Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the white residue that is coming out of my masonry project?
A: Primary efflorescence is named such, as it typically occurs during the initial cure of a cementitious product. It often occurs on masonry construction, particularly brick and stone, as well as some firestop mortars, when water moving through a wall or other structure, or water being driven out as a result of the heat of hydration as cement stone is being formed, brings salts to the surface that are not commonly bound as part of the cement stone. As the water evaporates, it leaves the salt behind, which forms a white, fluffy deposit, that can normally be brushed off. The resulting white deposits are referred to as "efflorescence" in this instance. In this context efflorescence is sometimes referred to as "saltpetering." Since primary efflorescence brings out salts that are not ordinarily part of the cement stone, it is not a structural, but, rather, an aesthetic concern.
Q: Can efflorescence be removed?
A: Yes if caught in the earliest stage, we have special cleaners to remove it, since efflorescence cant never be determined on which project it will appear on, there is an additional fee to remove it.
Q: Why is the face of my brick popping off and others arent?
A: The brick has been saturated with moisture and when outside temperatures get below 32 deg. the brick freezes and expands forcing the face to pop off.
Q: Is Flagstone slippery?
A: Flagstone is just as slippery as pavers, brick and concrete when wet. All masonry surfaces are extremely slippery when froze over.
Q: Can I use De-Icers or salt to remove ice and snow from my masonry surfaces?
A: NO! Absolutely not, not even if they say masonry safe /friendly. The best way to remove snow and ice is by plastic snow shovel, to prevent slipping during extreme weather conditions use coarse masonry sand to minimize accidents.
Q: Can new mortar be matched to my existing mortar color?
A: In most cases yes, there are a few things that contribute to mortar color existing and new, Age of existing mortar, sand color and new cement brand/color. We do are best to match colors for you, so you don't have too. We will let you know immediately if matching your mortar will be an issue.
Q: How long will my masonry last?
A: On the average 10-12 years, as long as you take care of the masonry by keeping it clean, sealed, and never use any de-icers or salt.
Q: What will happen if I use salt or de-icers on my masonry surfaces?
A: You will damage the masonry itself and void your warranty
Q: Should I seal my masonry?
A: Absolutely, I recommend that you have a qualified person do all your sealing, we would be happy to do it for you for an additional fee. Preserving your investment is worth the extra time, effort and money!.
Q: Do you subcontract your work?
A: No, we use all our own In house crews, most have been with the company since it was formed
Q: Are you licensed and insured?
A: YES, we are! for your safety as well as ours!
If you have any questions that aren't answered here, please fell free to contact us directly:
703-498-8526
pmdustin@aol.com
A: Primary efflorescence is named such, as it typically occurs during the initial cure of a cementitious product. It often occurs on masonry construction, particularly brick and stone, as well as some firestop mortars, when water moving through a wall or other structure, or water being driven out as a result of the heat of hydration as cement stone is being formed, brings salts to the surface that are not commonly bound as part of the cement stone. As the water evaporates, it leaves the salt behind, which forms a white, fluffy deposit, that can normally be brushed off. The resulting white deposits are referred to as "efflorescence" in this instance. In this context efflorescence is sometimes referred to as "saltpetering." Since primary efflorescence brings out salts that are not ordinarily part of the cement stone, it is not a structural, but, rather, an aesthetic concern.
Q: Can efflorescence be removed?
A: Yes if caught in the earliest stage, we have special cleaners to remove it, since efflorescence cant never be determined on which project it will appear on, there is an additional fee to remove it.
Q: Why is the face of my brick popping off and others arent?
A: The brick has been saturated with moisture and when outside temperatures get below 32 deg. the brick freezes and expands forcing the face to pop off.
Q: Is Flagstone slippery?
A: Flagstone is just as slippery as pavers, brick and concrete when wet. All masonry surfaces are extremely slippery when froze over.
Q: Can I use De-Icers or salt to remove ice and snow from my masonry surfaces?
A: NO! Absolutely not, not even if they say masonry safe /friendly. The best way to remove snow and ice is by plastic snow shovel, to prevent slipping during extreme weather conditions use coarse masonry sand to minimize accidents.
Q: Can new mortar be matched to my existing mortar color?
A: In most cases yes, there are a few things that contribute to mortar color existing and new, Age of existing mortar, sand color and new cement brand/color. We do are best to match colors for you, so you don't have too. We will let you know immediately if matching your mortar will be an issue.
Q: How long will my masonry last?
A: On the average 10-12 years, as long as you take care of the masonry by keeping it clean, sealed, and never use any de-icers or salt.
Q: What will happen if I use salt or de-icers on my masonry surfaces?
A: You will damage the masonry itself and void your warranty
Q: Should I seal my masonry?
A: Absolutely, I recommend that you have a qualified person do all your sealing, we would be happy to do it for you for an additional fee. Preserving your investment is worth the extra time, effort and money!.
Q: Do you subcontract your work?
A: No, we use all our own In house crews, most have been with the company since it was formed
Q: Are you licensed and insured?
A: YES, we are! for your safety as well as ours!
If you have any questions that aren't answered here, please fell free to contact us directly:
703-498-8526
pmdustin@aol.com
POTOMAC MASONRY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA SERVICES THE FOLLOWING AREAS
Alexandria • Arlington • Falls Church • Vienna • Mclean • Great Falls • Woodbridge • Manassas • Clifton
Dunn Loring • Fairfax • Fairfax Station • Burke • Dumfries • Manassas Park • Reston • Herndon
Alexandria • Arlington • Falls Church • Vienna • Mclean • Great Falls • Woodbridge • Manassas • Clifton
Dunn Loring • Fairfax • Fairfax Station • Burke • Dumfries • Manassas Park • Reston • Herndon