Effects of efflorescence on Bricks?

Effects of Efflorescence on Bricks?
Efflorescence is that white powdery looking substance that appears on some brickwork This can be unsightly in new brickwork and some people try to take off the white deposit by applying more water to it in the hope that it will lessen its effects. Instead of getting rid of the efflorescence it actually makes it worse and the best way to get rid of it is with a scrubbing brush,no water, and good old fashion elbow grease.
How would efflorescence damage masonry?
Continual saturation with soluble salts, can cause deterioration of
masonry, if the materials are soft like stone, soft blocks, and non British Standard bricks
This continual wetting with ground water or water high in soluble salts can
make the materials susceptible to frost attack also the salt crystals can
build up inside the masonry expanding as the frost water molecules do,
destroying the face.
Water molecules expanding within the face of the masonry will make the
face breakaway and flake, leaving the masonry unsightly and over a long
time unstable.
Lime mortar will be affected, as the soluble salts will attack the lime the
chemical reaction between the soluble salt and the lime creating sulphates
that weakening the mortar.
With face stone work particularly stone containing limestone, the soluble
salts will cause a chemical reaction between the soluble salt and the lime
creating sulphates, leaving the masonry susceptible to atmospheric attack
from acid rain and frost etc

Chimney Breast Removal

Chimney Breast Removal is something nearly every householder thinks about at one time or another. It has enormous advantages including making a room look larger and it also provides much needed free wall space for the insertion of a row of units or fitted wardrobes. Apart from being quite a messy job it is not that difficult to do and it is well worth the effort because of the benefits.The thing to remember is that gallows brackets have to be installed in the loft to support the stack.These are triangular steel supports which are bolted on to the wall on either side of the stack on top of which a wide steel plate or concrete lintel is placed to carry the weight of the upper stack. Prior to carrying out chimney breast removal you must always inform the local authorities and also the next door neighbour who shares the party wall with you.

During the chimney breast removal great care is needed because too much vibration could cause damage to the fixtures and fittings next door so a softly softly approach should be adopted. It is also advisable to hose down with water as the demolition of the breast is in progress so that dust is kept to a minimum. After the breast and hearth is removed the ceiling joists can be extended where the old trimmer used to be and the floorboards can be put in place and the ceiling areas can be plasterboarded ready for skimming. A couple of coats of unibond to the walls is neccessary here so that the render adheres to the brickwork.The skirting boards can now be fixed and also the coving and care should be taken here to ensure that a perfect match is achieved. The plaster should now be left to dry for about a week and it can then be decorated so that it seamlessly blends in with its surroundings.