Remove tar from brick

Relentless81 · 12 May 2019 at 11:06

Hi,

We had a conservatory removed and its left behind tar/bitumen and silicon stains on the wall.

I've managed to mechanically remove most of the silicon with hours of scraping but I'm stuck on what to do with the tar where the roof of the conservatory bonded to the house.

If I use a chemical it will just melt it deeper into the brick, if I scrape it off which will take forever I'll end up with chunks of tar right in front of the patio door below which will get walked into the house.

I've considered just painting the whole wall in masonry paint but that'll look odd although probably better than it does now.

Has anyone managed to deal with a similar situation with good results? I'm looking to start tackling it today if possible so can go out and buy stuff from any of the large DIY stores today they are all local

Thanks

NoobCannon · 12 May 2019 at 11:59

Try brick acid or possibly burn it off? (Not sure how the burning would go)

Or could try petrol/paint thinners

Or can get tar removers for use on cars that turn it back into a liquid

A pic wouldnt hurt

Mark A · 12 May 2019 at 13:17

I think your best bet is just using lots and lots of solvent and keep wiping it as the tar liquefies. Whatever the cheapest solvent is for dissolving tar as you will need lots of it. You could also try heat to begin with to help with mechanically removing as much as you can.

I have just googled and kerosene apparently does a good job of melting tar.

They should have used lead for the flashing, rather than flashband as it's only supposed to be a temp solution to fix leaks.

I have had to remove this stuff before, but it was in winter and it just chipped off really easily with a scraper. I'm guessing waiting till next winter is not an option?

Relentless81 · 12 May 2019 at 16:32

Im on my phone and not registered to any hosting sites so a pic is wasted scaping time and I'm too filthy to go in the house right now

I used a wood chisel to get the big chunks off the brick and the mortar in-between was quite easier because you can just scrape the mortar away. I had some white spirit so I painted that onto the tar which has just kind of dulled it

Next I'll go shops tomorrow and see if I can find some proper tar remover and a heavy duty cloth or something

m4rmite · 12 May 2019 at 18:40

Wire brush on a cordless drill? Just don't go heavy handed

https://previews.123rf.com/images/7...0-drill-fitted-with-a-wire-brush-on-white.jpg

Relentless81 · 12 May 2019 at 21:26

Thanks but I've got the big chunks off now, just the staining in the pours of the brick I need to use a chemical to scrub out with a brillo pad or something

m4rmite · 12 May 2019 at 21:38

Relentless81 said:
Thanks but I've got the big chunks off now, just the staining in the pours of the brick I need to use a chemical to scrub out with a brillo pad or something

Have you tried kerosene/paraffin?

BigBoy · 12 May 2019 at 22:08

High pressure jet wash. Focused flow it will remove anything from brick/stone.

Relentless81 · 13 May 2019 at 12:04

m4rmite said:
Have you tried kerosene/paraffin?

Not too sure where to get either? I can Wilkinson at dinner and have a look, I was going to try the stuff for car paint

BigBoy said:
High pressure jet wash. Focused flow it will remove anything from brick/stone.

Tried it, the brick is too pourus so it doesn't budge

Mark A · 13 May 2019 at 13:57

You can get kerosene at most outdoor type shops as you use it in lamps and stoves. Also easily available online at Amazon or ebay in 5l tubs.

You might be better trying the proper tar remover first though as I can't actually confirm if kerosene works.

Relentless81 · 13 May 2019 at 15:08

Yeah I couldn't find either I'm Wilkinson, will try Halfords before the weekend as won't get chance to scrub and scrape until the weekend now and I've pulled a muscle in my neck plus arms need a break!