Efflorescence? Tackle it with Thompson’s

You've probably seen efflorescence, even if you didn't know what it was called. It’s that white, powdery stuff that you often find on bricks and masonry. It happens when the salts inside the bricks or mortar mix with moisture, like rain, and then come to the surface as they dry out.

While it usually isn’t a big deal, it can hint at some underlying moisture issues. These could come from condensation, leaky pipes, or water leaking through damaged roofs or walls. If you don’t take care of these moisture problems, they can worsen. It’s therefore important to quickly find and fix any moisture problems to stop them at the source.

But even if it’s not serious, efflorescence can look unsightly and detract from the appearance of your brickwork. The good news is that the stains can be easily removed.
 
Thompson's Advanced Brick & Mortar Cleaner is a quick and easy solution for removing water stains, limescale and efflorescence without discolouring brickwork. Depending on the severity of the stains, you'll need to dilute the cleaner. For heavy stains, you can use the cleaner undiluted. Be sure to test the cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area of the brickwork first to ensure it does not cause discolouration or damage. 

Apply the cleaner to the stained area using a brush or spray bottle, making sure to cover all spots, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Then, scrub the area with a stiff brush or sponge, using enough pressure to lift the stains without harming the brick or mortar. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all residue, and let it air dry completely. You can use a clean cloth to help speed up the drying. For tough stains, you may need to repeat the process and adjust the cleaner's dilution for better results.

To prevent future water damage, finish with Thompson's One Coat Water Seal. Its clear, microporous formula protects bricks, mortar, stone, concrete and wood, all while letting moisture escape. Providing long-lasting waterproofing, less frequent reapplication is needed than with other products.  Check that the surface is either dry or slightly damp before application, as excess water can dilute the product and reduce its effectiveness. Use a brush, roller, or sprayer to apply the One Coat Water Seal evenly across the surface, focusing on the mortar lines, as these are more prone to water infiltration. And that’s it, job done!

Depending on environmental conditions such as heavy rains or extreme temperatures, you should check the sealant's effectiveness annually and reapply it as necessary.

Following these steps will help ensure that brick surfaces remain clean, well-maintained and looking their best.