ASTM E1857-97(2013)e1

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
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Designation: E1857 − 97 (Reapproved 2013)
Standard Guide for
Selection of Cleaning Techniques for Masonry, Concrete,
and Stucco Surfaces
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1857; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
ε NOTE—Sections 1.5, 2.1 and 3.1 were editorially corrected in July 2013.
1. Scope C1232 Terminology of Masonry
D4262 TestMethodforpHofChemicallyCleanedorEtched
1.1 This guide covers procedures for the selection and
Concrete Surfaces
assessment of cleaning techniques for removing soiling and
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
staining from masonry, concrete, and stucco surfaces. Removal
of paints, coatings, and graffiti may require measures beyond
3. Terminology
the scope of this guide. New construction is excluded from the
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this guide,
scope of this guide.
see Terminology C119, C1232,or E631.
1.2 This guide does not purport to address the causes of
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
soiling or staining or to propose remedies for recurring soiling
3.2.1 coating—clear or pigmented surface treatment applied
or staining.
for aesthetic improvement, enhanced durability, or other pur-
pose.
1.3 Where work on surfaces of artistic, architectural,
cultural, or historic significance is being considered, guidance
3.2.2 contaminant—a foreign substance not intentionally
from specialists should be sought.
introduced to a surface.
1.4 This guide does not purport to address removal and 3.2.3 muriatic acid—commercial grades of hydrochloric
replacement of prior repairs, repair of damaged surfaces, or acid that often contain iron impurities.
other irregularities that contribute to the uneven or discolored
3.2.4 nebulized water spray—cleaning with a mist of water
appearance of masonry, concrete, and stucco surfaces.
from fine nozzles.
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
3.2.5 poultice—cleaning systems composed of one or more
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
liquids mixed with powder to form a paste.
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
3.2.6 soiling—a deposit of finely divided particulate matter
and are not considered standard.
or other contaminants adhered to the surface.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.2.7 soiling crust—accumulation of soiling into a hardened
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
layeratthesurface.Partialorcompletedetachmentofthecrust
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
may damage the substrate.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
3.2.8 staining—a contaminant that has penetrated the sur-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
face.
2. Referenced Documents
3.2.9 surface—the exposed face of masonry, concrete, or
2.1 ASTM Standards: stucco.
C119 Terminology Relating to Dimension Stone
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Cleaning of masonry, concrete, and stucco surfaces is
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on Performance
undertaken for a variety of reasons including aesthetic
of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.24 on Building
Preservation and Rehabilitation Technology.
improvement, removal of contaminants, maintenance, and
Current edition approved June 15, 2013. Published July 2013. Originally
surface preparation. This guide provides for selecting, testing,
approved in 1997. Last previous edition approved in 2004 as E1857 – 97 (2004).
and evaluating cleaning techniques for removal of soiling and
DOI: 10.1520/E1857-97R13E01.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or staining.
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
4.2 Cleaning systems may adversely affect both building
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. materials being cleaned as well as other materials, mechanical,
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E1857 − 97 (2013)
electrical, and other building systems, and building exterior, removal from the surface. Mechanical scrubbing may enhance
interior, and site features. removal when staining is deeply deposited.
8.1.1 The effectiveness of water cleaning is influenced by
4.3 In some situations, it may be prudent to spot clean or to
the following factors:
not clean.
8.1.1.1 Pressure Rating, refers to the gauge pressure mea-
4.4 It should be noted that, in some cases, cleaning may be
sured at the nozzle of the cleaning equipment. Equipment
inconsistent with the goals of historic preservation.
capable of generating a pressure of 100 to 3000 psi (0.7 to 20
MPa) is commonly used. Surfaces and substrates can be
5. Identification and Characterization of Substrate
damaged by abrasion. Testing should determine the minimum
NOTE 1—The substrate should be identified and characterized before a
cleaning method is selected. Building records and any other relevant effective pressure.The location of the pump with respect to the
historic sources should be reviewed for information about the substrate
nozzle can affect the pressure rating.
and any previous treatments that might affect the proposed cleaning
8.1.1.2 Water Flow Rate—Water supplied by the pump to
process.
the rinsing apparatus measured in gallons per minute (gpm) or
5.1 Substrate samples should be analyzed to describe the
litres per minute (L/min). Pumps delivering 1.5 gpm (3.8
following characteristics:
L/min) may be used effectively in cleaning operations that
5.1.1 Mineralogical composition of major constituents,
require containment or control of effluent. More efficient
5.1.2 Microtexture,
cleaningisgenerallyachievedwithequipmentprovidingaflow
5.1.3 Water solubility,
rate of 4 to 8 gpm (15 to 30 L/min).
