Salt like growth on Bricks

[mikazza]

Hi,

I'm getting some strange salt like stuff growing on the bricks on the front of my house, its not happening on any of the other sides of the house just the front, its got so bad on a few of the bricks the front of them has crumbled away and will need replaced.

Does anybody have any idea what I should do to fix this?

Untitled

• mikazza
• 27 Feb 2013
• 1

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Efflorescence

 

[jj4091]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Efflorescence

 

[ToolbeltDandy]

I quickly read the Wikipedia article and what I took from it was that unless particular chemicals have been applied to the wall, this must be primary efflorescence and not harmful? But that can't be the case given the damage Mikazza reports associated with the problem?

 

[ntb]

Where is the DPC in that picture? Is it below the slabs? If so, you've got some digging to do.

 

[Burnerman]

Primary efflorescence, that one, and the spalling, or splitting of the bricks, is due to frost damage.
No problem with the former, and the latter can often be helped by a coat of Johnson's Waterseal or similar.
The DPC issue does need a look at!
John

 

[skilledbuild]

If the DPC needs looking at, you may want to consider a chemical damp proof product which you inject into the mortar joints or brickwork...

Agree with previous comments though looks like classic efflorescence!

 

[fmck]

Wire brush off. Don't soak or it will go back in. Common problem some materials have more salt content than others.