In our industry, working with concrete products, the topic of efflorescence sometimes comes up.
Wikipedia explains efflorescence in the following way:
Primary efflorescence
Primary efflorescence is named such, as it typically occurs during the initial cure of a cementitious product. It often occurs on masonry construction, particularly brick, as well as some firestop mortars, when water moving through a wall or other structure, or water being driven out as a result of the heat of hydration as cement stone is being formed, brings salts to the surface that are not commonly bound as part of the cement stone. As the water evaporates, it leaves the salt behind, which forms a white, fluffy deposit, that can normally be brushed off. The resulting white deposits are referred to as "efflorescence" in this instance. In this context efflorescence is sometimes referred to as "saltpetering." Since primary efflorescence brings out salts that are not ordinarily part of the cement stone, it is not a structural, but, rather, an aesthetic concern.
The white “stuff” we can sometimes see on the surface of brick, manufactured stone, or any other cementitious product is what is referred to as efflorescence. If you search online for information on efflorescence you will find many definitions and explanations. But the information above from Wikipedia seems to explain it well. As cement cures and the water moves to the surface, it can carry other components along with it, salts or other dispersible materials. As the water reaches the surface it evaporates, and will leave the white deposit behind. This is facilitated by lower temperatures, humidity, rain, or anything that keeps the material wet such as sprinklers or run-off.
Online you can find many methods of removing efflorescence which include pressure washing with water, scrubbing with a brush, or more aggressive methods such as washing with muriatic acid. If you have to deal with efflorescence on Kodiak Mountain Stone I suggest only using a few of these methods.
First, you can try using a pressure washer to remove the efflorescence. However, if you are using a pressure washer you have to use low pressure and not get too close to the stone. Using too high of pressure or getting too close will damage and pit the stone and will not be repairable.
Using a soft bristled brush and a diluted mixture of vinegar water in another option which we most commonly suggest.
The use of muriatic acid is not recommended at all. There is a high potential that the stone could be damaged.
There are products available that claim to remove efflorescence. I have had conversations with people who have used such products and have told me they work well. However, I am not knowledgeable about these products and have not used them myself. Therefore, neither myself or Kodiak Mountain Stone suggests using such products.
There are ways to prevent efflorescence. First, proper drainage and the elimination of unnecessary sources of water on the stone will help reduce the chances of efflorescence appearing.
Concrete sealers can also prevent efflorescence from occurring. But it is important to use a penetrating sealer for the best results. If you contact our office by phone or email (info@kodiakmountain.com) we can make suggestions as to what sealers to use on your stone.
For additional information you can call our office at 877-563-4252
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