Masonry6

Masonry6

1. Maintenance

   • Acid Rain higher sulphur / nitric acid content absorbed from coal fired
     • little effect on granite, sandstone, clay brick and Portland Cement
       • Affects limestone and marble by converting the calcium carbonate to gypsum
   • Ivy
     • retain moisture
     • detrimental effect on masonry joints
       • Suckers removed using scrapers and silicon carbide,
         • Bucket and brush

2. Removing Mortar Stains

   • acid not recommended dissolve cement
   • Dry mortar spatters can be removed using scrapers and silicon carbide

3. Efforescence

   • of water-soluble salts present in the masonry units OR in the mortar OR in both, which migrate to the outside surface of the units or mortar as the water evaporates. Can be found in both concrete and clay masonry.
   • washing the wall, allowing it to dry, and then brushing off the dry salt.

4. Cleaning Agents

   • Acids.  Propriety compounds.  Detergents
   • test on a less noticeable section
   • Muriatic Acid:  Water-based solution of hydrogen chloride gas.  Dilute in clean water as per brick manufacturer’s recommendations – typically 1 part acid to 20 parts water.  Attacks lime and cement in mortar.  Never use on masonry surfaces susceptible to acid staining.  Beware damage to adjacent building materials.
   • Fumes are extremely hazardous to a person’s
   • PPE – personal protective equipment.
   • inhibitors reduce metallic staining.
   • Detergents:
     • trisodium phosphate and clean water also removes some mud and soil stains
   • Bucket and Brush
     • Pressure Washing
       • low or medium pression
   • Abrasive Blasting Method
     • staining.
     • mined sand, crushed quartz, or crushed nutshells
     • damage the face of the brick, thus allowing excessive water penetration and the resultant damage associated with freeze-thaw cycles

5. Propriety Compounds:

   • containing organic and inorganic acids, wetting agents, and inhibitors for brick susceptible to metallic oxidation staining

6. Colourless Coatings

   • facilitate cleaning,  to resist graffiti,  to provide gloss, or  to reduce water absorption or penetration.
   • coatings intended for use on clay brickwork
   • film formers and penetrants.
   • Film formers produce a continuous film on the surface
   • Penetrants enter up to ⅜ in. (10 mm) into the brick masonry
   • waterborne or solvent-borne
   • better penetration and performance were attained using solvent-borne solutions
   • waterborne solutions that have lower volatile organic compound