (algae) or persistent efflorescence (which indicates a moisture problem that should be investigated). Power washing is maintenance, not a substitute for addressing underlying issues.

Can you remove paint from brick?

Yes, though paint removal is a specialized process using chemical strippers and low-pressure washing. Complete paint removal from brick typically requires multiple applications. Some paints (especially older lead-based paints) require special handling and disposal.

What is the white powder on my brick (efflorescence)?

Efflorescence is mineral salt deposits left when water migrates through masonry and evaporates on the surface. It signals water is moving through your wall - the efflorescence itself is cosmetic, but the water causing it may be damaging mortar and brick. We clean the surface and investigate the water source.

Do you also do concrete power washing?

Yes. Concrete driveways, patios, walkways, and garage floors are cleaned at appropriate pressure (typically 1,200-2,000 PSI) with surface cleaners for even results. We can also apply concrete sealer after washing for long-term protection.

Is power washing safe for old brick?

Yes, when done by masonry professionals using appropriate pressure. Pre-1940 soft brick requires lower pressure (600-800 PSI) and more reliance on chemical treatment. We test mortar and brick hardness before selecting pressure and technique.

Our Credentials

Since 1987

Licensed Illinois Masonry Contractor #104-016987. Continuously operating for 39+ years.

$2M

Full general liability coverage protects your property. Certificate of insurance provided on request.

Workers Comp

Full workers comp coverage for every crew member. You are never liable for on-site injuries.

4.9 Stars

87 verified reviews across Google and Yelp. Our reputation is built on results.

Family-Owned

Three generations of masonry expertise. No franchises, no corporate overhead. Personal attention.

Free Estimates

Every project starts with a free on-site inspection and detailed written estimate. No surprises.

Expert Power Washing in Chicagoland