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We have plenty of advice on how to best use your concrete blocks.
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Would you like more information about Akron Brick and Block?
Contact us via e-mail, phone or mail.
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Handling Custom Units |
Cleaning Masonry Walls |
Manufacturer's Recommendations
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Recommended procedures for Cleaning Newly Constructed Concrete Masonry Walls
Let mortar smears and droppings harden slightly, then remove using a mason's trowel, putty knife or chisel. Block surfaces also may be rubbed with another small piece of block then with a stiff fiber-bristle or stainless steel brush. This should be performed near the end of each workday.
To prevent additional cleaning, the following good construction practices are recommended:
- Protect the base of walls from rain-splashed mud and mortar droppings, using straw or sand at the base of the wall, or plastic sheets laid on the ground 3-4 feet out from the wall and 2 feet up the wall.
- Turn scaffold foot plank on edge at the end of each workday to prevent rain from splashing mortar and mud onto the walls.
- Cover the tops of finished and unfinished walls at the end of each workday to keep water from entering the walls and creating efflorescence. Drape covering at least 2 feet down each side of wall.
Akron Brick and Block does not recommend the use of high pressure cleaning, as pressures exceeding 500 psi can alter appearance and performance of the wall assembly. Should additional steps be required to clean new masonry the following is preferred:
Materials:
Prosoco-Custom Masonry Cleaner for Custom Colored units
Prosoco- Concrete Brick Cleaner for Quik Brik units
(See diluted rates per manufacturer-s recommendations)
Procedure:
Low pressure spray 500 psi maximum, with spray wand tip not closer than 18" from the wall. Pre-wet wall surface and use hand scrubbing to remove large spots of mortar or areas of dirt and stains. Read and follow complete directions as supplied with all Sure-Klean products.
Additional information can be obtained from Akron Brick and Block by requesting copies of the following National Concrete Masonry Associations TEK bulletins:
#8-1 Maintenance of CMU walls
#8-2 Removal of Stains on CMU walls
#8-3 Removal of Efflorescence on CMU walls
#8-4 Removal of Graffiti on CMU walls
Efflorescence
Definition:
A whitish powder-like deposit which appears on masonry walls. This deposit is a residue of a soluble salt (calcium hydroxide) carried to the face of the product by cycles of wetting and evaporation. Soluble salts are found in almost all elements of nature. They in no way jeopardize structural integrity. Efflorescence will eventually wear away with time, but could re-appear based on weather cycles or where no/poor flashing or coping exists. Removal can be hastened by using solution of Muriatic Acid, or consult your authorized Sure-Klean masonry supply dealer for direction.
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