What is Efflorescence and how do I get rid of it?

April 28, 2016

Efflorescence evolves into various forms and because of this, there isn't always one easy solution to remove it. In this post, I'll talk about how efflorescence occurs and some cleaning strategies. As a manufacturer, we provide cleaners for hard to remove efflorescence issues but often times there are easier ways to go about cleaning the "salts" from the surface and I encourage any readers to discuss their own solutions in this blog.

WHAT IS EFFLORESCENCE & WHY DOES IT OCCUR?

Efflorescence in its most general form is comprised of water-soluble salts that migrate to the surface of the masonry (or concrete) via water or vapor transmission. Water is always the active agent that brings efflorescence to the surface. You tend to see it worse on retainer walls because there is ground source water on one side "pushing" the water/vapor to the opposite "exposed" side of the wall, as well as, rain falling on the exposed wall that will help "draw" the salts to the surface. Efflorescence most often looks like a powdery white deposit but it can also look grey, black and even green depending on the region of the country and type of salt composition.

Water carries the dissolved salts to the surface and as it evaporates, it leaves behind the crystalized deposits. In this "early stage" of efflorescence development, it's usually pretty easy to just brush away the salts or use a weak, water-based solution to dissolve them. Yet these early stage deposits are only water soluble for a brief period before the carbon dioxide in the air converts the deposits into water insoluble (calcium) carbonates that harden. Over time these carbonates can grow like a stalactite and the pores will close up. At this point, even a strong acid cleaner can just bounce off the surface. 

REMOVING EFFLORESCENCE

As previously mentioned, in its earliest form the salts can be easily removed. Once the carbonates have formed, it often requires a combination of mechanical and chemical effort. That means using a stiff bristle brush to "open up" the pores and mechanically trying to knock away as much buildup as possible before going chemical. Yes, labor costs should be adjusted higher for these scenarios. A muriatic acid wash is often used, but you should take care as too strong a solution can burn the brick/concrete and too weak a solution will bring the pH up too high to have any effect. Whichever cleaner you try, if using a power washer to rinse be sure to hold it at an angle to the wall. Direct injection of water can cause additional efflorescence to be drawn to the surface. 

BELOW ARE SOME EFFLORESCENCE SCENARIOS THAT WE'VE ENCOUNTERED:

Jefferson Memorial, Washington DC 

This project for the National Park Service entailed removing efflorescence from 17,000 square feet of new colored aggregate concrete. As the concrete cured it began drawing the salts to the surface and became very noticeable against the dark grey surface. Because the concrete was so new (tender) we decided to use our EnviroEtch which although is a 1 pH acid, it is more buffered and not acidic to human touch.

Tiled Stairs

In this case, the efflorescence was bleeding out of the mortar joints. Mortar joints are often subject to this problem because the sand used to make the mortar can be contaminated with soluble alkali sulfates which leach to the surface.

  Why Do I Need A Hinge Kit On My Kitchen Exhaust Fan?

December 29, 2016

Anytime you are cooking in your commercial kitchen, you can be sure that your rooftop fans are working hard. Because the fans are working so hard, they need to be properly cleaned and maintained to insure they continue to do their job properly.

Generally rooftop exhaust fans are awkward and heavy making them difficult to move, even more so in rainy or snowy conditions. When fans are removed from their curbing, there is a potential to cause damage to the roof. These are some of the reasons the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 96 code requires that all rooftop fans have hinge kits installed. The specific code, 8.1.1.1 states “ approved upblast fans with motors surrounded by the airstream shall be hinged.”

Hinge kits also make the task of cleaning the ductwork easier by allowing access to the duct by simply “opening” the fan on its hinge rather than removing the cumbersome fan from its curbing and placing on the roof.   Oftentimes, fans that do not have hinge kits installed will not be removed as part of a routine hood cleaning. Neglecting this step in the hood cleaning process can leave the backside of the fan and ductwork with grease build up that will continue to accumulate causing increased risk for fire.

