How to prevent or remove efflorescence appeared with a brick facade.

Brick, in addition to the tree, is considered one of the most common building materials. From it to build a wall, raised plinths. Many developers trim facial ceramic brick exterior walls of the house, believing it is true that this has increased the attractiveness of the facade and a long service life. Especially offensive to see on the surface of bricks at once or over time are the white spots and stains - the so-called efflorescence. In fact, besides the loss of aesthetic appeal, brick facade, "attack" efflorescence, is in danger of destruction.

What is efflorescence, how to remove them, and most importantly - is it possible to somehow prevent them? These questions ask participants FORUMHOUSE experts of our portal. Summing up the experience, we will answer them in this article.

What is efflorescence and where they come from

To solve the problem of efflorescence, it is necessary to understand what we are dealing with. Efflorescence - a white plaque (as spots, streaks or flakes) on the outer surface of the masonry. Where are the efflorescence? Brick is a porous material and capable of absorbing moisture. Obeying the law of motion of the capillary, the moisture, which may contain salts "migrates" outwardly masonry. Salts also submitted to the outer surface of the brick. During the drying the water evaporates and the salt solution crystallizes and is manifested on the surface of the brick facade in the form of efflorescence.

From the appearance of efflorescence on the facade are not insured even experienced masons. If on the facade were efflorescence, it can not serve as a clear sign of low skill builders, as appearance of efflorescence depends on many factors. Namely:

• The feedstock that is used in the manufacture of bricks. A large amount of salts may be present in a cheap brick.
• Composition for preparing masonry water mixture in which may also be present in large amounts hardness salts. In the evaporation of such water and other calcareous plaque "climbs" as of masonry mortar and of brick.
• Sand, which is used in preparing masonry mortar. Unwashed sand can contain a high percentage of salt content, resulting masonry is also "too salty".
• Violation of the structure of the construction technology: the lack of waterproofing the node "a foundation-wall." The result - the moisture will be constantly "sucked" into the masonry.
• Carrying out masonry work in damp, rainy weather. Glut masonry water solution for its workability.
• Use at work antifreeze additives, curing accelerators, special plasticizers.
• Permanent soaking laying, e.g., in the absence of gutters building eaves etc.

The appearance of efflorescence, in addition to violations of the facade aesthetics, indicates that we need to take action and not let things take their course. It is not necessary to hope that the rain will wash away or efflorescence over time they "go away."

Mkc70 (User FORUMHOUSE):

Speaking rain salt can be washed off for a long time, because she kept in the pores of the brick. When the temperature drops to+on-It is going vlagonakoplenie and brick "tears." It is therefore necessary to clean the pores of the brick salt and then separately to prevent penetration of moisture in the bricks.

As the cycle repeats "vlagonakoplenie-drying-crystallization" on the facade may appear not just whitish stains and already flakes and peels. As a result, the outer part of the masonry starts to fall off. As the cycles of accumulation, in a brick increases internal stress, it crumbles and collapses. And the process goes from the inside.

This process is called salt corrosion. The appearance of efflorescence on the brick facade - it's only the tip of the iceberg - an indicator of problems with a facade that something is wrong.

Hence: the fight against these scourges should be conducted at the stage of masonry, as cheaper to prevent a disease than to treat it.

How to prevent efflorescence

This is necessary to think anyone who is going to do a stone facade. Our users have accumulated rich experience in dealing with this problem.

Sergei A M (User FORUMHOUSE):

To prevent the occurrence of efflorescence on masonry, adhere to the following rules:

• not add to the mortar antifreeze additives;
• masonry are conducting in a dry and warm weather;
• take coarse sand and water without the water-soluble salts;
• working "hard" and a fresh solution, rather than dilutes it with water;
• during a break in the work of closing the clutch and not allowing her waterlogged;
• while doing masonry avoid it zalyapyvaniya mortar;
• if the solution got on the surface, remove it with a dry brush or giving him a little bit dry, wipe with a slightly damp brush;
• We give it to dry after completion of the masonry and put on it hydrophobing (water-repellent) composition.

Follow the rule of thumb is "less of water - less than the probability of occurrence of efflorescence." For workability "hard" solution can be added to a mixture of masonry detergents or soap. This reduces the amount of water needed for mixing the mixture. In this case, the solution remains flexible, as they say, "reaching for the trowel. "

In addition, you can use this advice: to protect the masonry from rain facing brick facade is done after construction of the roof.

Such measures help to prevent the appearance of efflorescence, but what to do if they have already appeared? Consider the experience of our users.

How to clean the facade of efflorescence

special wash-up means are used to remove efflorescence has appeared. The process of removing efflorescence and protecting them from further facade appearance split into four consecutive steps:

• Remove the efflorescence with the facade via brushes and flushing mixture (wash-coats).
• Wash the treated surface with plenty of water, for example, home mini sink.
• Reduce porosity bricks using special formulations, blocking further exit salts outwardly.
• Apply the repellent on the facade means forming a water-repellent film.

Wash off efflorescence from the facade can be even the "old-fashioned" way.

PeterGolf (User FORUMHOUSE):

I'm tired of looking at the efflorescence, and I decided to remove them. I threw the bottle of ammonia in 2 liters of water, took a rag and wiped the bricks. 3 weeks, during which it rained and had a little frost, efflorescence does not appear. Let's see what will happen in the spring.

According to the participant with the nickname FORUMHOUSE SAZI, before applying water-repellent is necessary:

• Mount the roof and vodostochku.
• Securely seal the foundation and the blind area.
• Make grouting brickwork.
• Post a newly-built walls as it should dry for one heating season.

Processing hydrophobizing wall protects the facade from further efflorescence, as Water trapped in the façade, no longer penetrates and slides down from the wall.

bav11 (FORUMHOUSE User):

I handled the brick fence posts stripper from efflorescence, then vlagoottalkivayuschey impregnation. What happened, seen in the photo.

In addition, hydrophobic agents, depending on the composition, can give a beautiful decorative effect of the masonry. For example, under the "wet brick or stone."

Users of our portal are eager to share their experiences to remove efflorescence and cement residue on the facade. You can also learn all details facade cladding natural stone and read the article, which tells about selection algorithm walling for the construction of a stone house.

Continuing the theme of stone façades we recommend that you watch a video, which shows how to decorate the facade of a wooden house decorative stoneAnd that should be taken into account when building a house from the warm ceramic.

Discuss the article and read other materials devoted to country life you can on the websiteFORUMHOUSE.

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