How can I remove caulking compound from brickwork?
Question:I removed an old aluminum awning from my brick home. Left behind, on the brick, is a hardened bead of caulking compound. I've scraped what I can with a scraper. But there's still some stubborn caulk hanging on. Is there anything I can do to remove the most stubborn pieces that are still there?
Answers:
Don't listen to them, brick will be destroyed if you use a hammer or chisel.
Use some solvent and just scrub. Make sure you have safety glasses on and gloves because that solvent will irritate your skin.
It'll be worth the hard work once you see the results.
I would try to dig it off with a screwdriver.
Use a wood chisel and a hammer. Taping the chisel with the hammer working it like the scrapper, should chip off the compound. Angle the chisel right or you will be chipping the brick.
The caulk is in the pores of the brick. I would try using an angle grinder with a wire brush attached.
The brush should be pretty stiff.
You can rent one if you do not own one, and a 5" grinder is all you need, plus it is much easier to control than the big heavy ones. Go for one with variable speed control and experiment with a speed that works best.
It should be able to rip the caulk from the brick pores and leave you with clean brick.
Most solvents will not have any effect on old caulk.
pressure washers work wonders
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