Have you ever wondered about that mysterious white or greyish tint on your brickwork? This common issue, which is known as efflorescence, can appear on almost any building material. It is the scourge of builders and homeowners alike, but it can be dealt with once you understand how it occurs.
What exactly is it, and how can you get rid of it? Can you tackle it yourself, or will you need to hire a Gloucestershire exterior cleaning company? Let’s take a closer look.
What is efflorescence?
Put simply, efflorescence begins with the salts commonly found in building materials such as cement, sand, and mortar. Depending on the chemicals in the salts, efflorescence can appear white, grey, or even brown.
Here is the science: when salts in building materials such as cement, sand, and mortar come into contact with water, they dissolve and move to the surface of porous materials. As the water evaporates, it leaves behind the tell-tale salt traces we call efflorescence.
How can efflorescence be removed?
Efflorescence usually requires specialist treatment to prevent recurrence. Before you call a Gloucestershire exterior cleaning service, the following strategies can effectively combat the problem:
Use a stiff brush
If the efflorescence is powdery and dry, try sweeping it away with a stiff brush. Always use a protective mask.
Water rinse
If efflorescence is on an outdoor surface, try dissolving it with a pressure washer. Use a wide-angle tip that won’t damage the material’s surface. You may need to rinse and repeat several times to clear the problem.
Diluted vinegar
Readily available diluted vinegar is a practical and less harmful choice than harsh industrial chemicals.
Chemical cleaning
Tough salt deposits may require an acidic cleaner to make short work of the problem. This can be time-consuming, so you may prefer to entrust the job to a Gloucestershire exterior cleaning company.
To clean efflorescence effectively, it is essential to tackle the job on a warm, dry day and use as little water as possible. Moreover, try to eliminate the root cause of the problem to prevent it from recurring.