JUNE 2003

EACO CHEM NEWS

Efflorescence Solutions: Part 2

In our previous newsletter, we discussed removal procedures for cleanup efflorescence and calcite. In this issue, we will cover solutions for lime run, weather efflorescence and white scum.

SUMMARY FROM THE MAY ISSUE:

Efflorescence on integrally waterproofed block.

Cleanup Efflorescence: Much of the concrete block industry is using intergrally waterproofed colored masonry units. These units can be difficult to clean with HCL products, as calcium salt may show up all over the surface. NMD80 applied at a 4:1 dilution will not create this problem and will remove it if some other product caused it.

Calcite: Calcite is characterized by a hard and dirty white appearance. Calcite can be removed easily with EF-fortless or GS Restoration.

REMOVAL PROCEDURES:

LIME RUN: Lime Run occurs as a steady release of calcium soaked water that creates a streak down the wall. Our initial experience with this problem was from a set of weep holes in a plastic molding plant that bled lime run constantly for years. Generally, lime run is treated just like the calcite, with EF - fortless and GSR. It can be easier to deal with and sometimes does not need an application of GSR first. Lime run caught early enough, can be dealt with in the normal washing process with NMD80 at a 4:1 dilution.

WEATHER EFFLORESCENCE: This occurs in the winter on the outside of walls where the inside has a lot of water vapor, such as swimming pools or institutional dish rooms, and outside there is exceedingly dry northern air. This dries as soon as humidity is restored and is not worth dealing with.

WHITE SCUM: White scum is the result of a new masonry detergent reacting with brick, but the salt formed is different. At Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, NC, a set of 8 barracks all built with the same brick by the same masons and cleaned by the same contractors, had dramatically different results when cleaned with different detergents. 4 of the barracks cleaned with NMD80 turned out fine without any problems, but the 4 cleaned with our competitors no.1 product all developed white scum. The contractor was able to fix the mishap with our Glazed Surface Restoration. Glazed Surface Restoration was developed to clean glazed brick without burning the finish. It is extremely safe to use, but it can burn in extreme circumstances. It is often used as a concrete brightener in parking structures, so be sure to test color fastness or bleaching before using this product. -Lynn

Use NMD 80 and Eliminate These Problems:

White Scum on brick

Manganese and Vandium Stains

Burn on Limestone and Brick

Calcite on Brick