Removing Efflorescence From Concrete Floor
It is produced due to low temperatures moist conditions condensation rain dew and water added to the surface of fresh concrete to assist troweling.
Removing efflorescence from concrete floor. Art restorers in valencia spain were able to erase efflorescence from 17th century frescoes by antonio palomino in the church of santos juanes by using special bacteria selected to eat the salts and glue residue on the art. The concrete was placed colored and stamped shortly before winter. Concrete efflorescence is a very common problem on concrete especially decorative concrete. The easiest step to remove efflorescence is to wash the wall and scrub the area to see if the stains go away.
The extended period of water movement through the concrete to the surface brought chemicals to the surface where they combined with carbon dioxide from the air to produce calcium carbonate the white chemical you see in this photo. Give your concrete surface a thorough rinse. Removing efflorescence from concrete. Efflorescence is white powdery material formed on concrete floor surface when soluble salts migrate to the surface of concrete.
The technique part of a three year restoration project that began in 2011. You will need to use only clear water to avoid worsening the situation. Joe nasvik an example of extreme efflorescence. Treat a concrete floor with.
We are hearing more about efflorescence related issues because of the popularity of stained floors. How to remove the problem. Efflorescence is a fact of life with most concrete. When moisture and water vapor migrate to the surface of hardened concrete floors walls and colored concrete it carries with it calcium hydroxide.
The sooner the better as time will be against you if you are trying to remove these stains. Efflorescence occurs when salt and moisture come to the surface of concrete bricks or stone and then evaporate leaving unsightly white marks on your walls or floors. As the trend to have exposed concrete floors grows the industry is struggling with the problem of unsightly efflorescence especially when it is trapped under a film forming sealer. Removing efflorescence from a new patio is a breeze compared to cleaning a 400 year old fresco.
Follow by wiping the area with a wet sponge or mop making sure to wring excess water before wiping the powder away. The first step in removing efflorescence is to vigorously rinse the concrete with water. Scrub the white powder to loosen it from the concrete floor. Luckily there are easy ways to remove efflorescence in your home.
If you are working with an outdoor surface you can carry out this step with a garden hose.