Bloom & Salt Cleaning Ecotera Restora Desalt

Salt Cleaning: Why Does Surface Efflorescence Occur and How Can It Be Prevented?

Over time, white spots form on the surface of structures, causing aesthetic deterioration and potentially damaging structural integrity. This condition is often referred to as " salination " or " efflorescence ."

What is Efflorescence?

Efflorescence occurs when soluble salts enter the porous structure of many building materials through water or moisture and then crystallize on the surface, forming a white layer. It is most commonly seen in natural stone, brick, clinker, concrete, plaster, and masonry structures.

There are two different types of inflorescences:

- Superficial Efflorescence : Crystallization of salts within the surface becomes visible to the human eye. It is aesthetically unsightly, but can be easily cleaned.

- Hidden Efflorescence : Due to the pressure exerted by the crystallized salt accumulated under the surface, cracks and flaking occur on the surface and cause great damage to the structural integrity of the building.

What are the causes of salinity or efflorescence?

Humidity is actually the primary cause of salt formation . In humid environments, water dissolves the salts on the surface and carries them away. When the water evaporates, the salts crystallize, creating efflorescence .

- Effects of Groundwater

- External factors such as rain and snow

- Water Leaks

- Inadequate waterproofing

- Use of non-breathable or non-water vapor permeable paint or coating

What are the structural damages of efflorescence?

- Efflorescence is not only an aesthetic problem on the surface, but also carries the danger of deterioration of long-term structural integrity.

- Cracks and surface spills that may occur due to the freeze-thaw cycle on porous surfaces.

- Corrosion of the iron reinforcement, which is an important part of the durability of the structure

- There is a situation where the static balance is disrupted, that is, damage occurs in structural elements such as columns and beams, and the structure loses its ability to safely carry its own weight and the loads on it.

- Any type of structure used causes the material to become thin and worn out.

How to Clean Salt?

Specially formulated products are needed to permanently remove efflorescence and salt buildup , which is not possible with traditional cleaning products.

Permanent and Effective Salt Cleaning with Restora Desalt

Restora Desalt is a special repair mortar that removes soluble salts from natural stone, brick, clinker, concrete, and plaster surfaces using extraction. Containing no chemicals or harmful ingredients, it is prepared with natural, high-purity ingredients. It is a frequently preferred restoration material for the restoration of historic structures.

Application Advantages:

- There is no need for any intervention with water.

- By pre-moistening with pure water, salts are dissolved and drawn to the surface.

- Application is carried out without leaving any residue or aesthetic defects on the surface.

- It does not have a corrosive effect on the reinforcement in the area where it is applied.

- Generally suitable for seasonal work, preferred during restoration periods.

Application Steps

- The surface is cleaned with a soft bristle brush.

- When the surface is moistened with pure water, the salts are drawn to the surface, this process takes around 15 minutes.

- Desalt Repair Mortar is applied to the restoration .

- After approximately 48 hours, the resulting layer is cleaned with a spatula.

- Remaining residues can be easily cleaned with a damp sponge and soft brush.

It is essential to get to the root of the problem when dealing with efflorescence and salt cleaning.

While salt cleaning provides periodic and long-term protection, it's not enough. Unless the underlying causes of salt buildup are addressed, you'll likely face a persistent salt problem.

- You can detect moisture sources.

- You can protect the surface against water.

- You can use breathable water vapor permeable paints and coatings.

- Capillarity is important in this case, it prevents the remaining salts inside from swelling.

Expert Solution from Ecotera

With our Ecotera product portfolio, salt cleaning isn't just a superficial process. It also offers comprehensive solutions for moisture control , surface protection , and long-term building health . In addition to RESTORA DESALT , we offer a wide range of solutions and systems designed to protect building health.

Author: ecotera.net

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