Toolboxes: New Construction
Products to have in your New Construction Toolbox
NMD 80™: Universal new masonry cleaner for removing mortar smears and tags from brick, block, stone and windows during new construction.
SOS-50: Non-corrosive removal of mortar and tags from brick, block, stone and windows during new construction. Works especially well on wet cast and surfaces on which HCl is too aggressive.
Calcium Silicate Cleaner: Buffered, detergent-based solution specifically designed for removing excess mortar and jobsite debris from Arriscraft® Calcium Silicate materials.
New Construction 101
Effective pressure washing is crucial in the cleaning of new construction sites as it ensures the removal of dust, debris, and construction residues that can compromise both aesthetics and functionality.
By using high-quality pressure washing chemicals, crews can effectively eliminate stubborn residue, preparing surfaces for painting or sealing and preventing long-term damage. This not only enhances the visual appeal of the property but also safeguards against future maintenance issues, ultimately contributing to the longevity and value of the new build.
Below you will find detailed information on the products we feel are vital to have in your New Construction Toolbox, as well as instructions on chemical application using the EC Jet, a case study on brushless vs brush-on application, and more.
St. John’s Episcopal Church, North Carolina – brick, cast stone
Introduction to New Construction Products
NMD 80™
NMD 80™ is a powerful detergent-based solution designed for safe and effective removal of mortar smears and efflorescence from masonry surfaces. It can be used on most masonry substrates including brick, stone, synthetic stone, pre-cast concrete, designer or colored block.
The added buffering ingredients allow NMD 80™ to be powerful yet safe enough for glass and anodized aluminum. NMD 80™ requires no respirator when working outdoors in well-ventilated areas.
Cambridgeside Hotel in Massachusetts – waterstruck brick and Arriscraft block cleaned with NMD 80™
Proper usage is essential to experience the great reductions that are possible in chemical costs and cleaning time. NMD 80™ is designed to be used with the EC Jet downstream chemical injector to produce excellent cleaning results consistently, easily, and faster than ever before. Combine these cost reductions with heightened safety, excellent final appearance and a dramatic reduction in post cleaning stains and you have tomorrow’s chemistry today.
Advantages of NMD 80™
- Spray-on/rinse-off application increases production and reduces labor when applied through an EC Jet.
- Will not harm most glass or anodized window frames when used as directed.
- Reduces water-in-wall issues, such as efflorescence.
- No respirator required when used outdoors (other safety precautions apply).
- One cleaner for multiple substrates, which includes unpolished natural stone and cast stone. (see complete list under suitable substrates)
- For use on vertical and horizontal surfaces.
- Effective way to remove large scale efflorescence.
- Biodegradable
- Top-down application allows more product coverage on lower elevations.
Limitations of NMD 80™
- Should not be used on polished stone or lime faced brick.
- Only apply to areas to be cleaned. Product can be corrosive to certain woods, metals, and plants.
- Avoid elevator doors as the coating will be affected by the chemical.
- Cover any building hardware, including brass, bronze, copper, gold, stainless or mild steel.
- Use low pressure rinsing on synthetic stone and surface dyed substrates
Surfaces Safely Used On
Red Brick, Buff Brick, Precast, Stone Veneer, Hardscapes, Windows, Burnished Block, Ground Faced Block, Natural Stone, Sensitive Substrates, Limestone, Colored Mortar, Colored Block, Granite (Non-Polished)
Tralee Village in Dublin, California – multiple brick combinations
How to Apply NMD 80™
Dilutions
NMD 80™ is diluted 4 parts water to 1 part NMD 80™. An EC Jet is recommended to ensure both proper dilution and application of NMD 80™. Ideal size of pressure washer for exterior cleaning: gas-powered ranging from 3 to 6 gallons per minute pressure washer not to exceed 3,000 P.S.I.
Coverage Rates
Coverage rates with NMD 80™ using an EC Jet will vary from 100-200 sq. ft. per gallon depending on the surface porosity, texture, ambient temperature, craftsmanship, severity of mortar smears, and severity of other post construction staining.
