Q: What is the white stuff developing on the bricks of my home?

A: What you are experiencing is efflorescence. Efflorescence is a white crystalline or powdery, often fluffy/fuzzy deposit on the surface of masonry materials like concrete, brick, clay tile, etc. It’s caused by water seeping through masonry or cement based material.The water dissolves salts inside the material while moving through it, and then evaporates leaving the salt on the surface.

It can be relatively easy to remove compared to some other stains. Often these salts are water soluble and, if outside, may disappear of their own accord with normal weathering. The solution for this is looking for the leak and repairing it or having the brick sealed if no leak is found. Brick is a sponge – not a barrier – against moisture.

Start at the top of the chimney and work your way down looking for missing mortar, cracks, bad or reversed flashing, etc. If everything is OK then it is probably moisture coming in through the brick and the brick will need to be sealed to lessen the amount of moisture penetration.

Muriatic acid is the cleaning material used to remove this white powder. You can get this material at a hardware store. Place 1 part muriatic acid into a plastic bucket and add 10 parts water. This mixture gets brushed carefully onto the brick area. Protect yourself with rubber gloves, long sleeves and eye protection from this acid. Other cleaning products may clean this powder off the brick like CLR, Lime Away and other bathroom cleaners used to remove mineral deposits. You can lessen this problem but sometimes you cannot stop it from occurring without replacing the whole chimney.

For remodeling and repair services in Metro St. Louis, call Mosby Building Arts at 314.909.1800 or contact them here.

Why Work with Mosby Building Arts?

If efficiency, knowledge and quality craftsmanship are of the utmost importance, then Mosby is the partner for you. We are a design build firm that handles every aspect of your remodeling project from beginning to end. All team members needed to complete your project (designers, architects and production crews) are under one roof to provide time and monetary efficiencies, quality control, and seamless communication throughout.

Siding Replacement & Installation

Your home’s exterior is just as important as its interior. Whether it is time to replace builder grade siding, older masonite siding, or update the look of your home, Mosby has a team of siding specialists educated and certified in the installation of vinyl siding, fiber cement siding, natural and engineered wood siding, cedar siding, trim and flashing.

Learn more about siding replacement and installation here.

Exterior Home Remodeling

Whether you are considering a new roof, replacement windows, or increasing curb appeal with a front door, understanding the return on investment is important. Homeowners often ask us if a project makes financial sense, or if it will increase the resale value of their home.

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Outdoor Living Space Remodeling

Metro St. Louis weather lets you live outdoors for more than half the year. Mosby designs and builds the places for you to enjoy being outside. Make the most of your yards with outdoor living remodeling projects like decks, patio, pools, water features, outdoor kitchens, pergolas, gazebos, pavilions, porches, sunrooms, screen porches and more. All outdoor projects are designed with water management in mind to assure durability, covered by a 10-year workmanship warranty.

Learn more about outdoor living space remodeling here.

Home Remodeling Peace of Mind

There’s no need to deal with multiple companies, or the frustration of the left hand unaware of what the right hand is doing. Mosby takes the guesswork out of home remodeling by planning the work and working the plan. You will know the scope of work and price before the first hammer swings. And the work will be done with a commitment to excellence and your happiness. All of Mosby’s remodeling work is backed by our 10-year workmanship warranty.