News / brickwork
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Aug 25, 2016
Keeping water out prevents efflorescence - a guide to caulked movement joints
Read more →Efflock prevents efflorescence by repelling water as illustrated in this triangular diagram: Every detail in a system is important. Caulked movement joints may seem an insignificant detail, but if they are installed incorrectly excessive water can enter masonry to cause efflorescence. Below is an information sheet which explains how to install caulked movement joints correctly, with some information on selecting the best sealant for the job:
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May 19, 2014
Presentation at Granville TAFE, Tuesday 20 May
Read more →Ben from Efflock will be presenting at the Inner West Division of the Master Builders Association, Tuesday evening 20 May. The meeting is to be held at the Granville TAFE campus where there will also be a tour by the head trade teacher of the bricklaying training facility. Cost is free. To register, click here.
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Mar 05, 2014
Salinity in Australia - a big problem that builders need to consider.
Read more →The Master Builders Association meeting held in Maitland last week had a very entertaining and informative guest speaker from the NSW Department of Primary Industries. The topic was urban salinity. Salt from the soil can have a very destructive and catastrophic effect on masonry in buildings. Salt is drawn up into masonry with rising damp, and over many years with wet and dry cycles, more and more salt is deposited into the point of evaporation, typically in brickwork or stonework below damp proof course [DPC] level. The pressure exerted by crystallising salt can exceed 200MPa, whilst the tensile resistant strength...
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Feb 04, 2014
North Shore Timber and Hardware now selling Efflock
Read more →North Shore Timber and Hardware is the latest business to offer Efflock to the local building trade. North Shore Timber have six locations and have an excellent reputation throughout Sydney and in Gosford for quality building supplies. As the name suggests, NST are primarily timber merchants but do supply some sand and cement based products. As many small building contractors are from a carpentry background, we see that the partnership with NST will offer great exposure of the Efflock brand to small builders - who will in turn benefit with a dramatic reduction in building defects risks.
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Jan 20, 2014
Rising Damp and Salt Attack - free PDF
Read more →We have recommended this publication on our blog previously: Salt Attack and Rising Damp - A Guide to Salt Damp in Historic and Older Buildings. Salt attack is as destructive to masonry as termites are to timber, and is prone to occur on any building site in Australia due to our soils and extreme weather patterns. As salt is dissolved by water and absorbed by masonry, the water evaporates, leaving behind more and more salt with each wet cycle. Salt crystallises to expand at extraordinary pressure (> 200MPa) to easily turn stone, bricks and mortar to dust. As outlined...
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Dec 18, 2013
The RALAN Group - New Development now using Efflock
Read more →Builders for The RALAN Group, Steve Nolan Constructions Pty Ltd are currently constructing two multi storey developments. These projects are located at 6-8 and 10 Drovers Way, Lindfield, in Sydney. The two buildings share a total of 112 apartments, from 1 bedroom, to 3 bedroom penthouses. Efflock is currently being used in face brickwork, both to control efflorescence and keep the mortar clean to reduce maintenance and keep the building looking good. Efflock is planned for use in any areas of the building where efflorescence is considered a risk externally, and will also be included internally in the bathrooms to...
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Sep 13, 2013
Efflorescence in the UK
Read more →Efflorescence is clearly a problem the world over. Google has images and stories about efflorescence from all four corners of the globe. During a visit to the UK, we have seen efflorescence leaching from the face brickwork of many new buildings and brick fences. Common perception from most local tradesmen is that efflorescence comes from modern clay bricks. In some walls we have seen, the bricks do appear to produce salts which are seldom seen in Australia. However, for the most part, it does appear that porous mortar is the main culprit, or sometimes there is a combination of leaching from both...