This white residue is called efflorescence.
Salt stains on brick wall.
Secondary efflorescence is caused by external influence to the concrete such as salt deposits on bridges and parking garages as a result of applying road salt in the winter continuous water leaks etc.
Stained or damaged brickwork mortar stains.
We list the common sources of stains on brick chimneys walls walks and ceilings.
Unlike efflorescence mortar stains are best dealt with by using a brick cleaning acid.
Mortar stains on brickwork can be caused by builders leaving residual sand and cement on the wall during construction.
Identify remove prevent brick staining.
White powdery stains leaching from brick walls are actually crystalline salt deposits.
There are a different types of efflorescence which can be caused by various factors.
The article distinguishes among common brick stain sources such as algae lichens moss soot fungal.
These are available from most diy stores and all builders merchants.
Well so do the salts in your wall.
Salt deposits on brick are a sign that moisture has regularly passed through it.
Most stains and discoloration on brick walls are the result of salts and mineral deposits.
Manifestations of salt and mineral stains.
To find out whether efflorescence will be a problem for your brick take a single brick and immerse it in distilled water for approximately seven days.
Newly constructed brick walls often contain excessive moisture which eventually evaporates and transfers salt deposits known as efflorescence onto brick surfaces.
If the air in the room is warm and humid the salts in the wall go yippee and soak up water and the wall looks wet.
If the walls are plastered with lime the effect of salts is a lot less and takes many years to do any damage if kept dry walls can be soaked in salt but still function.
Since it is a porous material brick may absorb soluble salts.
These stains can cover full surfaces and some require professional masonry repair in order to fix.
Let the brick dry after the seven days and compare it to a brick that was not immersed.
Efflorescence itself is not a concern but the regular penetration of moisture into the wall system can cause damage.
Although efflorescence stains are generally temporary constant exposure to moisture can.
Stains discoloration on brick surfaces.
As the water is drawn into the masonry and evaporates it leaves behind its salts on the surface.
This article describes the causes cures for various types of stains found on brick surfaces both outdoors and indoors.
Move the brush back and forth in different directions until the stain has been removed.
Primary efflorescence is typically caused on brick walls by the initial cure of cementous products.
Wash the chemical cleaning solution off the brick with water.