Removing efflorescence from sealed flags

Patio flagstones (slabs), concrete flags, stone flags including yorkstone and imported flagstones.
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hippo
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Joined: Tue Apr 09, 2013 6:38 am
Location: lancashire

Post: # 88930Post hippo

Hello Folks ,
Last autumn , I laid a pathway and patio using indian sandstone . After about 6 weeks I sealed it using Resiblock colour enhancer .

With the benefit of hindsight , I realise this was a bit too soon , (the manufacturer reccomended 8 weeks) , as now , Ive got a problem with efflorescence .

I`m wondering what is the best solution is to get rid of it . Will I need to scour off the top surface , and re-seal ? Ive tried using a scrubbing brush with soapy water , but its no use .

Any ideas would be a great help .

Thanks
:)

rab1
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Post: # 88939Post rab1

Is the efflorescence coming from the stone or the pointing as this is normally a concrete/cement problem unless a really porous stone was used and its wicking through from the base.
God loves a tryer

msh paving
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Post: # 88947Post msh paving

you stand very little chance of removing the resiblock,Roger Oakley from R+A pressure washing will be along soon he will give the best advice to remove the resiblock MSH :)
paving, mini-crusher, mini-digger hire and groundwork
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RAPressureWashing
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Post: # 88953Post RAPressureWashing

Hippo,

This is not going to be a nice job I'm afraid, first point of call is here www.paramose.com, I'd give them a call and see what they recommend, as they do Resiblock polyurethane removers, but to date I have not had to remove any of Resiblock Sandstone sealers and don't want to give you the wrong product name. Sealer removal is not for the faint hearted as the PPE & H&S side of things really does need to be taken seriously as the chemicals you would be using are not nice.
Roger Oakley BDA(Europe)Member 2006
R&A Pressure Washing Services Ltd
info@rapressurewashing.co.uk
www.rapressurewashing.co.uk

hippo
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Joined: Tue Apr 09, 2013 6:38 am
Location: lancashire

Post: # 88954Post hippo

rab1 wrote:Is the efflorescence coming from the stone or the pointing as this is normally a concrete/cement problem unless a really porous stone was used and its wicking through from the base.


I think its coming through the stone , as its spread across the surface . Either that , or its coming from the sealer !

hippo
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Apr 09, 2013 6:38 am
Location: lancashire

Post: # 88956Post hippo

R&A Pressure Washing wrote:This is not going to be a nice job I'm afraid, first point of call is here www.paramose.com, I'd give them a call and see what they recommend, as they do Resiblock polyurethane removers, but to date I have not had to remove any of Resiblock Sandstone sealers and don't want to give you the wrong product name. Sealer removal is not for the faint hearted as the PPE & H&S side of things really does need to be taken seriously as the chemicals you would be using are not nice.
Thanks Roger !

. Do you think it would be possible to scour off the efflorescence , and the sealer with it , using a rotary wire brush , rather than using the chemicals ?

RAPressureWashing
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Post: # 88958Post RAPressureWashing

hippo wrote:
R&A Pressure Washing wrote:This is not going to be a nice job I'm afraid, first point of call is here www.paramose.com, I'd give them a call and see what they recommend, as they do Resiblock polyurethane removers, but to date I have not had to remove any of Resiblock Sandstone sealers and don't want to give you the wrong product name. Sealer removal is not for the faint hearted as the PPE & H&S side of things really does need to be taken seriously as the chemicals you would be using are not nice.

Thanks Roger !

. Do you think it would be possible to scour off the efflorescence , and the sealer with it , using a rotary wire brush , rather than using the chemicals ?
Doubtful, sealers are supposed to be long lasting and stand up to some abuse, plus the rotary wire brush will most probably mark/scratch the surface which will look worse in the long run.
Isn't the Resiblock an impregnating sealer?
Roger Oakley BDA(Europe)Member 2006
R&A Pressure Washing Services Ltd
info@rapressurewashing.co.uk
www.rapressurewashing.co.uk

London Stone Paving
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Post: # 89016Post London Stone Paving

Sounds like a bit oif a mess. It would be good to see some photos, I know somebody who might be able to advise.

hippo
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Apr 09, 2013 6:38 am
Location: lancashire

Post: # 89158Post hippo

Here are a couple of snaps

[img]file:///C:/Users/Colin/Pictures/2013-04-15%20Edinborough%20April%20%6013/Edinborough%20April%20%6013%20045.JPG[/img]
[img]file:///C:/Users/Colin/Pictures/2013-04-15%20Edinborough%20April%20%6013/Edinborough%20April%20%6013%20048.JPG[/img]

GB_Groundworks
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Post: # 89161Post GB_Groundworks

Sounds like the typical slabs wet or damp, not dried out properly moisture sealed in problem more than efflorescence.
Giles

Groundworks and Equestrian specialists, prestige new builds and sports pitches. High Peak, Cheshire, South Yorkshire area.

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London Stone Paving
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Post: # 89167Post London Stone Paving

Cant see photos

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