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*Question & Answer Masonry*

Dear Bob

We just had a brick walkway installed to our home. The job looks great but the bricks are turning white in places?

Dear RB

Not to worry, this is a common occurance in brickwork. The white deposits that forms on the bricks is caused by salts in the bricks leaching out toward the surface and is called efflorescence. It is a common occurance that happens after brick work is completed, when water from the mortar and other brick laying procedures has dissolved the salts in the bricks creating deposits on the surface of the bricks. To remove the efflorescence from the bricks a solution of 1 part muriatic acid to 10 parts water and a scrub brush should work. For tough stains you can increase the amount of muriatic acid.

Dear Bob

What is the difference between mortar and cement?

Dear Jim

Mortar is essential to all brick and block construction. Mortar is a paste made of water cement, lime, and sand. Lime slows the setting speed making it easier to work. Mortar by itself is not as strong as concrete but has strong adhesive properties. In combination with stone, brick, or block it creates extra strong walls. In addition, mortar serves as an attractive spacer between materials and helps hide their imperfections.

You can repair hairline cracks in concrete with a grout made of Portland cement and water. Scrape out the crack as much as you can and clean out all dust and debris. Dampen the area for a couple hours. Mix the Portland cement and water to a peanut butter consistency and push it into the crack with a putty knife. Smooth out the surface and cover with plastic for a few days.

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