Application Instruction
Low Pressure Application
- Lightly pre-wet or flash-cool the surface (do not soak).
- Apply NMD 80™ through an EC Jet to the entire section to be cleaned. Start from the top and work down. Allow NMD 80™ to dwell for 5-7 minutes.
- After the initial application of chemical, scrape the large chunks of mortar with a long-handled scraper.
- Check mortar smears and tags to see if it crumbles easily.
- Reapply NMD 80™ without rinsing between applications to melt the remaining mortar residue and extend dwell time. Once there is no foaming, the surface is ready to be rinsed.
- With NMD 80™, the longer it stays wet on the wall, the cleaner the end result. This will also reduce the amount of rinsing required. After reapplication, scraping can be done further down the wall.
- Begin rinsing from top down. Use long even strokes that overlap each other. Caution: Do not allow the product to dry on the surface.
Rinsing
Proper rinsing techniques determine the final look and quality of the job. Generalized rules of rinsing would include:
- Low pressure rinse. The EC-Jet can be used as long as the ball valve to NMD 80™ has been turned to the off position.
- If using a pressure washer to rinse, use a 40-degree nozzle to reduce the potential for surface damage. Stay at least 8”-12” from the wall to avoid potential damage to the mortar joints. Do not use a zero-degree nozzle.
- Craftsmanship determines the appropriate pressure for rinsing. A thorough rinse job is recommended; however, our chemistry never requires flooding a wall. Pressures that mark or damage the surface should be avoided. If in doubt, follow the manufacturer’s recommended P.S.I. for the substrate you are working on.
- Always use overlapping horizontal passes to achieve a uniform appearance
Note: Sensitive surfaces such as sand faced brick, concrete brick, synthetic masonry and surface dyed substrates, need to be rinsed at low pressures. Use the EC Jet with the ball valve turned to the “off” position for rinsing or a garden hose with nozzle. The rinse pressure should be about 50 P.S.I.
The Brownstones at Maywood Park in Oklahoma – multiple substrates cleaned with NMD 80™
The First Major Job for NMD 80™:
The National Conservation Training Center
In 1996, well before NMD 80™ even had a proper label, EaCo Chem founder Lynn Peden traveled to the National Conservation Training Center in West Virginia. Operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the college leads the nation in education for natural resource managers.
As construction of the campus was coming to an end, multiple substrates needed cleaning. There was efflorescence on the masonry and burnished block, and the limestone was sensitive. Three products were tested but none of them worked. Peden went to the campus to demo NMD 80™, and the college’s lead architect determined it to be the best product to clean every building on campus.
It was the first major project for NMD 80™ and a sign of the major achievements to come. Now, NMD 80™ is the first choice for all major new construction cleaning projects in North America!
Aerial of the National Conservation Training Center, Ryan Hagerty/USFWS, Public Domain.
SOS-50
SOS-50 is a buffered detergent-based solution designed for the cleaning of new masonry structures. The HCl has been replaced, making this product an acid alternative where needed. SOS-50 can be used on virtually any type of brick, block, stone, cast stone and pre-cast. There is no scrubbing necessary.
Proper usage is essential to experience the great reductions that are possible in chemical costs and cleaning time. NMD 80™ is designed to be used with the EC Jet downstream chemical injector to produce excellent cleaning results consistently, easily, and faster than ever before. Combine these cost reductions with heightened safety, excellent final appearance and a dramatic reduction in post cleaning stains and you have tomorrow’s chemistry today.
Advantages of SOS-50
- Not regulated by the D.O.T.
- Low odor
- Similar performance to NMD 80™, only without the Hydrochloric Acid
- Non-fuming
- Improved productivity
Limitations of SOS-50
- Product may be corrosive to certain woods, metals, and plants. Covering may be required. Always test prior to use.
- Avoid elevator doors as the coating will be affected by the chemical.
- Cover any building hardware, including brass, bronze, copper, gold, stainless or mild steel.
- Use a low-pressure rinse on synthetic stone and surface dyed substrates. Do not brush on surface dyed substrates.
- Do not use on lime-faced brick.
