HOW TO PROPERLY TREAT EFFLORESCENCE ON BLOCK WALLS
16 Feb 2023
Efflorescence occurs when water seeps through building materials and then evaporates, leaving behind soluble salt deposits on or within the surface of walls.
Efflorescence-Rid, is an efflorescence remover that’s economical, biodegradable and non-toxic.
Scientific Waterproofing Products (SWP) is here to help with a step-by-step process to treat efflorescence:
Surface Preparation
- Clean all dirt off the affected surface using Red-PowerClean Degreaser.
- Test Efflorescence-Rid on a small patch of the surface prior to application, as some surfaces can become bleached after applying the product.
- Water surrounding grass and shrubs well before applying Efflorescence-Rid in order to protect them.
Application of Efflorescence-Rid
- Slightly wet the surface. Efflorescence-Rid is more effective if the surface is slightly damp prior to application. Use a plastic garden pump sprayer to apply Efflorescence-Rid.
- Once applied, allow Efflorescence-Rid to foam and work for 3-5 minutes. The right amount of time depends on the degree of efflorescence and the durability of the surface.
- Agitate the concrete surface with a stiff nylon brush, broom or rotating concrete scrubber. Professional applicators may also use a Zero Tip/turbo nozzle if necessary.
- Repeat these steps over the entire surface until all efflorescence has been removed and foaming has stopped.
- Rinse everything, including equipment, with plenty of water after use.
- Allow the surface to fully dry before applying SEALTIGHT or ULTRA MASONRY BLOCK SEALER.
- Once the surface is completely dry, apply SEALTIGHT or ULTRA MASONRY BLOCK SEALER to help keep efflorescence from re-forming. These sealing products are designed to penetrate the surface, so all efflorescence must be removed prior to their application, to avoid cases of Maxseal flex delamination.
- While the surface is wet with ULTRA MASONRY BLOCK SEALER, or SEALTIGHT, brush apply MAXSEAL FLEX
- Allow MAXSEAL FLEX to cure for a minimum of 14 hours and a maximum of 3 days. Once cured, wet the surface with water and brush apply a second coat of MAXSEAL FLEX.
A FEW IMPORTANT THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND
The most important aspect in the application of a Cementitious Membrane is preparation.
It is important to select a professional waterproofing Contractor/Applicator who understands the need for proper preparation. 
The image above indicates many areas where the membrane has fully adhered, and other areas where the efflorescence has not been totally removed, showing excess amounts of efflorescence/salt which has prevented the membrane from adhering.
The image above clearly shows delamination of the membrane due to lack of preparation (Efflorescence removal) hence the need to re-apply efflorescence-rid onto all remaining tough spots or where foaming on surfaces is occurring, until all foaming has stopped.
This is a clear example of preparation failure.
At SWP, the team cannot emphasise enough just how important it is to repeat the application of Efflorescence-Rid until all foaming has stopped and no efflorescence is left on the surface.
If you have any questions about efflorescence or other water-related problems, or you’d like to find out which product is best for your needs, contact SWP via the links below.