5.1.4 Acid solubility,
8.1.1.3 Spray Tip, determines the size and configuration of
5.1.5 Water absorption, and
the water spray delivered to the substrate. Fan-type spray tips
5.1.6 Soluble salt content.
producing 15 to 40° fan spray patterns have proven most
effective for cleaning masonry, concrete, and stucco surfaces.
NOTE 2—ASTM describes specific test methods for each masonry type.
Judgment should be used to select the current test method appropriate to
Laser tips, 0° tips, or fan spray tips with less than 15° spray
the proposed cleaning project.Tests may be modified to accommodate the
patterns produce a concentrated stream of water that may
number and size of available samples.
damage surfaces. Rotating spray heads that produce a scouring
action may also damage surfaces. Care must be taken to keep
6. Identification of Soiling and Staining
the spray tip as far from the surface as possible to provide
6.1 Identification of the composition of soiling or staining
effectivecleaning.Waterfromaspraytipheld3ft(0.9m)from
present on surfaces to be cleaned will assist in determining
thesubstratemayhavenoadverseeffectonthesurfacebutmay
appropriate cleaning techniques for testing. This may be
remove the surface of the substrate when held 6 in. (150 mm)
accomplished through laboratory testing. Cleaning techniques
from the wall.
should always be further evaluated in test areas.
8.1.2 Water Cleaning Methods:
8.1.2.1 Nebulized Water Spray—Effective for removal of
7. Selection Criteria
soiling or other deposits from surfaces that could not withstand
7.1 Performance goals for cleaning masonry, concrete, or
high pressure water or abrasive cleaning techniques.
stucco surfaces should be established prior to selection of the
8.1.2.2 Pressure Water Spray—Effective for removal of
cleaning technique.
loosely adhered soiling.
7.2 Selection of cleaning techniques shall be based on the
8.1.3 Limitations—Problems associated with water cleaning
following factors:
include intrusion of water into interior spaces, brown staining
7.2.1 The level of cleanness desired,
when iron-containing minerals are present, and the encourage-
7.2.2 The effectiveness of the cleaning system,
ment of biological growth. When water pressures are
7.2.3 Adverse effects to the surfaces, substrates and related
excessive, the surface can be abraded. Metal tools should not
components, and adjacent surfaces,
be used as scrubbing implements.
7.2.4 Environmental concerns, such as human exposure and
8.2 Chemical Cleaning, relies on chemical reaction to
the collection, neutralization, and disposal of cleaning residue
dissolve, capture, or mobilize soiling or staining. Chemical
and run-off, and
cleaning utilizies detergents, organic solvents, acids, and alka-
7.2.5 Other practical considerations such as time and cost
lis.Cleaningcompounds,whichareoftenproprietaryproducts,
factors.
are available as water-thin liquids and as thickened gels.
8. Cleaning Techniques Poultices can be used for removal of stains. Use of a chemical
NOTE3—Thefollowingcleaningtechniquesarenotnecessarilylistedin
in conjunction with water washing reduces both the chemical
order of aggressiveness. It is the responsibility of the user of this guide to
concentrations and the water volume required. In most cases,
determine the advantages and disadvantages of the various cleaning
chemical cleaning should be preceded and followed by thor-
procedures as they relate to the surfaces being cleaned. Whenever
ough water rinsing. Poultices enhance removal when staining
possible, contact the masonry, concrete, or stucco manufacturers and
is deeply deposited.
suppliers,thecleaningproductmanufacturers,andthecleaningequipment
manufacturers to determine compatibility. Specialists may also be con-
NOTE 4—Application frequently involves use of proprietary chemical
sulted.
cleaning compounds. Products should be used in accordance with the
8.1 Water Cleaning, relies on the ability of water to
manufacturer’s recommendations for suitability, protection, dilution,
dissolve, swell, and loosen soiling and staining, enabling their application, surface contact times, and rinsing procedures.
