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Introduction
As landscape professionals, we've all seen efflorescence many times before and understand that it's only a temporary inconvenience, but to the inexperienced home owner that has just made a big investment into the patio paving slabs, the appearance of unsightly white patches on their beautiful newly laid patio can be quite worrying. This section aims to help industry professional educate their clients in the existence of efflorescence and to help reassure and manage their customers expectations, resulting in happier customers and an easier life for everyone.
What is efflorescence?
Efflorescence is the migration of a salt to the surface of a porous material. These salts in the case of paving installations are held within the paving itself but also in the sub-base used in its installation, these salts are transferred to the surface of the stone when wet, this process is known as capillary action. The salt water migrates to the surface of the stone where it evaporates leaving white salty deposits behind.
How to help reduce efflorescence?
Efflorescence is a natural occurring process and as such, it is virtually impossible to eliminate all possibility of it occurring, however there are a few installation measures that can be taken to help reduce the intensity of the occurrence, including:
How to clean off efflorescence ?
In the vast majority of case efflorescence will natural disperse though use and exposure to the elements and will disappear over a period of a couple of months, without the need for any additional cleaning.
If you would prefer to speed up the process we would recommend using a stiff bristled brush (non metal) and clean running water, or a light clean with a pressure washer, being careful not to damage any pointing. Ensure you complete remove the water from the surface of the stone after cleaning, or crystals may remain that can cause efflorescence to reappear. If the efflorescence returns it will mean the factors causing it have not yet stopped, and the area will need to be cleaned again.
After you have tried the above method and are still finding you are getting persistent stubborn efflorescence staining, you can use an efflorescence cleaner that is specifically formulated for natural stone. These products must only be used as directed and you must ready fully the application and health and safety guidance before application. We would also recommend testing any products on an inconspicuous area first to ensure you are happy with the final result.
Please ensure that you do not use acidic cleaners to remove efflorescence, as this can cause permanent, irreparable, damage to the colour and structure of the stone.
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