White Deposits on Brickwork:

An “Advisory Note” about “White Deposits on Brickwork” is available upon request, or [PDF] can be PDF downloaded.

Summary of the Main Points:

Two types of White Deposit

Efflorescence:

Can appear when brickwork is drying out for the first time. Efflorescence is water soluble and will weather away.

Lime Bloom [Carbonated Lime]

Can weep from mortar joints after the Brickwork has been saturated with rain water through the top of open Brickwork.

Prevention:

Keep Brick dry before being built.
Use correctly gauged mortars with minimal plastiser.
Cover the open tops of Brickwork to prevent ingress of rain water during construction period.
Good Brickwork practice with well filled mortar joints.

Treatment

Efflorescence will weather away by the action of rainwater. May need some cleaning in sheltered areas of building. [Dry Brushing/ Light Water Spray]
Lime Bloom [Carbonated Lime]
Use a “Brickwork Cleaner” which can breakdown Semi Lime deposits. [Various brands on the market and can be obtained from most Builders Merchants