Steve06 Posted March 9 Share Posted March 9 Hi, My name is Steve and thank you for accepting me into this forum. I have a efflorescence question please. We have a retaining rear garden wall that is two years old but has an efflorescence issue. I have two questions please. What is the best way to remove this? How can I stop it returning? Thank you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nod Posted March 9 Share Posted March 9 Brick acid mixed 3-1 with water Unfortunately You can’t stop it 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Onoff Posted March 9 Share Posted March 9 Brick acid as above. The concrete sealer your side only. Should push the issue next door. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve06 Posted March 9 Author Share Posted March 9 Thanks guys. Can this 'reaction' weaken the wall, perhaps create cracks... it is a retaining wall? 🥺 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Onoff Posted March 9 Share Posted March 9 The bricks on my gate pillars were showing some effervescence as well as spots of mortar etc. This after a clean with brick acid and spray application of this stuff. Still looks like this and nothing has come through: Before & after: 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canski Posted March 10 Share Posted March 10 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Temp Posted March 10 Share Posted March 10 Can just leave it. Next time use low efflorescent bricks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Onoff Posted March 10 Share Posted March 10 Honestly that sealer above will really bring it to life. There's an Evanescence joke there somewhere... 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nod Posted March 10 Share Posted March 10 Brick acid mixed 3-1 with water Unfortunately You can’t stop it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve06 Posted March 10 Author Share Posted March 10 So if I treat it, I am wasting my time and more importantly can it do any damage to the strength/integrity of this retaining wall? Thank you to everyone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve06 Posted March 10 Author Share Posted March 10 Back of fence when built Recent front view from property showing downward garden slope Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Posted March 10 Share Posted March 10 If you can't see it from your property why do you want to remove it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve06 Posted March 10 Author Share Posted March 10 I am not concerned with how it looks Tom, I am just trying to establish if I need to treat it because I don't know if it will permanantly damage the strength of the wall, this is a retaining wall! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canski Posted March 11 Share Posted March 11 13 hours ago, Steve06 said: I am not concerned with how it looks Tom, I am just trying to establish if I need to treat it because I don't know if it will permanantly damage the strength of the wall, this is a retaining wall! There will be no damage caused by efflorescence. If there were most new build housing estates would be a pile of rubble. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Posted March 11 Share Posted March 11 15 hours ago, Steve06 said: I am not concerned with how it looks Tom, I am just trying to establish if I need to treat it because I don't know if it will permanantly damage the strength of the wall, this is a retaining wall! Reasonable to ask I guess Steve, but then why start the thread with: On 09/03/2024 at 11:07, Steve06 said: What is the best way to remove this? How can I stop it returning? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Onoff Posted March 11 Share Posted March 11 Wot I said. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve06 Posted March 11 Author Share Posted March 11 (edited) Very sorry if I mislead with this post, my mind is in a state of panic at the moment should this wall fail. I had dip into my pension to pay for it. Edited March 11 by Steve06 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Conor Posted March 11 Share Posted March 11 It'll likely outlive all of us, looks well made. Only issue is the lack of water proofing that's causing the leaching, it won't weaken it. Of it really bothered you, you'd need to dig out the gravel, install a dpm, and fit coping stones to the wall. Hard work. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redbeard Posted March 11 Share Posted March 11 It's not quite an answer to your question, but am I right that there are no weep-holes? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joe90 Posted March 11 Share Posted March 11 2 minutes ago, Redbeard said: It's not quite an answer to your question, but am I right that there are no weep-holes? But there is no cavity 🤷♂️ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redbeard Posted March 11 Share Posted March 11 I mean weep-holes to allow water drainage from the retained land behind to reduce pressure on the wall. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saveasteading Posted March 11 Share Posted March 11 On 09/03/2024 at 12:50, nod said: Unfortunately You can’t stop it Eventually the salts in the blocks and mortar will run out. If you add some weep holes it will be drier and leach out more slowly, and it is good practice anyway. Some bits of drain pipe pushed through flush with the garden side and as spouts on the outside. Holes that size are fairly hard work but ok with a good drill and high quality bit. For now, the salts will brush off or wash off and eventually you will prevail. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saveasteading Posted March 11 Share Posted March 11 To be clear. The outlets are close to the bottom of the wall, above the ground outside, below it inside. I like the fence. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve06 Posted March 11 Author Share Posted March 11 3 hours ago, Redbeard said: It's not quite an answer to your question, but am I right that there are no weep-holes? There are weepholes thankfully. Ironically one is where the worst of the efflorescence is, I believe the wall was built correctly, I just couldn't understand this! I would like to say a MASSIVE THANK YOU to everyone who has commented, I am so grateful 👋🏻 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saveasteading Posted March 11 Share Posted March 11 Gratitude makes the world a better place. I'm grateful for it. Ironically, that weep pipe may be causing wetness to concentrate in the ground in that area. No harm though and drying the rest of the wall. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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