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chalky residue on brick

05:18AM | 11/16/00

Member Since: 10/18/00
1 lifetime posts

chalky residue on brick

I read an article about winterizing your home and there was a comment that chalky substance on brick can indicate a serious problem, yet they never state the problem. I own a 1940's Georgian and the only area where we can see the brick is in the basement where the water heater and furnace are located. There is a white chalky substance on the brick and floor. What is it, is it dangerous, and who do I contact?

rpxlpx

08:03AM | 11/16/00

Member Since: 03/13/00
1678 lifetime posts

It's not dangerous. (I read about it awhile back in a book about bricklaying.) Now, I don't remember the precise cause, but I believe it has to do with the mortar setting up improperly. I believe the way to get rid of the white stuff is with a very mild wash of muratic acid.

Matches

11:00AM | 11/16/00

Member Since: 09/01/00
312 lifetime posts

The response I got from a bricklayer was that moisture is pushing salts/minerals out of the brick and/or morter.I believe that there is some concern if you cannot determine why there is moisture.In a basement, I would expect to see these "salts".

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chalky residue on brick

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