INSTALLATION GUIDE
GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR THE REMOVAL OF STAINS AND GROWTHS These notes are intended for general guidance and are not intended to be exhaustive. Some of the cleaning methods described involve the use of chemicals which could be dangerous if not used correctly. It is important that any safety warnings issued by the chemical suppliers should be read carefully and strictly adhered to. In general the following precautions should be taken: When using chemicals, protective clothing such as gloves, goggles, boots and overalls should be worn Adequate ventilation is required in confined spaces when using chemicals When using flammable materials; cigarettes, naked flames and other sources of ignition should be carefully controlled When diluting acids ALWAYS, add acid to water and not water to acid Any clothing, which is contaminated with chemicals should be disposed of safely When using any chemicals care must be take not to damage, contaminate or stain any adjoining material Care must be taken to protect personnel operating in the area of the cleaning from any injury or hazard created by the cleaning It is particularly important with all cleaning methods that trials should be carried out on a small, preferably inconspicuous area, to determine the effect of the chemicals before treating a large area.
GENERAL CLEANING
GENERAL DIRT AND DETRITUS
Light stains can often be removed without markedly affecting the texture and appearance of the surface. Proprietary cleaning materials my be used in accordance with the manufacturers instructions. Please contact technical department for information. Efflorescence Efflorescence or lime bloom is a transient phenomenon of Portland cement. Its effect is to lighten the colour of the concrete. Efflorescence, also know as lime bloom, appears as a white deposit covering part or all of the surface of cement containing products. The result of light deposits is the lightening of the surface colour, the heavier the deposit, the lighter the colour. Except in very severe cases, the phenomenon disappears completely when the blocks are wet and reappears as the blocks dry out. Occurrence Efflorescence is a temporary, naturally occurring phenomenon that occurs to a varying extent on all items containing cementitious binders. Mortar is particularly prone to efflorescence and this can contaminate other products. It is formed by soluble salts from the cement migrating to the surface where they react with the atmosphere to produce the white powder (Calcium Carbonate) know as efflorescence. Individual crystals are very small and are not firmly fixed to the surface. The smallest of the crystals linked with their optical properties causes them to become invisible when wet. As they dry out they become visible and are unchanged. Products are most susceptible to efflorescence under damp conditions as this aids the movement of the soluble salts Efflorescence in no way affects the structural integrity of the items Treatment The phenomenon is temporary and will, with time disappear as a result of normal weathering; the length of time depending on many factors such as rainfall, atmospheric pollution etc. Efflorescence can, however, be removed chemically by using proprietary cleaners. Please contact our Technical Department for information.
To remove general dirt and detritus, scrubbing with soap and water is normally sufficient. This can be done either by hand or by using an industrial cleaner. If a power hose is used then care must be taken to avoid the removal of the jointing material (sand or mortar). Ensure soap has been thoroughly washed from the surface on completion of the cleaning and the resulting run-off is carefully channelled to either drainage or containers where it can be safely disposed of. Please contact our Technical Department for more information.
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TECHNICAL INFORMATION: charcon.technical@aggregate.com
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