What are the stains from my overflow pipe?
There are two most common stains caused by overflow pipes on buildings.
- Rust Stains- This is where water has reacted with metals in the central heating system. Often caused by cast iron radiators.
- Limescale Stains- Limescale is the white chalky deposit made up of calcium carbonate.
What are the white stains on brickwork?
Not all white stains on brickwork are efflorescence. The most common stains on brickwork are;
- Calcium Stains often referred to as Limescale
- Efflorescence
- Rust
- White Scum
- Admixtures- Used in Mortar can bleed out of the mortar and leave white deposits above and below the mortar line.
What’s the difference between calcium and limescale?
Limescale is the white chalky deposit made up of calcium carbonate. Calcium is the name of the chemical element which makes up limescale.
What’s the difference between efflorescence & Calcium Deposits
What is Efflorescence?
Efflorescence is a deposit of salt mineral. It looks white and chalky on the surface. Efflorescence will improve in appearance or darken with water.
What is Calcium Deposits?
Both are caused when evaporating water pushes minerals in the material towards the surface. Calcium deposits are denser than efflorescence will usually appear in streak form running downwards where efflorescence can be more ‘powdery’. Applying water to calcium deposits will not improve the appearance.
Contact us at LBC Exteriors for more information.
