ASTM D5703-95(2022)e1

Standard Practice for Preparatory Surface Cleaning for Clay Brick Masonry

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Surface cleaning is necessary to prepare clay brick masonry surfaces for application of coatings intended for water repellent protection. Surface cleaning helps to ensure proper adhesion or even penetration of the coating and to prevent unintended sealing-in of stains.  
4.2 This practice addresses surface cleaning only. Other preparation or remedial repairs, such as repointing the masonry or replacing of units, may be necessary and must be completed prior to application of the water repellent treatment.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers non-abrasive surface cleaning of clay brick masonry to remove surface contaminants such as dirt, grease, loose material, soot, fly ash, hydrocarbon residues, algae, etc. in preparation for the application of water repellent coatings without damaging or altering the surface appearance of the clay brick masonry.  
1.2 Procedures included in this practice are water cleaning, detergent water cleaning, pressurized water cleaning, steam cleaning, and acid cleaning. It is not intended for the cleaning of newly constructed brick masonry. Use of procedures described in this practice may not be appropriate where the surface is of a historical nature.  
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard information see Section 5, 6.4.1.1, and 6.4.1.2.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Dec-2021
• ICS: 25.220.10 - Surface preparation
• Technical Committee: D01 - Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications
• Drafting Committee: D01.47 - Concrete, Stone and Masonry Treatments

Relations

• Refers: ASTM C43-08 - Standard Terminology of Structural Clay Products (Withdrawn 2009)
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2008
• Refers: ASTM C43-07 - Standard Terminology of Structural Clay Products
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2007
• Refers: ASTM C43-06 - Standard Terminology of Structural Clay Products
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2006
• Refers: ASTM C43-05 - Standard Terminology of Structural Clay Products
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2005
• Refers: ASTM C43-03a - Standard Terminology of Structural Clay Products
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2003
• Refers: ASTM C43-03 - Standard Terminology of Structural Clay Products
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-2003
• Refers: ASTM C43-02 - Standard Terminology of Structural Clay Products
• Effective Date: 10-Dec-2002
• Refers: ASTM C43-99 - Standard Terminology of Structural Clay Products
• Effective Date: 10-Feb-2001
• Refers: ASTM C43-01 - Standard Terminology of Structural Clay Products
• Effective Date: 10-Feb-2001

Overview

ASTM D5703-95(2022)e1: Standard Practice for Preparatory Surface Cleaning for Clay Brick Masonry provides guidelines for non-abrasive surface cleaning methods designed to prepare clay brick masonry for the application of water repellent coatings. Effective surface cleaning enhances the adhesion and performance of protective treatments while preventing the sealing in of stains and contaminants. This practice is essential for ensuring that coatings penetrate efficiently without damaging or altering the visual and structural integrity of clay brick masonry.

This ASTM standard applies to existing clay brick masonry and includes procedures such as water cleaning, detergent water cleaning, pressurized water cleaning, steam cleaning, and acid cleaning. It specifically excludes cleaning methods for newly constructed brick masonry and is not recommended for historical masonry surfaces.

Key Topics

• Surface Cleaning Methods:

  • Water Cleaning: Involves hand or pressurized cleaning to remove dust, dirt, and water-soluble contaminants.
  • Detergent Water Cleaning: Uses water-soluble detergents to dissolve oils, greases, and emulsifiable materials.
  • Pressurized Water Cleaning: Employs low-to-moderate pressure water streams, taking care to avoid damaging the masonry.
  • Steam Cleaning: Applies steam to loosen and remove contaminants.
  • Acid Cleaning: Utilizes mild proprietary acid solutions for stubborn residues like soot and hydrocarbon deposits, with significant precautions to avoid damage or staining.

• Contaminant Removal: Targets dirt, grease, loose materials, soot, fly ash, hydrocarbon deposits, algae, and more.

• Testing and Precautions:

  • Conduct cleaning on small, inconspicuous test areas before full-scale treatment.
  • Protect adjacent materials and follow all safety and environmental regulations.
  • Avoid excessive water pressure or strong acid concentrations, especially on light-colored, slurry-coated, or glazed bricks.

• Not for New or Historic Masonry: This standard is not suitable for newly constructed brickwork or for historic structures where more sensitive conservation techniques are necessary.

Applications

The ASTM D5703-95(2022)e1 standard is used across a range of projects involving the maintenance, repair, restoration, and preparation of clay brick masonry. Typical applications include:

• Surface Preparation for Water Repellent Coatings: Assuring the substrate is clean for optimum coating adhesion and performance.
• Maintenance Cleaning: Removing environmental pollutants or organic growth that compromise masonry appearance and longevity.
• Remedial Work in Restoration Projects: Cleaning prior to sealing or waterproofing existing masonry in residential, commercial, and institutional buildings.
• Quality Assurance: Serving facility managers, contractors, and restoration professionals as a reliable reference to maximize the durability of clay brick surfaces.

Related Standards

• ASTM C43: (Withdrawn) Terminology of Structural Clay Products.
• Other ASTM Masonry Cleaning and Restoration Standards: Including procedures for assessing and cleaning historical masonry where extra caution is required.
• Industry Guidelines: Such as Brick Industry Association technical notes for supplementary recommendations.

