Ok Brick guys I need help

[PWkid 79]

The mall here has this appearing through the mortor. I have been asked if I can alleviate the problem. Any suggestions would be appreciated. The white stains only appear where the mortor meets the brick. You brick guys can help me I am sure of it. Chemical suggestions and method of removal would be much appreciated.

[sflasealcoatinginc 14]

Looks like Lime / efflo leaking out of joints... Try some efflo remover if that doesnt work its more a lime /calcium prob i use C.L.R u can get from home depot its a household lime remover..

[Craig 111]

I would personally stay away from this. I've done several split face block and the efflor is a huge problem and very difficult to alleviate.

[PressurePros 248]

I agree, you won't alleviate it, you can just clean it off. You can set them up with a maintenance program though.

[Jim Carroll 14]

mel call me, also see if you can get pics of the whole wall if you don't already have them.

[Rick Arrese 14]

I'm boning up on eff causes, prevention and remedies I think this link is very helpful: www.cement.org/tech/faq_efflorescence.asp

[schrec 64]

hey craig

any one ever tell you, you look like Kevin Bacon?

[Craig 111]

LOL....yes.

[plainpainter 217]

Apply muriatic acid and then rinse - pressure will reactive the mortar and cause more effloresence.

[plainpainter 217]

After you clean off the effloresence - you could apply a sealer to the brick.

This should keep all future moisture from getting in. Silicone type sealers work great with type of masonry.

[Craig 111]

Daniel,

You're out of your mind. Applying HCL will super damage the substrate, plus will pull out the color in the block. You will be left will a bigger problem than what's at hand.

Mel,

Call Art Greene with Specialized Cleaning.

714-521-4242

714-273-5798

Send him the pictures. He does this type of stuff for a living.

[sflasealcoatinginc 14]

Ifd your going to use anything use an actual a\effloe remover Techniseal they sell an actual efflo remover which is made up of less strong acids i would still be cautious with brick.... and btw there are different stages of efflo 1st 2nd the secondary efflo can leach out monthes later... Number one i would never recommend sealing any Clay brick product even if it doesnt have efflo, its way to pourous and will most likely haze up on you.. And youd just be sealing in the efflo even if you did so it would still come to the surface but just be locked in.