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E1857 − 97 (2013)
8.2.1 Chemical Types: 8.2.2.7 In most instances, a chemical cleaner should not be
8.2.1.1 Detergents—Suitableforremovalofdust,dirt,water applied with pressurized equipment. Such an application may
forcechemicalsdeepwithinthesurfaceofthemasonrythatare
soluble surface contaminants, oil, grease, and other emulsifi-
able staining materials. Water-detergent solutions can be difficult to remove and may adversely affect the surface. Such
an application may result in an unintended dispersion of
acidic, alkaline, or pH neutral. Neutral pH detergents are
sometimes referred to as nonionic. chemicals.
8.2.2.8 Metal tools should not be used as scrubbing imple-
8.2.1.2 Organic Solvents—Suitable for removal of caulking
ments.
compound residues, oils, grease, bituminous materials, and
other stains that are not soluble in water.
8.3 Abrasive Cleaning, relies on the mechanical application
of a material to remove soiling or stains from a substrate.
NOTE 5—Organic solvents are frequently flammable and combustible.
8.3.1 Types of Abrasive Cleaning:
They must be used in accordance with all applicable safety and environ-
mental regulations concerning flammable, toxic, and combustible materi-
8.3.1.1 Mechanical Scrubbing, is effective for removal of
als.
surface dust and debris deposited on or loosely adhered to
8.2.1.3 Acids—Suitable for removal of dust, dirt, water surfaces.
soluble surface contaminants, oil, grease, soot, fly ash, hydro- 8.3.1.2 Wet Abrasion, is effective for removal of a variety of
types of soiling. Wet abrasion combines the dirt softening and
carbon residues, biological growth, and stains due to polluted
environments. When using acidic cleaners, care must be taken rinsingpropertiesofwaterwiththeabilityofabrasivematerials
to erode soiling from the surface. Wet abrasion reduces
to ensure complete removal or neutralization of acidic residues
after the cleaning process. This is done by measuring the airborne matter, allows greater control of abrasive materials
during the cleaning process, and may reduce the time required
surface pH in accordance with Test Method D4262. When
evaluating surface pH, the pH of the substrate prior to cleaning to achieve the desired level of cleaning.
8.3.1.3 DryAbrasion,iseffectiveforremovalofavarietyof
and that of the rinse water must be considered. Alkaline
neutralizing rinses are sometimes used in conjunction with types of soiling. Abrasive grit is applied with air pressure to
erode soiling matter from treated surfaces. Select the least
acidic cleaners. The resulting salts should be removed by
rinsing with water. In addition to surface pH, the ion content of damaging abrasive materials and lowest air pressure sufficient
for cleaning.
the rinse water can be monitored.
8.3.1.4 Sanding/grinding, is effective for removal of a
8.2.1.4 Alkalis—Suitable for removal of dust, dirt, water
variety of surface soiling.
soluble surface contaminants, oil, grease, soot, fly ash, hydro-
8.3.2 Limitations—If the surface is to be retained, abrasive
carbon residues, grease, biological growth, and stains due to
cleaning may not be appropriate. Care must be taken to avoid
polluted environments. When using alkaline chemicals, care
damage by airborne dust depositing on or entering into treated
must be taken to ensure complete removal or neutralization of
and adjacent properties or mechanical systems and to avoid
alkaline residues after the cleaning process. This is done by
D4262. excessive erosion of surfaces. Abrasive cleaning should never
measuring surface pH in accordance with Test Method
be performed on masonry units with sand or slurry finishes.
When evaluating surface pH, the pH of the substrate prior to
With both wet and dry abrasion, hard or sharp edged abrasives
cleaning and of the rinse water must be considered. Acidic
can irreparably damage soft substrates.All cautions associated
neutralizing rinses are sometimes used in conjunction with
with water washing and pressure washing equipment should be
alkaline cleaners. The resulting salts should be removed by
considered. With sanding and grinding, care must be taken to
rinsing with water. In addition to surface pH, the ion content of
avoid surface variations created by uneven application of
the rinse water can be monitored.
abrasionmaterial.Sanding/grindingmaynotbesuitableforuse
8.2.2 Limitations:
on carved or molded surfaces.
8.2.2.1 All limitations associate
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