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Expert: - 3/25/2008


Question
we had an outdoor patio done this past summer made out out of what we call in Austin, Texas Austin Limestone. It is a large patio. We have now noticed alot of white streaks in the mortar all around the patio. Looks awful. Is there anything we can do? What is causing this? Thanks

Answer
Elaine,
This is called efflorescence. It is caused by salts reacting with moisture in the mortar bed or grout joints. You can try to clean it with HMK R55 Intensive Cleaner available at:
http://hmk.stonecareonline.org/shop/item.asp?itemid=4

A stronger cleaner is a dilute acid cleaner called HMK R59:
http://hmk.stonecareonline.org/shop/item.asp?itemid=6

This is a normal issue and does require maintenance.

After cleaning this, I recommend you seal the limestone. You can get a recommendation at:
http://hmkstonecare.com/commercial/index.htm

I hope this helps.
Tad Dixon

Construction & Contractors

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Torin Dixon

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Questions concerning Natural Stone Fabrication and Installation including: Marble, Granite, Limestone, Slate, Soapstone, Bluestone, and Travertine in Slabs and Tiles. Expert in natural stone cleaning, sealing, protection and restoration. Distributor of HMK Stone Care Products; Sealers, Cleaning Products, Stone Maintenance. Expert in stone and tile flooring, sealing and maintenance issues. Stain removal from stone. Importer and Distributor of slab stone for residential and commercial applications. Stone carving Stone restoration

Experience

I have worked in the Dimensional Stone Industry since 1977.
California Contractors License 1989
Former owner of Prestige Marble & Tile (So. Calif.)
Current owner of Elegance in Stone (Missoula, MT)
Current Owner of Montana Stone Gallery,LLC Missoula, MT
Owner of Stoncareonline.org Distributor of natural stone maintenance products

Organizations
Missoula Building Industry Association
Montana Building Industry Association
Flathead Building Association
National Association of Home Builders
Member of the Marble Institute of America
Former member of the National Tile Contractors Association

Publications
Slippery Rock Gazette-Stone Industry Publication

Education/Credentials
Journeyman Marble Mason, Bricklayers and Allied Craftsman Union #2
California Contractors License 1989-1997
Montana Contractors Registration #42969
Importer of natural stone slabs. Owner-Director of Montana Stone Gallery a regional Importing and Distribution company located in Missoula, MT

Past/Present Clients
Thousands of commercial and residential installations of stone slabs and tile in bathrooms, kitchens, showers, flooring, fireplaces over a 34 year professional career.

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