Lexicon
- Collar Joint
- Concrete Block / Split-Face Block
- Course / Coursing
- Dangerous & Hazardous Conditions
- Drip Edges
- Efflorescence
- Flashing / Through-Wall Flashing
- Grinding & Tuckpointing
- Jamb
- Lintels
- Mortar Mixes
- Parapet Wall
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Scaffolding
- Sill
- Spalled Brick
- Tuckpointing
- Wall Ties
- Wythe
Efflorescence
We have compiled a glossary of common masonry and tuckpointing terms to help you make informed decisions about your next masonry project. If you have any questions or want to put our decades of experience to work for you, contact us!
Masonry efflorescence results from chronic and/or severe water penetration into the masonry unit. During warmer and drier weather, the moisture inside the wall transpires or "sweats out" as do some of the salts and other minerals in the brick. Once it reaches the surface of the brick wall, the water evaporates off but the minerals remain and appear in the form of a white powder similar to talc. Over time the leaching of these salts and other minerals reduce the masonry unit's mass and weakens its integrity. If not addressed quickly, the masonry may spall (delaminate), fissure or crack apart.
When bricks and blocks are severely effloresced, eroded or otherwise damaged, they need to be replaced. If large sections of walls are efflorescing and spalling, or appear wavy and tipping, then chances are good the conditions have gone unnoticed for many years or an inadequate repair was performed.