Surfaces Safely Used On
Clay Brick, Concrete Brick, Glazed Brick, Buff Brick, Red Brick, CMU, Colored Block, Smooth Block, Split Face Block, Burnished Block, Ground Faced Block, Precast Concrete, Limestone, Sandstone, Natural Stone, Stone Veneer, Cast Stone, Hardscape, Clay Pavers, Concrete Pavers, Windows, Colored Mortar
How to Apply SOS-50
Dilutions
Standard dilution of SOS-50 is 4 parts water to 1 part SOS-50. An EC Jet is recommended to ensure both proper dilution and application of SOS-50. Ideal size of pressure washer for exterior cleaning: gas powered 3 to 5 gallon or 4 to 6 gallon per minute pressure washer not to exceed 3,000 P.S.I. (For a clearer understanding of how to use an EC Jet watch our video at www. eacochem.com.)
Coverage Rates
Coverage rates will vary from 100-200 sq. ft. per gallon depending on the surface porosity, texture, ambient temperature, craftsmanship, severity of mortar smears, and severity of other post construction staining.
Application Instruction
Low Pressure Application
- Lightly pre-wet or flash-cool the surface (do not soak).
- Apply SOS-50 through an EC Jet or low-pressure sprayer to the entire section to be cleaned. Start from the top and work down. Allow SOS-50 to dwell for 5-7 minutes. White foam signals product activation.
- After the initial application of chemical, scrape the large chunks of mortar with a long-handled scraper.
- Check mortar smears and tags to see if it crumbles easily.
- Reapply SOS-50 without rinsing between applications to melt the remaining mortar residue and extend dwell time. Once there is no foaming, the surface is ready to be rinsed.
Sensitive Surfaces
When cleaning sensitive surfaces use the standard 4 parts water to 1 part SOS-50. Always use the EC Jet to apply and rinse the substrate. Use care when using a scraper to remove the chunks. Before rinsing, use rubber gloves and lightly rub the mortar smears. The mortar should crumble easily within 5 minutes of application. If there are issues removing excess mortar; scrape more thoroughly or use two or more applications if the sample panel test showed both the need as well as no effect on the surface. Water run-down keeps the wall wet, allowing for a larger work area.
Note: Sensitive surfaces, such as sand faced brick, concrete brick, synthetic masonry and surface dyed substrates, need to be rinsed at low pressures. Use the EC Jet with the ball valve turned to the off position for rinsing or a garden hose with nozzle. (The rinse pressure should be about 50 P.S.I.)
Caution: Do not allow the product to dry on the surface.
Rinsing
Proper rinsing techniques determine the final look and quality of the job. Generalized rules of rinsing would include:
- Low pressure rinse. The EC jet can be used as long as the ball valve to NMD 80™ has been turned to the off position.
- If using a pressure washer to rinse, use a 40-degree nozzle to reduce the potential for surface damage. Stay at least 8”-12” from the wall to avoid potential damage to the mortar joints. Do not use a zero-degree nozzle.
- Craftsmanship determines the appropriate pressure for rinsing. A thorough rinse job is recommended; however, our chemistry never requires flooding a wall. Pressures that mark or damage the surface should be avoided. If in doubt, follow the manufacturer’s recommended P.S.I. for the substrate you are working on.
- Always use overlapping horizontal passes to achieve a uniform appearance.
Calcium Silicate Cleaner
Calcium Silicate Cleaner (CSC) is a buffered, detergent-based solution specifically designed for removing excess mortar and jobsite debris from Arriscraft® Calcium Silicate materials. No scrubbing is necessary when used as directed.
CSC has been created specifically for calcium silicate-based masonry using an EC Jet applicator. The EC Jet, which is discussed in more detail below, is a quick coupling attachment to the end of a pressure washer wand that is designed to dilute material 4 parts water to 1 part chemical to allow for quick and accurate dilution while spraying the chemical with the best nozzle.
Always read the product data sheet, SDS, and do a test panel prior to start of project. After rinsing, the test area must be dry before evaluating final results.
Advantages of Calcium Silicate Cleaner
- Spray-on/rinse-off application increases productivity and reduces labor when applied through an EC-Jet.
