Bleeding Mortor

[John Wight]

Bleeding Mortar

I have a brick wall surrounding a small wading pool. The wall is about 5 years old.

the mortar is bleeding thick and badly
I suppose the brick has to be sand
blasted and the mortar cut out and replaced.
Is this the right treatment?

Will this happen again ...?
what has caused it?

Who in Saint Louis, MIssouri could repair it properly.....?


Thanks for any help

 

[Larry L.]

Wouldn't draining the pool,cleaning and sealing the inside brick wall stop it from bleeding.

 

[Paul B.]

Without a picture it's hard to tell, but you may be seeing lime run from the mortar joints. Lime run can be cleaned with Prosoco EK Restoration Cleaner. Your local masonry supply store may carry it - also see www.prosoco.com It's a Jell that can be rolled on with a 3/8" nap roller. Pre-wet the brick, then roll on the jell and let it dwell for 5-6 minutes (don't let it dry). Then rinse off. If it's real heavy, you may need a second application. Follow the directions on the label.

If you are actually leaking mortar - it was not mixed properly (too much sand). Now it has become a rework for a mason.
If it's small areas that is experiencing problems then the bricks and joint can be cut out and replaced with correct mortar mix.

Properly mixed mortar should not bleed, however if it's lime bleed it could happen again. Sealing with a brick (siloxane type) sealer will prevent future lime bleeds.

Here is a pic of lime bleed:

 

[Paul B.]

After Cleaning:

 

[Paul B.]

You may also be seeing efflorescence - salt from the mortar or brick.

 

[John Wight]

Thanks you all for your help
I will post a picture of the problem when
it stops raining around here

this is a great site