What is the white staining on brickwork and how is it prevented?
Question:On some brickwork after some time, the mortar goes white and stains the bricks, I think it's called salting but I want to know how it's prevented
Answers:
It's not from the mortar it's from the bricks themselves, some have a higher salt mix than others or the salt is more visible. It is more noticible in new houses and decreases over time. You can buy products to seal the brickwork which stop the water penetrating, which in theory should also stop the salt seeping out. Best to ask at a builders yard, they know more about this sort of stuff.
it's totally natural, nothing to worry about, is just salt from the bricks, it will go with time. however if it is causing you concern then speak to a builder
Efflorescence is the salty white deposit found on masonry. It is formed by water, within the construction material, reacting with the natural salts contained within them and the mortar. These salts dissolve in the water and are carried to, and deposited on the surface, by the natural evaporation that occurs by air coming into contact with the surface of the wall or floor.
Under normal circumstances, efflorescence occurs in relatively new buildings because the brickwork etc was not protected during construction and has got wet. This water will find its way out, through evaporation, the salts can be brushed off and should not re-occur. However, if a lead flashing is damaged, or joints are missing and water is allowed to continuously enter the construction material, efflorescence will continue to form.
In this situation the cause must be found and eradicated. There are several treatments for efflorescence, we cannot comment on them because we do not use them, we always stick to the idea that if the material is well maintained it will look after itself and persistent efflorescence means there is water getting in somewhere.
The most effective treatment for efflorescence is time. The natural weathering of the surface, if maintained, will remove it. For a build up of deposits on a wall, a good scrub with a dry, stiff brush will remove the worst, but make sure you follow it with a soft brush to move the salts away from the wall entirely. They will stay in the pores of the brickwork and dissolve again when it is wet. Treatments, such as acid etc, generally involve getting the surface, and the salts, wet again. This dissolves them and carries them into, not out of, porous surfaces.
It is nothing to worry about. It is a mineral inside the brick which is leaching out. It also means your house is 'breathing' which is very positive otherwise there would be damp collecting inside your house which is a real problem.
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