12 May Tile Grout Efflorescence
Subscribe to our newsletter
Tile Grout Efflorescence – Removal and how to prevent reoccurrence
Waterstop Solutions recently tended to some tiled patios and balconies of an apartment building identified by the client as experiencing efflorescence along the tile grout lines.
Efflorescence is a common tile, stone, concrete, brick and grout problem. In this case, the efflorescence is caused by water soaking through the tile grout under the tiles and then evaporating to the surface.
Soluble salts and minerals that are present in the concrete are drawn up from the tile bed through the grout by capillary action. When the carrier moisture evaporates the salts and minerals crystallise and create a build-up of efflorescence (lime/calcium deposits) that appears as white coloured staining on the grout lines and tiles.
Image: Tile grout efflorescence on the patio.
To remediate this, we recommend installing a penetrating waterproofing repellent (PWR).
After cleaning the tile grout efflorescence with a vinegar solution our technicians dried the substrate with heat and fans for best product performance. Once the substrate was dry, they installed a penetrating waterproofing repellent (PWR) to the tile grouts to reduce the water tracking under the tiles.
Image: Efflorescence removed and pwr installed to the tile grouts by Waterstop Solutions.
Waterstop Solutions’ PWR 180+ can be used on any porous substrate without changing its appearance, to maintain a dry look and offering minimal to no visual change to the substrate.
This PWR system penetrates into the substrate reducing the pore size so that liquid can no longer pass through the substrate, while still allowing it to breathe. This can create a water beading “off a duck’s back effect. The PWR system will also ease the cleaning of the treated area and reduce mould growth and dirt pick up. This treatment does need to be reapplied for best results, typically every 5-10 years, depending on application.
Water beading on the surface – Penetrating Water Repellent PWR 180+ on a concrete slab.
7 COMMON AREAS WHERE PENETRATING WATER REPELLENT (PWR 180+) SEALER IS USED:
KEY BENEFITS YOU CAN EXPECT FROM WATERSTOP SOLUTIONS PWR 180+
- Provides an invisible water-repellent surface. Maintains the texture and colour of the surface treated. Invisible, dry and natural look finish.
- Allows the passage of water vapour.
- Excellent water repellent of concrete, concrete blocks, brickwork, pavers, tiles, tile grout and some natural stones.
- Long-lasting barrier against efflorescence and surface salts, moisture and chemical attacks.
- Prevention of dirt retention and deep stains.It speeds up graffiti removal, which is a great benefit for areas such as:
- Shopping centres, schools, universities, commercial buildings and walkways
- Public areas, council property and heritage buildings
- Roads, along highway and public transport infrastructure
- Reduces cleaning costs. No more scrubbing or power washing. The PWR sealant decreases dirt adhesion and prevents moss and mould growth. (Rainfall or a light garden hose wash is enough.)
- Reduction of sandstone decay due to attack by salts and low pH precipitation.
- Elimination of white salt spotting on brickwork.
- Treatment of rising and salt damp.
- It acts as a replacement for a damp-proof course (DPC).
- Helps maintain a great curb appeal and sale value with a new-look preservation.
You may be interested in the following blog articles:
What is subsurface drainage and why is it important?
Leaking balcony repairs of defective waterproofing – Common reasons why balconies leak
If you have any issues with water ingress, rooftop leaks, leaking balcony, leaking basement, cracking concrete slabs, structural cracks, concrete deterioration, spalling concrete, concrete cancer, deteriorated joints, moisture, seepage, efflorescence, rising damp and/or high-flow active leaks in concrete structures, we would be happy to assist you. You are welcome to contact us with any questions that you may have.
Brisbane office: (07) 3205 1899
Email: [email protected]
Sydney office: (02) 9346 8308
Email: [email protected]
Are you interested in finding out more about the various remedial building services we are providing?
Please click on the image below to download Waterstop Solutions Capability Statement
Waterstop Solutions Capability Statement is now available to download as PDF. (The image is clickable and opens up a link to our Capability Statement).
Good maintenance begins with a proactive approach to maintain, keep, preserve and protect a building.
Remember that seepage/water ingress into areas such as balconies, basements, concrete roofs, car parks and retaining walls, should not be ignored – call a remedial waterproofing professional today for an assessment to provide you with the best solution for your situation.
At Waterstop Solutions, we carry out a wide range of remedial works to concrete structures post-construction stage in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Sydney and outlying areas in Queensland and New South Wales.
Equipped with major civil works experience, we can quickly determine the best approach to rectify all seepage and concrete deterioration issues.
It takes licenced remedial waterproofer and leak sealing experts like us at Waterstop Solutions to ensure that the pathways for water to ingress are properly sealed off. A depth of technical knowledge and experience, along with a proud reputation for integrity and reliability, has made Waterstop Solutions the go-to company for many Defect Managers working for major construction companies across Queensland and New South Wales.
We at Waterstop Solutions have the technical and practical expertise to diagnose the source of the leak and will provide you with our recommended solution to achieving an effective, high-quality, long-lasting repair to stop the water ingress with minimal disruption
We believe in and are committed to always delivering high-quality solutions by utilising the right products and techniques for each specific project combined with our industry-leading know-how on tap. We have a large talent pool of specialist leak sealing and concrete repair technicians with Certificate III in construction waterproofing in Queensland and New South Wales that are extensively trained in our systems and project execution methods.
The leadership positions on every Waterstop Solutions project are operated by highly qualified, certified and experienced industry professionals. Our in-house skills and expertise gained from more than 60 years of industry experience provide a full range of high-quality remedial waterproofing and concrete repair works to commercial buildings, civil infrastructures, industrial sites and residential properties. From waterproofing diagnostics, preventative and remediation solutions – All of our waterproofing solutions are quality guaranteed.