News / calcium carbonate
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Jul 22, 2016
Understanding 'The Lime Cycle' helps to understand why we get efflorescence.
Read more →View our Lime Cycle diagram here.
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Sep 05, 2014
How to remove efflorescence
Read more →Efflorescence is very simply caused by the action of water entering masonry. That water then dissolves inherent salts, the most abundant of those salts is usually what's known as 'free lime' which is left surplus from the matrix of the concrete. Removing efflorescence is difficult and labour intensive, and requires acid based remover. Many products attempt to mask the word 'acid' with "water based" and other jargon, and will often mask any unpleasant odour with a nice scent such as lemon. Regardless, an acid pH is essentially what's required to dissolve the efflorescence. Once efflorescence is cleaned, it is most likely going to return....
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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...
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Jun 27, 2013
North Ryde train station stairs closed due to efflorescence.
Read more →The Epping to Chatswood railway line was opened in 2009 at a cost of $2.3 billion. It appears that only four years later, the stairs adjacent to the escalators are no-longer useable due to efflorescence, and are barricaded off. Estimated demolition/ replacement cost of stairs: $110,000.00 Estimated cost of Efflock for the entire twin flight of 75 steps: $320.00 As you can see, Efflock provides very economical protection. The water based formula is a green choice as it is a high concentrate, meaning less plastic waste. But best of all, Efflock ensures the intended service life of carbon hungry building...
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Apr 28, 2013
Efflorescence on ABC1's Gardening Australia:
Read more →Efflorescence is such a common building defect around Sydney and Australia. Did anyone else see Gardening Australia last night? Above: Check out the efflorescence coming up out of the grout joints from the tile bed on these balconies just next to Costa Georgiadis as he reported from an apartment complex in Redfern, Sydney. There was a fair bit of efflorescence seeping from render as well during the story. Using Efflock is the very best prevention for efflorescence. So simple and very economical.
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Apr 08, 2013
Master Builders Association Presentation
Read more →Efflock will be hosting a presentation at the July meeting of the NSW Master Builders Association, Northern Suburbs Division. Date: 18th July 2013 Venue: Roseville Golf Club, 4 Links Road, Roseville. RSVP: Melissa Stevens - 0419 144 495. Please book at least 1 week prior for catering purposes. The presentation will explain the behaviour of salt and efflorescence in buildings and how it can be managed, as well as other common building problems that can be managed easily using Efflock. We look forward to hearing specific questions and experiences!
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Apr 02, 2013
Are you trying to install a secondary membrane, but it keeps raining?!!
Read more →Having Efflock in a tile bed means a secondary membrane to control efflorescence is no longer required. However, Efflock is proving very useful to a number of our customers who still prefer to install a secondary membrane on their tiled balconies as another line of defence. An apartment block in Sydney with efflorescence stains from the top balcony streaming down the facade. The permeable yet hydrophobic effect of a tile screed containing Efflock means that a tile bed can expel moisture from the hydration process, whilst repelling any rain that comes along in the mean time. A screed containing Efflock is...
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Mar 31, 2013
Efflock is the preferred choice for protecting million dollar views
Read more →Even the most exclusive suburbs of Sydney with some of the most impressive private homes do not escape the scourge of efflorescence. Efflock is fast becoming the product of choice for remedial builders and tilers to rectify and prevent unsightly efflorescence stains from occurring. Check out our 'Stockists' page or speak to your local trade supplier about stocking Efflock for your next project. Efflock is also available online with prompt free delivery throughout Australia.
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Mar 30, 2013
Bulk orders of Efflock
Read more →We've had some customers requiring large quantities of Efflock for larger projects of late. There are certainly some big balconies out there, one customer has over 7 cubic meters of tile beds to protect from efflorescence! We are able to supply 20 litre drums on request, simply speak to your local stockist to request a large drum, or go to our Contact Us page and give Ben a call today.
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Mar 14, 2013
Capillary action
Read more →Capillary action (also known as wicking) is a common problem in buildings. Like the very action we depend on, of blood flowing through our bodies capillaries to our extremities, water can also flow and be drawn along or through many building materials. Roof leaks are one example where capillary action is often responsible. Picture: Capillary action on a clay brick. Ordinary tile screed of the same sample size would reach total saturation in around 10 minutes . Concrete and masonry, even of high quality contains capillaries. Common problems we see that arise from water flowing through concrete include: Concrete...