Managing Efflorescence - Cambridge Pavers

1 A guidefor consumersManagingEfflorescenceon Concrete paveRsThe Best PracticalPaving SystemCongratulations! You have recently improved your prop-erty with strong, colorful, attractive interlocking concretepavement. As a proud owner, you have invested in along-lasting, durable, yet flexible pavement that addsvalue to your real estate. A truly beautiful yet practicalpavement graces yourproperty. If your projectis just about to begin,you can anticipateenhancing your propertywith the best pavingsystem for your is Efflorescence ?

2 There is a chance that after a few weeks or months pass, a white haze may appear on the surface of the is known as Efflorescence . It may appear randomlyor in certain areas, and will be more pronounced on darkcolored Pavers . The white haze may give the impressionthat the color of thepavers is wet, the whitedisappears and thecolor of the Pavers isenhanced. Whenthey dry, the whitehaze reappears. Efflorescence is Completely natural and will disappear with time There s no reason to beconcerned that yourpavers are damaged ordefective.

3 The concretepavers are experiencing a natural process. It is acondition in allcement-based products, as wellas in many other pavingproducts. But the condition will usually correctitself with time and exposure to the elements. the Chemistry of Efflorescence All concrete products contain cement which produces lime or water soluble calcium oxide. Lime can also be in the bedding sand, aggregatebase materials, or soil. Although concrete Pavers aresolid, strong, and very dense, they contain millionsof microscopic capillaries that run from the interior to the surface.

4 Moisture from rain, sprinkler systems,undergroundsources, poor sitedrainage, or dewenters thesemicroscopic oxideinside the paverEfflorescence emerged from poreswithin a magnified area of a concretepaver. The calcium has been carried to the surface by Most producers of Pavers put chemical additives in the concrete to reduce the likelihood of Efflorescence . In most cases, they do the eliminating the chance of Efflorescence ,however, isn t possible because it s a natural byproductof hardened concrete. It will stop when no more calcium hydroxide is available to move to the are cleaners available that can remove efflores-cence.

5 These will enhance the natural beauty of yourconcrete paver project. Consult your paver supplier tofind an appropriate with the water in the capillaries and forms calcium hydroxide. This rises to the surface, reactswith the carbon dioxide in the air, and forms a whitehaze of calcium carbonate. When moisture on the surfaceevaporates, the whitehaze of efflorescencebecomes with after Asked QuestionsAbout will Efflorescence stop?When the supply of calcium hydroxide is exhausted. If you live in an area of frequent rain and sunny days, Efflorescence and its passing may occur quickly.

6 Theprocess may take much longer in drier , Efflorescence will stop developing in approx-imately 18 to 24 months. it go away naturally? Since many factors are involved in its formation, it isdifficult to determine when Efflorescence will as it appears naturally, Efflorescence will eventual-ly disappear. Over time, rainwater can wash and wearit away. In urban areas with acidic rainfall, efflores-cence may go away faster than in rural it be Removed Without The wait? Yes, Efflorescence may be cleaned with commericallyavailable cleaners formulated specifically for concretepavers.

7 Cleaning should be performed immediatelyafter Efflorescence has appeared. It may reappear aslong as the chemical reaction continues and cleaningmay need to be done until Efflorescence has stopped. Most cleaners contain acid and detergents, so besure to follow all label directions and environmentalregulations. Careless or improper cleaning can result in injury, damage, and discoloration to the surface ofthe concrete Pavers . Always conduct a test in a small,inconspicuous area before applying any cleaner to theentire area of concrete Pavers .

8 After cleaning, thepavers should be completely dry and free from efflores-cence prior to applying any sealers. For more information on Efflorescence contact yournearest member, or visit our website to request:ICPITech Spec 5, Cleaning and Sealing Interlocking Con-crete Pavement A Maintenance and Protection further information on concrete Pavers , installation, and contractors, contact your local ICPI member Box 2305355 Ontario StreetMilton, Ontario L9T 2 MOUNITED STATES 1444 I Street- Suite 700 Washington, 20005-6542 Tel: (202) 712-9036 Fax: (202) 408-0285 Email: site: 2001 ICPID istributed By.