Masonry Magazine April 2001 Page. 15
Quality masonry cleaning relies on three interdependent components: quality workmanship, quality chemicals, and quality equipment. For good results in masonry, workers who have basic knowledge of masonry techniques and the quality demanded must do the cleaning. Allowing a contractor to use unskilled laborers to finish high quality work is no more acceptable than using unskilled and untrained masons to lay brick and block. In addition, chemicals must be selected considering the type and color of brick and block being used; there is no "one size fits all" product to achieve required results. Finally, the equipment must be specifically made for cleaning masonry so the work will be done without damaging the surface, discoloring the brick, or destroying the joints. Moreover, from a financial perspective, the cleaning must be finished promptly so the work will be complete and the contractor can be paid. Since no one of the three elements needed to achieve superior cleaning - quality workmanship, quality chemicals, and quality equipment - can operate efficiently or render an excellent result without the other two, it is imperative to consider each of these components critically.
Good workmanship begins with selecting the right person to do the cleaning. Choosing this worker needs to be approached in the same way any other key employee would be selected. Cleaning is not a job for whoever is least busy or is otherwise not useful. This is true whether the choice is to use an outside cleaning contractor or keep the responsibility in-house. Cleaning demands someone who is detail-oriented, who enjoys working independently, is more concerned with the task than with teamwork, and has good hand skills. Additionally, it is essential this worker appreciate the mason's skill and artistry. Many masons would rather leave their work uncleaned than do cleaning themselves. Why? Because the skills and attributes needed for cleaning are markedly different from those needed for masonry. Cleaners are not creators, they are steady implementers. They follow instructions to get their job done. Because selecting proper cleaning equipment eliminates some of the detail work, the choice of equipment can expand the field of those capable of doing the cleaning. This makes the hiring process easier because it is not necessary to find someone capable and willing to attend to the fine detail that hand cleaning requires. For cleaning, a sound recommendation is to find someone who, though not the fastest at laying block, is steady and thorough. It is essential to select someone with an appreciation for the project, the necessary focus, and the attention to detail that will combine to produce an outstanding result.
Further, in consideration of excellent workmanship, contractors whose usual approach has been to subcontract cleaning, should consider keeping the work in-house. Doing so yields numerous advantages:
CONTROL OVER TIMELY COMPLETION
Scaffolding need not be left in place until an outside contractor gets around to the job. Moreover, the sooner the job is cleaned after the bricklayers finish, the easier the cleaning will be, and the faster the job can be billed and paid for.
PROPER INSURANCE COVERAGE
Many cleaning contractors do not have sufficient insurance, if any, to cover their liability. If a claim is made, the primary contractor is involved. It is preferable to cover an employee's work rather than the work of others.
Good workmanship begins with selecting the right person to do the cleaning.