Why does brickwork go white

Besides the brickwork, soluble salts can originate from the sand, mortar and the water used. Ground waters that are naturally salt-bearing can be drawn into the base of the brickwork and paving. The best removal method is simply to brush off the deposit with a stiff dry bristle brush after the wall has dried out. Collect the removed salts with a dust pan or a vacuum cleaner to prevent the salts re-entering the brickwork. Wetting the wall by methods such as hosing usually dissolves efflorescence back into the brickwork, allowing it to reappear again when the wall dries out.

Acid or alkaline treatments are not recommended as they do more harm than good because they add to the total salt content. High pressure washers can remove the surface of the brick, resulting in serious deterioration in the long term.

For example, admixtures are commonly added to concrete in addition to cement, water and aggregate. Concrete is a common backing material and is likely to contain soluble salts, as are other backing materials. If enough water is present within these backings, the salt can dissolve, leaving efflorescence when the water evaporates. Porous building materials can absorb or wick water over a six mile span. Water is carried through the materials like a tree moves water from its roots to its leaves.

And once it evaporates, salt deposits can be left. If not controlled properly, efflorescence can spread. For fresh efflorescence, sometimes it is possible to simply wash the area by either pressure washing or wet scrubbing the surface depending on the particular substrate affected. Once efflorescence becomes insoluble, it is far harder to remove.

In this instance, a mild, diluted acid solution can be applied. Once the acid wash is complete, the surface will need thoroughly flushing with fresh water and neutralised with a form of sodium bicarbonate. However, careful consideration should be given to the implications of using an acid wash; it can erode mortar and discolour brickwork.

If efflorescence has been present for several months, light sandblasting can be used to clear it. Then once the surface is dry, a stiff brush applied to the affected area can help prevent the salt from penetrating again. However, the safest method for removing efflorescence is with the use of TORC , by competent and fully trained operatives.

The TORC system creates a swirling vortex and uses a fine granulate to gently clean the surface. It is highly effective at removing efflorescence while leaving the substrate in tact. In the hands of a fully trained operative, it is an extremely sensitive, efficient and gentle method of cleaning masonry, concrete, and brick. What is efflorescence? How to remove the white? I tried to use vinegar to spray on the red bricks But it can not working,the white deposit still there.

Ugh, I used muriatic acid on a 93 degree day and I think I burned my red bricks , they are sooo white. What do I do now, stain the brick? My bricks on a project are doing the same thing. Keep turning white. Brushed on, left for 5 minutes. When brick is wet, it turns dark red. When dry, white still returns. Wheat else can be done.

How do I stain brick red? Your email address will not be published. Lost your password? Of course, you always have the right to unsubscribe from any communications you receive from us, should you change your mind in the future. No, I have all the knowledge I need right now. Images courtesy Joseph Crissinger Efflorescence is one of the first signs of moisture problems for cementitious materials, especially masonry.

Efflorescence caused by cold, damp weather. Very severe efflorescence can make masonry appear as if being observed through a frosted glass.

This wall was clear by late spring. You May Also Like Revelations with reversible repairs. You May Also Like Installing thermoplastic or rubber waterstops. Pages: 1 2 3 4. Got News? Click here to share your story!