Poor tile laying can easily lead to the phenomenon known as "alkaline blooming" on the brick surface. Once this occurs, it is crucial to understand the true causes of alkaline blooming in split brick laying to implement targeted solutions and prevention measures.

The Causes and Principles Behind Alkali Efflorescence in Bad Brick Laying

Construction Material Issue:

The base coat of the wall has a high content of free alkali.

Adhesives and grout contain a high level of free alkali.

b. Reason for the construction technique:

During installation, the adhesive on the back of the tiles is not evenly spread, resulting in air pockets; the grout is not filled adequately, leading to cracks which allow rainwater to seep in.

c. The Principle of Efflorescence: Due to the reasons of insufficient filling in the base layer, adhesive materials, joint materials, and tile joints, rainwater can enter the back or gaps of the bricks. It then reacts with the free alkali within the adhesive and joint materials, causing a chemical reaction that produces white deposits. These deposits渗透 through the brick joints or surface, resulting in efflorescence.

Effective methods to prevent efflorescence after brick paving installation include:

Surface treatment is dry, followed by the application of a waterproofing material.

b. Select low alkaline adhesives and grout sealants

During construction, the adhesive should be applied generously and the joints filled densely. After laying, the joints should be sealed only after the adhesive has fully cured, typically not less than 48 hours, and preferably over 7 days. Avoid construction during rainy weather, especially joint sealing in the rain.

The treatment method for efflorescence on split bricks has been developed:

On sunny days, clean the brick surface with oxalic acid and rinse with clean water.

b. After the brick surface dries, apply a layer of colorless and transparent waterproofing agent to prevent water from entering the back or grooves of the bricks, thus blocking the necessary component for efflorescence: water. (Due to high humidity in rainy and cloudy weather, it is not suitable to operate during such conditions.)

After applying the spray waterproofing agent, the brick surface will not be affected.