How to Solve the Grouts Efflorescence?
Grout efflorescence is a common but troublesome problem. In fact, it is easy to understand the principle of efflorescence: cement forms calcium hydroxide during the hydration process, which, then, reacts with oxygen to form an insoluble white calcium carbonate precipitate.
Theoretically, the reason for grout efflorescence may be a formula problem or a construction problem. If you want to completely eliminate this problem, you should take both the product and construction into consideration.
Generally, there are two kinds of efflorescence: one is the initial efflorescence, the other is secondary efflorescence. The initial efflorescence refers to the efflorescence that happened during construction; the secondary efflorescence refers to the efflorescence that happened in the condition of dry and wet for a long time after the construction.
The initial efflorescence mostly caused by the construction environment, such as the construction environment wet, rainy during construction, etc. The secondary efflorescence is likely to be the problem of the formula or construction techniques.
To prevent tile grouts efflorescence, you can take measures from the following aspects:
- You can choose river sand instead of sea sand to reduce the content of salt in the grouts.
- The content of RDP should not be too low since the RDP can improve the anti-permeability of grouts. If water-repellent RDP was applied, the anti-efflorescence effect will be better.
- Increase the quality and maintenance of construction can be helpful.
- Add water repellent into the formula is an important measure to prevent grout efflorescence.
All in all, you should give priority to prevention before construction, and take supplementary measures after construction as subsidiarity. If efflorescence has already happened, then you need to find the reason and take corresponding measures to stop its further deterioration.
To prevent efflorescence, you need to make sure of the good quality of grouts. Adding our MikaZone™ cellulose ether products contribute to these properties in grouts/joint fillers:
- Provide suitable consistency, excellent workability, and good plasticity
- Ensure the proper open time of the mortar
- Improve the cohesion of the mortar and its adhesion to the base material
- Improve sag-resistance and water retention
For more information or a sample, please do not hesitate to CONTACT US!
