News / lime bloom
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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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Apr 24, 2014
Grand Designs: Kevin McCloud revisits a house with efflorescence
Read more →Grand Designs often follows incredibly interesting building projects. A story following a house built in the Kent countryside in 2008 was no exception. The architect and owner constructed an experimental, unreinforced, terracotta arched building supporting an earth roof with tiles manufactured from clay onsite. The building was risky but has proved a great success and extremely energy efficient, even providing an income for the owners! Unfortunately two years later during Kevin's revisit, efflorescence has left it's mark: Kevins face says it.....should have used Efflock! ....Of course Efflock didn't even exist at the time this house was built, but perhaps...
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Sep 02, 2013
4000m2 of New Tiling Protected With Efflock
Read more →The builder of a large residential apartment complex under construction in Mascot, near Sydney Airport has specified Efflock for over 4000m2 of external tiling around the complex. Project manager, Joe Metlage of Casumo Constructions enquired about Efflock late last month. "Like many builders, we've experienced problems with Efflorescence in the past, and we are excited that Efflock will provide cost effective protection on our projects going forward" he said. Efflock provides permanent protection from efflorescence to external tiling, by simply adding 1% to the water (known as gauging water) before adding to dry ingredients. This dilution should be used for...
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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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May 29, 2013
All 3 bases are covered with Efflock
Read more →The genius of Efflock is that it is compatible with all cementitious mixes, including off the shelf tile adhesives and tile grouts. On a tiled floor, this means that all 3 layers that contribute to efflorescence can be protected - tile bed, tile adhesive and tile grout. And, it couldn't be easier. Simply add 1 part Efflock to 50 parts of water to use in all of your mixes for absolute confidence. No secondary membrane required! Above: Efflorescence appearing through porous grout joints.
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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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Mar 04, 2013
Efflock is a sustainable product choice
Read more →Efflock is 100% VOC free. Being water based and solvent free, also means Efflock is not flammable and has no offensive or dangerous odour. Efflock's maximum concentrate formula also means minimal plastic packaging waste and minimal fossil fuel consumption through transport. Sustainability Through Longevity: Production of masonry products like tiles, bricks and cement by nature, demand a carbon hungry manufacturing process. Each of these materials however, are some of the most versatile and useful building materials we have, and can be very long lasting when installed with diligence. Increasing the 'service life' of each of these building materials...
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Feb 22, 2013
Some basic facts about everyday building materials you may not know.
Read more →It was pointed out to me yesterday, that to date, my blogs are written in a way that assumes some prior technical knowledge about building. Considerable interest about Efflock is coming from home owners, 'Do-It-Yourselfers', or from people who are interested in including Efflock in their building project, but aren't quite sure how to recommend its use or exactly what it does to the tradesmen they are engaging. So here goes.... Firstly, many people may assume that concrete is waterproof: It makes sense right? You see concrete on bridges, footpaths, driveways and balconies everywhere, so surely water doesn't affect it?? ...
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Feb 07, 2013
What does Efflock cost per square metre of tiling?
Read more →Efflock prevents efflorescence and creates hydrophobic tile bed, adhesive and grout for around $3.87/m2 (for a 30mm thick tile bed). Compare that with the cost of a secondary membrane for at least $20/m2, and you're way in front Even with a tile bed 100mm thick you're saving cost and extra processes. Plus there are no hassles with inclement weather, no issues with trapping moisture between two membranes, and you even have the option to wet bed your tiles! Efflock allows the bed to permeate, meaning it will release moisture from the hydration process, whilst repelling water ingress. Less cost, big time savings...
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Feb 01, 2013
Efflock now available at Skippens!
Read more →Skippens is a family business and has been supplying bulk building materials to the Eastern Suburbs and greater Sydney for over 85 years. One of the most common questions they get is "how do I clean off efflorescence?". Unfortunately we don't have a solution for that, other than a cold chisel. However, Efflock will prevent efflorescence in all your future projects! By simply adding Efflock to the water of all your cementitious building materials, you will prevent efflorescence, reduce mould and algae, and prevent water 'wicking' through those materials. Nothing else has to change, you can keep your favourite mixes...