News / prevent mould
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Sep 13, 2013
Efflorescence in the UK
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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Apr 14, 2013
Australian Master Tilers Association
Efflock is proud to be a member of the newly established, Australian Master Tilers Association. The Association was created last year to benefit the tiling and waterproofing industries and their customers (see their 'About Us' page). The AMTA Forum is an excellent platform for exchanging problems, ideas and advice, and is open for participation both from trade professionals and the general public.
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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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Jan 21, 2013
Leaking shower prevented with Efflock
Leaking showers remain one of the most common building defects in Austraila. This is alarming when you consider bathroom renovations generally cost at least $20,000.00. And, often it is brand new bathrooms that are leaking - a Sydney based builder who is a customer of Efflock recently mentioned having to replace a 2 year old bathroom for a client only last year. Usually a leak remains undetected until serious damage has already occurred. This can be carpets and furnishings, paintwork, plaster or render, rotting of structural timber, or even possibly termites who love nothing more than moisture, darkness and a tasty timber framed house. A common flaw: If there is...
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Jan 16, 2013
Efflock is a cost effective grout additive that is easy to use.
Most tilers would agree that typical tile grout additives can make grout very sticky, with a fast drying skin that makes 'sponging off' quite challenging. Efflock may lubricate the mix slightly, but will maintain easy workability. The 1:100 dilution makes Efflock unrivalled value as a grout additive, with unmatched hydrophobic performance to help prevent ingrained mould.
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Jan 14, 2013
Efflock is now available in 5 litres
We have now launched a 5 litre container of Efflock. 5 litres makes up to 505 litres of gauging water to prevent efflorescence and repel damp in all cement based materials. Ideal for larger jobs such as balconies, and for professional tilers requiring larger quantities. Please see our 'Where to Buy' page or click the 'Buy Online' if we don't yet have a stockist near you, and we can send it out.
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Jan 05, 2013
BAM! Harsh cleaning chemicals are gone!
MOULD PREVENTION Mould reduction in tiled showers is one of the best selling points the next time you're tiling a new bathroom for a customer. 'Off the shelf' tile grouts with hydrophobic claims have proved porous with submersion testing. This means grout becomes saturated deep into the grout joint with mould chasing the moisture source. Mould then becomes ingrained beyond the reach of bleach or cleaning chemicals. Tile grout mixed with Efflock keeps the core of grout dry, so that only surface mould will occur, and can generally be removed using water and a few strokes of a stiff brush. A SUSTAINABLE CHOICE Efflock is water based, maximum...
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Jan 04, 2013
Efflock is now on Facebook
Happy new year! Efflock now has has a facebook page. Please 'Like' us to stay up to date as Efflock gains momentum. We'll be posting general building advice and articles along the way as well. www.facebook.com/Efflock
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Dec 03, 2012
Mould in shower grout
Hate cleaning? Using Efflock in tile grout is an easy way to reduce mould. Modern cement based tile grouts claim to have mould inhibitors in their formula, but still remain porous, failing to prevent ingrained mould for very long. Efflock however, can make a dramatic difference. We made two test blobs of grout about 20mm thick. One was a control sample with plain water, and the other used 1 part Efflock to 100 parts water. Once the grout had cured and dried out, we submerged the grout samples into a 10 litre bucket of water. Both were broken in half using a...
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Nov 08, 2012
Trade feedback: Efflock used in render
Efflock is ideal as an additive for render. Efflock is pictured here, specified by the builder in a bathroom renovation, as an additional barrier in the water proofing system. Ian the renderer used his preferred mix using 4 Sydney sand, 1 cement, with plasticisers of Bycol and renderer's clay. Even with renderer's clay in the mix, Efflock works. Ian was pleased with the workability of the mix, and the simplicity of adding just 1% Efflock to the gauging water to create water repellent walls!