Removing Ivy 'ghosts'

[chickendog!]

First and foremost, let me first say, don't ever put ivy on your home. It wil get in screens, try to get into your attic, it will jack up your yard. It sucks.

Ok, back in Feb, pulled a bunch of ivy off my house that the previous owner let run wild.

That was a pain, and it left all these little root pieces stuck to the brick. It looks like dried dirt, all over the brick. I've started calling them ivy ghosts. Appears to be roots that cling to the brick and hold the ivy up. As it wouldnt wash or scrub off, I decided to let nature takes its course, hoping it would kinda rot a bit and get to a point where I could power wash it off, when the wife began to complain.

That point came yesterday. But the ivy 'ghosts' for the most part wouldnt come off with thorough power washing.

The brick is a dark red, so I'm concerned about spraying something on it that may discolor/bleach/screwup the brick. But willing to try anything at this point.

It's also in our screens and on the gutters, and looks just as bad if not worse. Also, it really really doesnt want to come off the gutters.

Any thoughts?

Again, never put ivy anywhere.

 

[schnarkle]

as a brick mason way back, a muriatic acid and water solution should help without discoloring the brick. I don't remember the solution mix but any masonry product place could help you out with that.

My Dad Does this type of stuff all the time if you want to hire it out...

 

[chickendog!]

well, i live in houston. but props to your dad. that fireplace with texas in the center is pretty damn sweet. I will talk to some masonry folk to find that mix. thanks, and i recommend anyone in austin looking for a new fireplace to check that site out.