- Will not harm most glass or anodized window frames when used as directed.
- Reduces water-in-wall issues, such as efflorescence.
- No respirator required when used outdoors (other safety precautions apply).
- For use on vertical and horizontal surfaces.
- Effective way to remove large scale efflorescence.
- Biodegradable
- Top-down application allows more product coverage on lower elevations.
Limitations of Calcium Silicate Cleaner
- Should not be used on polished stone or lime faced brick.
- Only apply to areas to be cleaned. Product can be corrosive to certain woods, metals, and plants.
- Avoid elevator doors as the coating will be affected by the chemical.
- Cover any building hardware, including brass, bronze, copper, gold, stainless or mild steel.
- Use low pressure rinsing on synthetic stone and surface dyed substrates
Surfaces Safely Used On
Arriscraft® Calcium Silicate Materials, Clay Brick, Concrete Brick, Glazed Brick, Buff Brick, Red Brick, Cmu, Colored Block, Smooth Block, Split Face Block, Burnished Block, Ground Faced Block, Precast Concrete, Limestone, Natural Stone, Stone Veneer, Cast Stone, Hardscape, Clay Pavers, Concrete Pavers, Windows, Colored Mortar, Hardy Board
How to Apply Calcium Silicate Cleaner
Dilutions
CSC is diluted 4 parts water to 1 part CSC. An EC Jet is recommended to ensure both proper dilution and application of CSC. The ideal size of pressure washer for exterior clean: gas powered ranging from 3 to 6 gallons per minute pressure washer not to exceed 3,000 P.S.I.
Coverage Rates
Coverage rates with CSC using an EC Jet will vary from 100-200 sq. ft. per gallon depending on the surface porosity, texture, ambient temperature, craftsmanship, severity of mortar smears, and severity of other post construction staining.
Application Instruction
Low Pressure Application
Any scraping or sanding should be done prior to cleaning.
- Lightly pre-wet or flash-cool the surface (do not soak).
- Apply CSC through an EC Jet to the entire section to be cleaned. Start from the top and work down. Allow CSC to dwell for 5-7 minutes.
- Check mortar smears and tags to see if it crumbles easily.
- Reapply CSC without rinsing between applications to melt the remaining mortar residue and extend dwell time. Once there is no foaming, the surface is ready to be rinsed.
- With CSC, it is better to repeat the cleaning process than to be more aggressive with the initial cleaning.
- Begin rinsing from top down. Use long even strokes that overlap each other. Caution: Do not allow the product to dry on the surface. Use only a nylon brush on extreme areas when necessary.
Rinsing
Proper rinsing techniques determine the final look and quality of the job.
- Low pressure rinse only, less than 700 P.S.I. The EC-Jet can be used as long as the ball valve to CSC has been turned to the off position.
- If using a pressure washer to rinse use a 40-degree wide nozzle from a minimum distance of 2’ from the wall with no higher than 700 P.S.I.
- Craftsmanship determines the appropriate pressure for rinsing. A thorough rinse job is recommended; however, our chemistry never requires flooding a wall. Pressures that mark or damage the surface should be avoided. When in doubt, follow the manufacturer’s recommended P.S.I. for the substrate you are working on.
- Always use overlapping horizontal passes to achieve a uniform appearance
Note: Sensitive surfaces, i.e. sand faced brick, concrete brick, synthetic masonry and surface dyed substrates need to be rinsed at low pressures. Use the EC Jet with the ball valve turned to the off position for rinsing or a garden hose with nozzle. The rinse pressure should be about 50 P.S.I.
What is an EC Jet?
The EC Jet is a quick coupling attachment to the end of your pressure washer wand. It is designed to dilute material 4 parts water to 1 part chemical. It is used with the application of NMD 80™ or SOS-50 for new construction cleaning.
Using NMD 80™ with EaCo Chem’s innovative EC Jet pressure washer wand, will reduce cleaning time 90% versus traditional bucket and brush cleaning.
The EC Jet allows for quick and accurate dilutions while spraying the chemical with the best nozzle. The open/close valve can also be used to shut off the chemical flow and allow rinsing without removing the unit.
