Efflorescence in facade and how to remove it
Efflorescence facade
Concrete facing bricks are composed (among other things) of sand, cement, gravel and water, with the cement also containing lime. During the brick manufacturing process, a significant portion of the lime in the cement binds, resulting in “bound” lime in the final product. A small percentage remains unbound and is known as “free” lime.
This free lime can be transported by moisture or water, moving to the surface of the stone. When the stones become wet, the free lime can move. As the drying of the stone takes place at the façade surface, the lime is drawn there. When the water dries up, the white lime is left behind.
Removing efflorescence.
This phenomenon is more likely to be observed on dark stones, but it does not affect the performance of the stone. The quality remains guaranteed. Once the free lime is completely pulled out of the stone by water and drying, this process stops.
On a normal facade exposed to weathering such as rain, wind and sun, this process is naturally taken care of, and the facade will dissolve the lime over time. However, the speed of this natural process is difficult to predict.
In situations where weather influences have less access to the surface or when faster results are desired, a lime remover based on Sulfamic acids can be used. This accelerates the breakdown of surface lime, but if free lime is still present in the stone, it may come out again after using the lime remover until the process stops.
Recommended cleaning
Lithofin cleaning products can be used on our products and are available from your MBI dealer. For limescale removal, we recommend Lithofin Muro. For cement slurry, we recommend Lithofin MN Cement Slurry Remover. (Lithofin MN Cementsluierverwijderaar.)
Disclaimer
Are you going to use cleaners yourself? Then first try the cleaning product on a less visible spot or a stone that is not in the facade according to the attached instructions. In doubt? Then call in specialist help to clean your facade. MBI is not liable for improper use of cleaning agents or damage caused as a result.
For more advice, see this article. (Dutch)
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