Yes, dry ice blasting is the answer to removing gum from all types of masonry surfaces.Tweet
Whether it is cleaning gum from a concrete area at a bus stop, gum removal from a slate entryway, cleaning gum from a brick sidewalk, or, to clean gum from a tile floor in a public place.
Why is this cleaning process the answer to gum removal from concrete?; The need to chill gum before removing it is common knowledge. This method of cleaning does everything automatically. Dry ice is -109F. The extreme cold temperature solidifies the gum.
Dry ice blasting is the use of dry ice (carbon dioxide) pellets accelerated by compressed air. Similar to sand blasting, the velocity and weight of the dry ice particles prior to complete impact help break up the solidified gum. Dry ice pellets impact the surface and expand instantly into a gaseous state hundreds of times greater than their original solid volume, creating miniature explosions that aid in removing the gum from the concrete.
The benefits to using this process to clean concrete are, it is environmentally friendly, has no secondary waste stream to contain, and it is not abrasive. This means that there is no water, chemicals or solutions to contain and dispose of. Nor is there a need to worry about abrasive damage being done to the masonry surface in the cleaning process.
After using pressure washing or steam cleaaning as a method for gum removal, everyone that witnesses it being done with dry ice blasting is simply amazed. Instead of a one inch glob of gum taking up to 2 minutes to remove it takes 1-3 seconds.
Industrial Cleaning By Dry Ice Blasting In Minnesota