For the best results, a 3 to 5 gpm pressure washer is recommended.
Why Do We Have a Brushless Application?
EaCo Chem fields countless questions about the best way to apply our chemicals. It is important to remember these products are specifically formulated to be applied without a brush. This allows pressure washers to clean larger surfaces in less time and more ergonomically.
That means your crew can complete more jobs and make more money in less time!
We always recommend using the EC Jet when applying NMD 80™ and SOS-50. This is because the EC Jet dilutes material 4:1, eliminating the need to predilute yourself.
This video shows how to use the EC Jet, and demonstrates the difference between using the EC Jet and the traditional brush application:
Case Study: Brushless vs Brush-On Application
The contractors at the St. Paul’s Senior Living Community in Greenville, PA were using the bucket-and-brush method for removing excess mortar. The entire job encompassed 60,000-square feet. The contractors were shown how to use NMD 80™ with its spray method resulting in decreasing the labor time.
Two 150-square foot sample areas of the Glen-Gery Canyon Blend Brick and PCL Mortar were selected for testing.
Side-by-Side Comparison
NMD 80™
Time to Clean: 46 minutes
Product: Used 1 gallon, cut 4:1
Method: Spray on three times; allow
20-minute dwell time
Results: Fewer man-hours and a great final appearance!
Competitor's Product
Time to Clean: 7.5 hours
Product: Used 5 gallons
Method: Bucket and brush; numerous stoning the joints; pressure wash rinse
Results: Wasted man-hours and an uneven appearance.
Additional Tips for Using NMD 80™ and SOS-50
• With NMD 80™ and SOS-50, the longer it stays wet on the wall, the cleaner the result and the least amount of rinsing is required. After reapplication scraping can be done further down the wall.
• Choose the rinse style: brick, split face and common block, natural stone, and precast use a high-pressure rinse. For smooth dyed block or brick and synthetic stone, use the EC Jet for a low-pressure (50 P.S.I.) rinse.
• The amount of foaming reaction will lessen with each application. When you apply NMD 80™ to a wall that is thoroughly cleaned, there will be little to no foaming as it contacts the wall. Rinse time will be dramatically reduced.
• Pressure washers equipped with a down stream chemical injector (after the high-pressure side) should have the injector removed before using the EC Jet. If the chemical injector is attached with a quick coupler, simply uncouple it and attach the pressure hose in its place. If the chemical injector is hard plumbed in place, simply place the chemical hose in a five-gallon bucket full of water when using the EC Jet.
Arizona State University Hospital (left) and The Offices at Mayfaire in North Carolina (right) – brick cleaned with NMD 80™
Guidelines and Tips for
Residential Masonry Cleaning
Preclean
- Always test windows and frames with the pencil test. (Pencil Test: Take a pencil, dip eraser end in undiluted NMD 80™ and touch it to the window and frame. Allow product to sit for a minute then rinse it off. Observe results after drying. This test is not intended if windows are not installed before cleaning.)
- Cover any hardware if doors or fixtures have been installed before cleaning.
Tools Required
- EC Jet, NMD 80™, and pressure washer give the fastest clean on all types of masonry substrates.
- Residential cleaning is best done with ladders with standoff bars at top.
- A large steel ladder hook in an “S” configuration is required to hold bucket while cleaning from 28 feet. 13 feet and below can be done from the ground as long as the pressure washer wand is 5 feet long and your cleaner stands 5’-7’ tall.
- Best results occur when scaffold is removed prior to cleaning except for chimneys and gable ends.
Tips
- For chimneys above 28’ cleaning should be done while scaffold is in place. NMD 80™ has been used successfully with low pressure rinse in under 24 hours after, but we recommend 24 hours curing time before cleaning. When cleaning chimneys, leave roof protection and mortar droppings in place while cleaning. This catches and helps neutralize any overspray or rundown.
- For gables above 28’ cleaning time is the same as above. Cleaning should only be done down to 28’ line as working from scaffolding slows the cleaning process.
- Cleaner should be furnished a shovel for leveling the ladder for stability and safety.