Solutions for Water Run-off Causing Calcium Deposits on Brickwork
As you can see from the photos below, the roof was not properly sealed around the chimney, which resulted in some rainwater or snowmelt from the roof collecting on the brickwork for the chimney. This went unnoticed as my parents stopped using the side garden due to their ages (seniors), until I noticed while planting wildflowers in the former vegetable garden located there.
The first steps I took were hiring a roofer to fix/re-seal the chimney on the roof, so that issue has been resolved. But I worry that I need to take extra steps to safeguard the masonry.
As such, I have two questions: First, should I attempt to remove the calcium deposits with a product like “Rust-Oleum RockSolid Efflorescence Remover Cleaner For Concrete & Masonry”. And second, should I then coat the bricks with a product like “Super Seal-M Water Repellent”? My hope would be to protect the brickwork, but not make it standout too much.
I would like to hear any suggestions. Thanks.
Replies
I had this issue once, I was able to use a stiff brush and lots of scrubbing followed by rinsing with water. Both my chimney cleaner guys and a brick mason I know said there was no need to seal walls, as they are normally protected from rain, the chimney is a different matter and the bricks need sealed.
See below comment.
So then the recommendation then was that I shouldn't need any special cleaning fluid to remove the calcium deposits. Okay, I'll try scrubbing it off the bricks. Was there any recommendation as to what seal would work best with brickwork and not be that noticeable once applied/dried? I have never applied sealant to bricks before.