Proper adherence to ASTM D5703-95(2022)e1 practices ensures successful surface preparation of clay brick masonry, supporting long-term protection, performance, and aesthetics of masonry surfaces.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
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Designation: D5703 − 95 (Reapproved 2022)
Standard Practice for
Preparatory Surface Cleaning for Clay Brick Masonry
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5703; 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—Subsections 1.4, 6.4.1.1, and 6.4.1.2 were updated editorially in January 2022.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This practice covers non-abrasive surface cleaning of
C43 Terminology of Structural Clay Products (Withdrawn
clay brick masonry to remove surface contaminants such as
2009)
dirt, grease, loose material, soot, fly ash, hydrocarbon residues,
algae, etc. in preparation for the application of water repellent
3. Terminology
coatings without damaging or altering the surface appearance
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
of the clay brick masonry.
3.1.1 slurry, n—a coating of finely ground clay, coloring
1.2 Procedures included in this practice are water cleaning,
agents,andwaterappliedtothesurfaceofclaybrickduringthe
detergent water cleaning, pressurized water cleaning, steam
manufacturing process prior to firing of the unit.
cleaning, and acid cleaning. It is not intended for the cleaning 3.1.1.1 Discussion—Sand may also be added to the slurry.
of newly constructed brick masonry. Use of procedures de-
3.2 For definitions of other terms found in this practice,
scribed in this practice may not be appropriate where the
refer to Terminology C43.
surface is of a historical nature.
4. Significance and Use
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
4.1 Surface cleaning is necessary to prepare clay brick
as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for
masonrysurfacesforapplicationofcoatingsintendedforwater
information only.
repellent protection. Surface cleaning helps to ensure proper
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
adhesion or even penetration of the coating and to prevent
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
unintended sealing-in of stains.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.2 This practice addresses surface cleaning only. Other
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
preparation or remedial repairs, such as repointing the masonry
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
or replacing of units, may be necessary and must be completed
For specific hazard information see Section 5, 6.4.1.1, and
prior to application of the water repellent treatment.
6.4.1.2.
5. Hazards
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
5.1 Localized stains (for example efflorescence and metallic
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
stains) and previously applied coatings not compatible with the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
water repellent treatment may require removal by other surface
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
cleaning methods. Failure to remove localized stains prior to
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
application of the treatment may prevent later removal of the
stain.
NOTE 1—Methods for removing localized stains, including use of
non-proprietary chemical compounds, can be found in several references,
some of which are listed in Appendix X1.
1 2
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint and For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications and is the direct responsibility of contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Subcommittee D01.47 on Concrete, Stone and Masonry Treatments. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2022. Published January 2022. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D5703 – 95 (2013). The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
DOI: 10.1520/D5703-95R22E01. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
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D5703 − 95 (2022)
5.2 Do not perform water cleaning, detergent water methodisnotappropriateforsandfinishedbrickandbrickwith
cleaning, pressurized water cleaning, and acid cleaning at glazed coatings or slurries applied to the finished faces.
temperatures below 40 °F.
6.4.2 Detergent Water Cleaning—Removes water-soluble
surface contaminants and oils, grease, and other emulsifiable
5.3 Handle proprietary chemical cleaning products accord-
materials on the surface.
ing to manufacturer’s recommendations. Conform to estab-
6.4.2.1 Scrape off heavy deposits of grease or oil and
lished federal, state, local and project requirements for use and
pre-wet the surface with potable water. Clean the surface with
disposal of materials. Provisions for collecting and removing
a nonmetallic stiff-bristled fiber brush, using an aqueous
cleaning effluent may be necessary.
solution of detergent or non-solvent emulsifier. Immediately
5.4 Use the minimum effective pressure if pressure washing
after treatment, before the surface dries, remove residues of the
equipment is employed for water cleaning or for flushing the
cleaning agent by thoroughly flushing the surface with clean
surface for detergent water cleaning or chemical cleaning.
potable water. Do not exceed pressure of 50 psi (340 kPa) if
Avoid excessive pressure that could damage the masonry
pressurized water with a detergent additive is used. It is
surface.
possible for detergent or chemical solutions to be driven into
the masonry when applied under high pressure and become the
6. Procedure
source of future staining.
6.1 Water, detergent water, pressurized water, or scrubbing
6.4.2.2 Repeat 6.4.2.1 until water does not bead on the
are acceptable cleaning methods.Acid cleaning agents may be
surfaces.
used to remove surface deposits such as soot, fly ash, and
6.4.3 Acid Cleaning—This procedure is similar to detergent
hydrocarbon residues not removed by any of the above
water cleaning, but involves the use of proprietary acid
methods. Precede and follow chemical and detergent cleaning
cleaning compounds (generally muriatic hydrofluoric and
with a thorough fresh (potable) water rinse. Make provisions
phosphoric acids) for the removal of surface deposits such as
for the removal of cleaning effluent generated.
soot, fly ash, and hydrocarbon residues.
6.2 If necessary, test cleaned surfaces for moisture content
6.4.3.1 Precautions:
prior to applying water repellent coating. Before and after
(1) Do not use muriatic acid compounds on light colored
cleaning, test surface to be cleaned with proprietary chemical
(white, tan, buff, pink) or gray, brown or black colored brick
compounds for pH.
unit
...