Efflorescence is a whitish haze that appears on the surface of concrete pavers within a few weeks or months of installation. Efflorescence may also be referred to as calcium hydroxide or free lime. Efflorescence is a completely natural occurrence.
You can try cleaning the pavers with a mixture of water and mild detergent. Another option is to hire a power washing company to do a low-pressure wash. Other more aggressive options include sandblasting and a chemical cleaning. We always recommend you hire a professional to ensure you do not damage your pavers.
Just as it appears naturally, efflorescence will eventual- ly disappear. Over time, rainwater can wash and wear it away.
When you install polymeric sand in the joints of pavers, the manufacturers suggest that you spray the paved area with water and leave time to dry. If you overwater the area their binders will leach out of the polymeric sand. It's this leaching causes that white haze, or polyhaze, on paving stones.
Vinegar is extremely effective against efflorescence, and you don't have to worry about rinsing dangerous acids into the soil around your pavers. Pour vinegar that is 6% acid over the pavers, scrub them with a brush, then rinse it away with a water hose. Vinegar may not remove large buildups of efflorescence.
This is called a “polymeric haze.” It is sometimes caused by removing the dust from the surface of the pavers during sand installation. A leaf blower is a great tool to remove the dust. The haze can also be caused by not washing off the excess water which has been discolored by the polymeric chemicals.
Efflorescence doesn't cause long-term damage to your stones, but it can make them look dull and white. Treating your paving stones with diluted muriatic acid removes the deposits and helps them look good as new.
A common problem that often arises with newly installed pavers is the appearance of a white haze that won't seem to come off. The most likely cause of this is a naturally occurring phenomenon called efflorescence.
In many cases, efflorescence will disappear on its own over time (usually after the first year of a paver or retaining wall installation).
This form of efflorescence generally lasts around two to three years and fades naturally as the salt supply decreases. Salts are carried to the surface of concrete or brickwork by hydrostatic pressure or osmosis/evaporation, and deposited when the water evaporates, resulting in this type of efflorescence.
The acidity in the vinegar helps remove the efflorescence and calcium deposits by breaking down mineral crystals. After cleaning the surface, let dry for 48-72 hours (moisture content below 25%).
Removing efflorescence can be quick and simple. In fact, efflorescing salts are water-soluble, which means efflorescence may disappear on its own due to normal weathering. Some of the best ways to remove efflorescence include: Pressurized water: Applying pressurized water may dissolve efflorescence quickly.
Unless something else is done, the efflorescence will be back soon. In order to prevent it, you'll need to: Eliminate soluble salts for your concrete or masonry, and/or. Prevent water from transporting soluble mineral salts to the surface.
It is caused by water carrying salts to the surface, where they evaporate and leave behind the white residue. Efflorescence is not harmful to your pavers or travertine, but it can be unsightly. Sealing your pavers or travertine can help reduce the amount of efflorescence that forms.
White vinegar is good for cleaning pavers, though it's also acidic enough to erode the stones' surface. Diluted vinegar can be used safely to clean paving stones, though it should be used sparingly and infrequently to protect your paving from damage.
Vinegar and water.
This is an excellent option if you're looking for a more natural way to clean your pavers. Vinegar is known for its cleaning properties, and you can use it as a household cleaner on a variety of surfaces. Plus, it's more eco-friendly than other cleaning options since you're not using harsh chemicals.
Efflorescence alone does not pose a major problem, but it can be an indication of moisture intrusion, which may compromise the structural material. Building materials, such as concrete, wood, brick and stone, are porous materials. Porous materials can absorb or wick water by a process called capillary action.
It is common for people to confuse mold with efflorescence. Efflorescence itself isn't dangerous or harmful. It can lead to potential moisture problems that can cause structural damage to building materials.
A few major differences between efflorescence and mold growth: Mold grows, efflorescence doesn't. Mold can grow on just about any surface, whereas efflorescence doesn't spread. Mold is a fungus, whereas efflorescence is moisture that evaporates into salt deposits.
Water and mild dish soap is a popular cleaning solution because it's easy to find at home and it won't damage brick, but it will tackle stains. The BIA recommends using hot water for surface cleaning with a detergent. White vinegar and water, another common household cleaner, can also be used on mildew.
Brushing and pressure-washing may be insufficient on tough salt deposits. An acidic cleaner, such as PROSOCO's Sure Klean Light Duty Concrete Cleaner, and Sure Klean Vana Trol can dissolve efflorescence more effectively.
Once the water source is eliminated, most efflorescence (also called Calcium Carbonate or limestone) can be removed with abrasive techniques. Dry brushing, light water blasting or light sandblasting followed by flushing with clean water. In large areas, rotary scrubbers with scrubbing pads may also be used.
To start the maintenance process, you can use a solution of regular dish soap and water along with a stiff plastic scrub brush. Avoid using a wire brush, as it can dislodge wires and create rust marks on the surface.
You must ensure that the pavers and joints are completely dry before installing polymeric sand. If there is any moisture present, it will cause the polymers to prematurely activate, leaving a haze on the surface or the sand won't set up properly.
If the poly sand dust is not removed, it will create a white haze on top of the pavers. This is called poly sand haze.