News / mortar additive

• Jul 02, 2015

  Elastomeric paints are a wise choice for efflorescence prevention

  Without damp or water penetration, efflorescence cannot occur. Efflorescence is caused by a concentration of salts that have been dissolved by moisture and transported by capillary action to a point of discharge where the moisture evaporates, and leaves the salts behind.  Water is the most destructive compound that works against the health and longevity of any building, in so many different ways other than just efflorescence. Therefore, a quality building specification must always pay careful attention to preventing the ingress of water and damp in every situation.  For over a decade, a cement rendered and painted finish has been very popular in Australia. Render has often been applied...

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• Apr 11, 2014

  Fallen Life Savers Memorial at Coogee - Stonemasons choose Efflock.

  A national memorial to commemorate the lives of fallen life savers during combat is nearing completion. The memorial at Coogee Beach in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs is due to open 27th April - the first Sunday following Anzac Day. Terraset Stonemasons are undertaking the stonework for the head contractor Hargraves Landscapes, using Sydney Sandstone. Efflock has been selected for the mortar mix to prevent efflorescence, reduce maintenance and prevent rising damp and salt attack.       

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• Jun 13, 2013

  Efflock ideal for building in high saline areas

  I gave a talk about Efflock to local builders at a Master Builders Association meeting out at Campbelltown last week. An interesting problem was raised, which I have touched on briefly in a previous blog.  A builder at the meeting told me that the soil in the Camden area south west of Sydney is notorious for high salinity. The high salt content presents major problems for standard construction where rising damp can have very damaging effects on brickwork below the DPC or 'Damp Proof Course' level. The DPC is typically located around floor level, meaning that numerous courses of bricks...

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• Apr 28, 2013

  Efflorescence on ABC1's Gardening Australia:

    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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• Mar 14, 2013

  Capillary action

  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...

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• Mar 04, 2013

  Efflock is a sustainable product choice

      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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• Mar 01, 2013

  Efflock to prevent rising damp and salt attack in buildings

  Photograph showing rising damp and subsequent salt attack below DPC level. Rising damp is destructive for buildings. It is well understood that damp very quickly will create rot in structural timbers such as bearers and joists, and therefore a DPC (damp proof course) is provided to prevent rising damp. A modern DPC is typically a black embossed polythene roll that is laid out directly beneath ant-capping, or just below finished ground floor level. Polyethelene underlay (black or orange plastic) serves the same purpose for slab on ground construction. What is not usually considered, is that rising damp can also have destructive consequences...

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