JND Enterprises

The removal of efflorescence is relatively easy compared to some other stains. Efflorescent salts are water soluble and generally will disappear of their own accord with normal weathering. This is particularly true of "new-building bloom".  

White efflorescent salts can be removed by dry brushing or with clear water and a stiff brush.

 

We remove heavy accumulation of stubborn deposits of white efflorescent salts with a proprietary cleaner, usually containing hydrochloric acid and acetic acid.

 

Vanadium and Mangenese stains on brick is usually caused by cleaning with unbuffered hydrochloric acid. These stains need to be removed as quickly as possible, if allowed to set they could become a part of the brick and not removable.

 

New Building Bloom starts during the construction of a building, usually in winter or late fall. Unable to keep masonry water tight during construction, the brick work or stone became contaminated with moisture. Upon completion of construction, the moisture wicks to the exterior causing an unsightly stain. 

The good news for New Building Bloom is that it goes away after the masonry has dried from the inside out.

The bad news is, that if the water contamination was severe during construction this drying out process could take years.

Typically with a bad case of Bloom, you'll see it recede during the warm months and reappear during the cold months of the year, and this will happen until the masonry is completely dry.

 

Calcium Carbonate also known as White Scum is a film that forms on brick, almost always caused by improper cleaning of the new masonry.

This stain can be very difficult to remove, requiring multiple passes of cleaning to whittle down the scum.

To effectively remove Calcium Carbonate requires using some of the most dangerous acidic detergents in our industry; Hydrofluoric acid, so great care must be taken.

 

Saltpeter is a white fluffy powder that appears to grow on brick, usually on older brick, but it can occur on newly built masonry. Saltpeter and New Building Bloom have a similar appearance, to tell the difference one must do a taste test. Saltpeter will have a bitingly stinging salty taste, New Building Bloom has a chalky taste. 

There is no known cure for Saltpeter, other than to dry brush away.

Constant Saltpeter could be an indication of water intrusion.

 

Black Encrustation and Pollution, please follow the link for detailed information.