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Should a bricklayer lay bricks that are showing signs of efflorescence?
Anonymous user 09/03/2024 - 2.49 PM
Hi, We are currently building a large extension the brickwork has started and the bricks built and the bricks that are yet to be laid are showing signs of efflorescence, (white/salt) some quite badly! We have looked on the internet and it seems that the white stains are hard to get rid of and the ones that have been laid look ugly. We don't want a white house! Should our bricklayer stop and replace the bricks? Many thanks
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10 Answers
W H Green
Rating: 4.3 out of 5
Yes you can still lay these bricks it's just the salt coming out
Answered7 May 2017
1
Abode Home&Garden Improvements
Rating: 5 out of 5
Yeh it's fine to continue with bricks strength wise as it's only salt.
It's more a visual issue and rightly so as it can really change the desired look.
Yes a brick change might be a good option
Failing this you could try power washing or a acid wash once build has hardened worth a go.
This is a problem not always cureable unfortunately.
Answered9 May 2017
1
Anonymous user
It can be hard or sometimes impossible to remove the salt coming out of the bricks, there are weak acids on the market which draw the salt out in time, however this can takes months, many applications and worst of all it gets worse before geting better.
i would reccommend; varying the pallets of bricks you are using so you do not have all the 'salty' bricks in one place.
switching out any particularly affected batches.
and hope you can clean the majority off at a later date once the they have hardened.
Answered3 October 2017
1
Job's A Gooden
Rating: 2 out of 5
Yeah you cant still lay these bricks, however, if you're not happy with the appearance of the efflorescence then you may suggest to your tradesman that other brick would be preferred.
Answered8 May 2017
0
KDL Builders LTD
Rating: 4.9 out of 5
It's the salt from the clay that the bricks are made out of. Some bricks are worse than others for this. Soft facing bricks seem to be the worse. There is specialist chemical cleaners for this as brick acid is a little harsh
Answered27 May 2017
0
Brick Expert
Rating: 4.9 out of 5
Yes you can still lay them. It is only the salt coming out.
Answered5 July 2017
0
H building solutions ltd
Rating: 4.9 out of 5
I think the name for this problem is Efflorescence, it’s been a long time since we we’re taught about this at college but I would suggest is mix the bricks from different pallets usually 3 different pallets this is called banding standard practice, and to get rid of the salt get a stiff brush and give the salt a good rub over time it will disappear usually takes a few years
Answered3 July 2019
0
Anonymous user
It will disappear in few year and try clean with white vinegar and water it work some time.
Answered28 September 2021
0
Costel
No reviews yet
You can use this brick because is something frequently met,I worked in one site and was a problem with that brick and appeared on the wall between 5-10 mm salt,but after 2-3 months it disappeared.
Answered28 April 2022
0
Louis byrne
No reviews yet
You can still lay them it won't effect the structure it self just appears.
You could try dry brushing it off when laid then rinsing with water
Answered2 July 2023
0