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| PROBLEM: |
| I have a white "frost-like" substance on my brick and mortar. What is it and what can be done about it? Will it return? |
| DESCRIPTION: |
| The "frost" is actually a trace mineral found in some clays and cement products. It is basically a water soluble salt and is formed when moisture has been drawn out of the brick and has dried on the surface leaving a residue. This is very much like a sweat line on the brim of a hat. The technical term for this is efflorescence. The pictures below illustrate examples of efflorescence. |
| PICTURES: |
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| SOLUTION: |
| The efflorescence is water soluble and removes easily.
After the brick wall has completely dried, clean the brick with PROSOCO
SURE KLEAN light duty concrete cleaner as per manufacturer's recommendations.
DO NOT USE MURIATIC ACID! Usually the efflorescence will not return after the initial cleaning unless your wall is receiving a lot of moisture. If the problem persists, you may consider applying PROSOCO Weather Seal Siloxane PD to the wall. (See BIA Tech note 6A for further info.) On extremely porous surfaces, use PROSOCO Custom Masonry Sealer as per manufacturer's recommendation. |
| SUPPLIERS: |
PROSOCO offers a full line of masonry cleaners and sealers. Contact them at www.prosoco.com
or 800-255-4255. |