White coming out of my brick work

cheggers

I've a 1930s house, and just noticed some white powder coming out of some of the lower brick work near to the floor on the outside of my house. What can I do to stop this or clean it up ??

Would they clear water repellant paint be of any use??

I also had cavity wall installation last year could that be to blame?

Flimber

It's called "efflorescence" which is a rather beautiful word, IMO. Google it for all the info. Extremely common. And you'll now start noticing it on almost every brick conctruction you ever encounter

PROFESSIONAL_LANDLORD

It's proper name is EFFENFLORESCENCE;)

Don't put anything on the bricks, try giving it a stiff brush, hose it down with water.

sloughflint

I noticed this too very recently. Was concerned as it was several bricks just below the damp-proof course. Why would it suddenly appear ( 1960's construction). Is it def nothing to worry about?

PROFESSIONAL_LANDLORD

Efflorescence is a bit of a phenomenon, basically, it's salts being released from the bricks / mortar. Generally found with new build properties, but can appear from time to time in older properties also, sometimes heavy rain can cause an outbreak.

Although unsightly, does no harm to the fabric of the building, and would not devalue a property.

Flimber

PROFESSIONAL_LANDLORD wrote: »

It's proper name is EFFENFLORESCENCE;)

Er, no it's not and that word which you just invented is the only instance of it on the internet

adouglasmhor

Flimber wrote: »

Er, no it's not and that word which you just invented is the only instance of it on the internet

I got it - it obviously flew over your head:rotfl:

sandieb

Efflorescence - brings back memories. Used to work for an architect and typed out loads of house surveys too. Efflorescence popped up quite regularly - and I understood it to be salts in the bricks.

rizla01

flimber - try effing Flourescence. Now does it make sense?

Re the moisture bringing salt out of the bricks, I think I'd be right in proclaiming that this proves that the insulation is working, does it not?

harryhound

http://www.answers.com/topic/efflorescence

Now let us worry about sulphates in the ground water - they attack cement/concrete.