Jim Andrews
New Member
I'm looking for a good product to get the efflourescence / white stains off of concrete. Thanks for the help.
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Efflourescence
- Thread starter Jim Andrews
- Start date
Efloresence results from alkaline salts being left at the surface as water evaporates. Takes two things - salt in the masonry suface and water.
Best method for removing is to brush off with a stiff brush, then hose down. Allow to dry and repeat until salts go away.
If a significant amount exists, then apply dilute muratic acid over surface and rinse off. Theoritically, high pressure is a poor idea, as it will force water and salts into pores, and effloresence will return.
In severe situations, I have sealed brick after a good cleaning, though this is not a favorable alternative.
Best method for removing is to brush off with a stiff brush, then hose down. Allow to dry and repeat until salts go away.
If a significant amount exists, then apply dilute muratic acid over surface and rinse off. Theoritically, high pressure is a poor idea, as it will force water and salts into pores, and effloresence will return.
In severe situations, I have sealed brick after a good cleaning, though this is not a favorable alternative.
Clean County
New Member
Jim,
Check out the search engine above and put in the word efflorescence(CHeck the spelling on this) and you will come up with some valuable answers to your question.
John
Check out the search engine above and put in the word efflorescence(CHeck the spelling on this) and you will come up with some valuable answers to your question.
John
Walt Graner
New Member
Inform the owner about all you find out, also you might want to try and solve the problem, water is coming from somewhere and needs to be diverted.
oguard
New Member
From the technical section of www.canadabrick.com
Efflorescence
Efflorescence is a crystalline deposit of water-soluble salts on the surface of masonry. Although efflorescence is unsightly and a nuisance to remove, it is not harmful to the brick masonry nor does it affect the structural integrity of the masonry. For efflorescence to occur, a number of conditions are necessary; there must be a source of water into the masonry, there must be soluble salts within the masonry, and there must be a path for the water to get to the surface of the masonry and evaporate.
Efflorescence occurs only occasionally and it is difficult to predict when it will occur. However, efflorescence is generally associated with wet and cold weather, and the early life of the building.
The source of the salts may be from either the brick or the cement and/or lime in the mortar.
Building Bloom: In new construction, efflorescence is referred to as "new building bloom," and the source of the water is the moisture within the building material during the construction period. Once the building is completed and the building components dry out to the ambient humidity level, no further efflorescence should be expected.
The removal of efflorescence is relatively easy. Efflorescence salts are water soluble and generally will disappear of their own accord with normal weathering. This is particularly true of "new building bloom." If more immediate removal is required, efflorescence salts can be removed by dry brushing or with clear water and a stiff brush. Refer to Cleaning Procedure "Plain Water Cleaning" above.
It is advisable to allow the brickwork to dry out completely before attempting to remove efflorescence. In extreme cases of efflorescence, a thin layer of poultice can be applied to the masonry surface after cleaning. This will draw the salts out beyond the brick surface.
Note: Power washing is not recommended as this process will drive additional water into the masonry and result in further efflorescence.
Note: If efflorescence occurs repeatedly, it is an indication of excess moisture in the brickwork. The source of this moisture must be identified and eliminated to reduce further problems.
Lime Weeping or "Bleed": This is a rare phenomenon. Unlike normal efflorescence, which is deposited as a thin surface layer, lime weeping builds up to form a thick encrustation in a localized area. It usually occurs at joints, cracks or base wall flashing level. Lime weeping is more difficult to remove. Contact Canada Brick for advice in removing lime weeping.
Hope this helps? Cheers.
Efflorescence
Efflorescence is a crystalline deposit of water-soluble salts on the surface of masonry. Although efflorescence is unsightly and a nuisance to remove, it is not harmful to the brick masonry nor does it affect the structural integrity of the masonry. For efflorescence to occur, a number of conditions are necessary; there must be a source of water into the masonry, there must be soluble salts within the masonry, and there must be a path for the water to get to the surface of the masonry and evaporate.
Efflorescence occurs only occasionally and it is difficult to predict when it will occur. However, efflorescence is generally associated with wet and cold weather, and the early life of the building.
The source of the salts may be from either the brick or the cement and/or lime in the mortar.
Building Bloom: In new construction, efflorescence is referred to as "new building bloom," and the source of the water is the moisture within the building material during the construction period. Once the building is completed and the building components dry out to the ambient humidity level, no further efflorescence should be expected.
The removal of efflorescence is relatively easy. Efflorescence salts are water soluble and generally will disappear of their own accord with normal weathering. This is particularly true of "new building bloom." If more immediate removal is required, efflorescence salts can be removed by dry brushing or with clear water and a stiff brush. Refer to Cleaning Procedure "Plain Water Cleaning" above.
It is advisable to allow the brickwork to dry out completely before attempting to remove efflorescence. In extreme cases of efflorescence, a thin layer of poultice can be applied to the masonry surface after cleaning. This will draw the salts out beyond the brick surface.
Note: Power washing is not recommended as this process will drive additional water into the masonry and result in further efflorescence.
Note: If efflorescence occurs repeatedly, it is an indication of excess moisture in the brickwork. The source of this moisture must be identified and eliminated to reduce further problems.
Lime Weeping or "Bleed": This is a rare phenomenon. Unlike normal efflorescence, which is deposited as a thin surface layer, lime weeping builds up to form a thick encrustation in a localized area. It usually occurs at joints, cracks or base wall flashing level. Lime weeping is more difficult to remove. Contact Canada Brick for advice in removing lime weeping.
Hope this helps? Cheers.