Retaining Wall... Need Help

[CSL Enterprises]

Here's the background on this situation: A retaining wall overlooking a pool in a backyard of a residential home was built a year ago. The guys putting in the wall apparently used some cheap mortar glue from Home Depot that began to seep from the cracks of the EP Henry red retaining wall block. It has a whitsh chalky look to it, and like I said, it's been there for almost a year. I was asked to try and remove that substance. Today I used Muriatic Acid, applied it, let it soak in for a couple minutes, and then tried to wash it off using a 15 degree tip (I have a 3500 psi, 4 gpm unit). Basically none of it came out after three applications. I really would appreciate any suggestions at this point, because I feel like there is something more I can do...but I haven't a clue what? What would you try?

Chris Long

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[knoefel]

Originally posted by CSL Enterprises:
Here's the background on this situation: A retaining wall overlooking a pool in a backyard of a residential home was built a year ago. The guys putting in the wall apparently used some cheap mortar glue from Home Depot that began to seep from the cracks of the EP Henry red retaining wall block. It has a whitsh chalky look to it, and like I said, it's been there for almost a year. I was asked to try and remove that substance. Today I used Muriatic Acid, applied it, let it soak in for a couple minutes, and then tried to wash it off using a 15 degree tip (I have a 3500 psi, 4 gpm unit). Basically none of it came out after three applications. I really would appreciate any suggestions at this point, because I feel like there is something more I can do...but I haven't a clue what? What would you try?

Chris Long

Chris i had the same problem i used everything that i could i even sat there and wire brushed it and nothing. Used steam nothing would touch it. Sorry for not helping.

 

[Dave Olson]

Hi Chris,

Efflorescence (spelling) I think is what you have found. It is moisture coming out of the wall. Needs stronger acids than Muriatic. Several suppliers have products that will remove this condition on walls. Email me and I will try to send you their names/numbers. Once cleaned it should be sealed!

Dave Olson


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