Building #1

Project History

The building’s lower exterior had developed unsightly white deposits. The discoloration was caused by a process called efflorescence.  During construction, water accumulated in the CMU. Water dissolved and transported soluble salts through the masonry wall façade.  When the moisture dried, the white salts remained. Chemical cleaning proved ineffective. Mechanical cleaning would have affected the texture and appearance of the ribbed blocks, and so was avoided. Wire brushing accomplished the task of prepping the substrate without damaging the building. Super Color Stain VO provided the two necessary components for a successful restoration; water repellency and color matching. The stain’s water repellent properties avoid salt transport in the future. Conproco’s color lab provided a stain which matched the original color of the façade. Spray application was used to reduce labor costs.