Do we prevent efflorescence on brickwork? Control methods- Review + Video

Many of you have probably often seen white plaque on houses made of bricks, but few know what is the name of this phenomenon.

In the construction industry, streaks on brickwork are called efflorescence. This is due to the fact that the brick contains mineral salts. The material absorbs water very easily, thanks to the porous structure, which passes through the pores together with minerals, and comes to the surface, leaving a white coating. It is very difficult to get rid of it in the future.

These processes occur under the influence of high levels of humidity, during periods of prolonged rains, then the bricks absorb water like a sponge, and with the restoration of dry days, moisture gradually comes out together with salt.

It is impossible to leave efflorescence on the camps, this will lead to the formation of cracks and destruction of the brickwork. Expanding, cracks form a hollow space, which leads to collapse.

General information about efflorescence

Why do efflorescence occur on brick?

The main rule of successful combating efflorescence on brick is find out the cause of their occurrence, and only then take advisory measures.

Efflorescences on brickwork reasons:

• Large content salts in the cement solution and in the brick itself.

• The penetration of salts from the soil through the base of the house along with water. This is due to poor-quality waterproofing, groundwater is close to the surface, or there is no drainage.
• A lot of rainwater with salts pours on the walls. Such phenomena occur in areas with a chemical industry or in the seaside.

Note.

To prevent the formation of efflorescence on the brick, you should adhere to the building rules. Otherwise, if education is on the masonry at the end of the construction of the house, they must be removed without fail.

For high-quality work, it is best to contact a specialist who will analyze the chemical composition of efflorescence, with the determination of salt components. Based on research, they will select the best means for removing plaque. If you cannot afford this option, you can try to get rid of efflorescence on the brickwork yourself.

Rules

In any issue, you should adhere to the unspoken rule - the situation is easier to prevent than to eliminate the consequences. So here, at the initial stage of building a house, build up to adhere to the basic rules:

• Hide a brick, it is of direct influence precipitation, observing the storage conditions of the material.
• Complete waterproofing of the foundation.
• Do not leave bare brick walls open over the winter.
• Do not carry out construction in the rain, and cover already erected walls with a film from the water.

• Substances that promote resistance to frost and set accelerators should be added in accordance with the norms, in no case more.
• Do not soak the brick in water before laying it, or use a very thin mortar. If cement gets on the outside of the masonry, it must be removed immediately.
• After the brickwork is dry, apply a moisture barrier to the walls.

Note.

Before starting work on the removal of efflorescence on a brick, study the information on their nature, since salts are readily and hardly soluble. Depending on this, launching means are selected.

Easily soluble efflorescence

These are salts of sodium, potassium, sulfates and chlorides. Sparingly soluble include calcium, barium, aluminum, iron phosphate, carbonates (except sodium and potassium), calcium silicate.

All salts that dissolve in water are removed by it, without much difficulty.

But often, efflorescences are hardly soluble, therefore, to remove them, you will have to stock up on chemicals.

For those who are not going to seek the help of specialists in order to remove efflorescence on brickwork, we advise you to go by way of exclusion. A wide range of substances for combating efflorescence on brick is presented in construction stores; they can be purchased in small quantities, after consulting the seller. Apply the product to small sections of the wall and find the product that works for your problem.

The procedure for removing efflorescence

There should not be any particular difficulties in working with the cleaners, because each type is accompanied by instructions.

It is enough just to study it and follow the indicated recommendations. Substances before starting the purification process must be diluted with water in certain proportions. Next, the product is applied to a brick with traces of plaque with a brush or roll, and leave for 30 minutes. Then the product is washed off the walls under the pressure of water.

When handling efflorescence on masonry, be sure to wear protective clothing and goggles, remember that you are dealing with chemicals that can cause burns and irritation of the skin.

To fix the result, treat the walls with a water repellent.

This is a special impregnation that prevents the re-formation of efflorescence on the brick. This is done immediately after the walls are dry, and it is best to wait until the cement has completely dried in the newly built house. That is, to make a protective treatment at the final stage of building construction.

Means for removing efflorescence on brick

Chemistry

• Neomid -550 efflorescence is the most popular remedy.

  Works with stone, brick and concrete. Dilute in a 1: 1 ratio with water or alcohol. Wall treatment is carried out at low air temperatures.The advantage of the agent is that it is able to penetrate into the interior of the material and remove salt, neutralizing it at the same time.

• Good Master acid-based remedy for efflorescence.

  Allows you to remove any kind of salt, from any material, and does not require dilution.

• Aqua removes dirt, plaque and deposits. Removes cement residues from walls, mildew and mildew. Cannot be used on limestone and marble surfaces.
• Tverdolite-Antivysol is a special additive that is mixed into cement to prevent the formation of efflorescence on the masonry.

• Silicone water repellent - means for processing brick walls. Promotes the formation of a protective silicone film on the surface, which prevents the penetration of moisture into the material. In addition, a very important nuance is that the composition of the product does not hinder gas exchange, helping the walls to "breathe". Protection against efflorescence on a brick from the manufacturer - about 10 years. Reapplication is done if necessary, in case you notice wetting of the walls.

Folk remedies

The fight against efflorescence on the walls can be done from what is at hand. This will help you with ordinary table vinegar, diluted with any detergent. Also, ammonia, hydrochloric acid works well.

Efflorescences on red brick

Bright red facing bricks are most susceptible to efflorescence due to their composition. This is due to the high content of iron oxide.

In order to remove efflorescence from this material, you can use the following methods:

• Treatment with vinegar allows you to remove easily soluble salts.
• Brushes and detergents paired with demineralized water.
• Light phosphoric acid solution.
• Modern products containing Trilon-chelatone III.

Note.

Trilon-chelatone III substance can irritate lungs, eyes and skin, therefore all work is carried out in protective clothing and glasses. The walls are washed after treatment under high water pressure using the Karcher installation.

Working with facing bricks must be done carefully. Because with careless rough handling, there is a risk of washing out the coloring components, and the material will subsequently resemble a spotted camouflage net.

Materials resistant to efflorescence

• Clinker brick is a cladding material with high protective properties.

  It protects the walls of buildings from rain and snow, and is also particularly reliable and durable. If efflorescence does appear on the clinker tiles, then they can be easily removed with plain water or weakly concentrated cleaning agents. After removal, the walls are treated with silicones.

• The fifth element is a very good quality cladding brick, but it costs a lot more than usual.