Because most owners don’t know what the fan on the roof of their facility looks like, they may not be aware if their fan has a hinge kit. Its up the hood cleaning contractor to make sure the owner knows what is necessary to keep their system up to code.

As part of Liberty SoftWash’s hood cleaning service, we will provide an evaluation of your entire hood system, and provide pictures of items of concern, like missing hinge kits, or necessary access panels. In most cases, these are things we can also install making Liberty SoftWash a great choice for your hood cleaning needs in York PA and surrounding areas. Call today to schedule your free estimate and kitchen hood system evaluation. 717-324-4208

http://www.libertysoftwash.com/need-hinge-kit-kitchen-exhaust-fan

  Hood Cleaning not Hood Polishing

January 10, 2016

Liberty SoftWash took this KEC over two weeks and the last company did a cleaning. We arrived to look at the hood and estimate it and noticed the system dripping grease when the owners came in to prep for their shift. When we were hired we open up the system and began scraping it down to bare metal. Liberty SoftWash will clean and maintain the hood and fan when on site. Dont just hire a hood polisher to make it look pretty hire someone that will clean the WHOLE system.

Hood Cleaning York PA  717-324-4208

  Roof Cleaning and moss removal 21811

May 4, 2014

When it comes to roof cleaning Berlin Maryland, look no further than Kendall Roof and Exterior Cleaning. We take the time to do the job right! Our low pressure roof cleaning system allows us to apply our solution at 80 psi, rather than 3000psi. After the solution has been applied, the moss and lichen will turn a white color (as pictured above). At this point, the moss is dead and needs to be removed, only at garden hose pressure will we rinse the dead moss off of your roof! 

After our cleaning process is complete, your roof will be looking as though it were new! For more information give us a call at 443-880-7011 or visit us at

Berlin Roof Cleaning

  Cedar Roof Cleaning Stone Harbor New Jersey....

July 23, 2015

Today the Roof Wizard softwashed and restored this cedar shake roof and house in Stone Harbor, NJ. The homeowner is putting the house up for sale in the Fall and wanted it to look it's best. We washed the roof, house, three Mahogany decks, the Travertine tile pool deck, paver driveway and the windows. We used Wood Restore on the roof after rinsing the softwash solution, to neutralize and condition the cedar shakes. The results beyond the homeowners expectations and they will hopefully sell the house easily. 

The best part of the day was when a local property manager, who only manages million dollar ad higher houses, stopped by and watched our process for three hours. He explained that he has over 30 houses on the island that he is in charge of, and most of them have cedar roofs. Until today, he was basically telling the homeowners that the roofs could not be cleaned safely, without damage. He provided me with 16 addresses for estimates and is looking forward to breaking the great news to the homeowners, that we can clean their roofs. He said the truck wraps caught his eye and then he circled the block to get a better look at what we were doing. 

  Summer Visitors May Be Knocking At Your Door, Time for Some Pressure Washing!

June 28, 2015

The official beginning of summer is just around the corner. For the residents of Central Pennsylvania, this means summer gatherings, picnics and other outdoor activities that are sure to bring visitors to your home.

With the expectation of visitors to your home, now is a great time to take a look around your home to take care of things like trimming bushes, weeding flower beds, planting flowers and also cleaning up your home’s exterior. While a homeowner can accomplish many of these projects, many are simply short on time and choose to call in a professional to get the task done.

Liberty SoftWash is an excellent choice for your pressure washing in Pennsylvania including Lancaster, York, Harrisburg and surrounding areas.   We clean your home’s entire exterior and all things surrounding your home including; sidewalks, patios, decks, pergolas, patio furniture and more.

We offer various types of cleaning processes that ensure we can clean all of your exterior surfaces properly. Soft washing is ideal for surfaces such as vinyl siding, dryvit, stucco, brick and more. While pressure washing is used for hard, flat surfaces like asphalt driveways, and concrete sidewalks or patios.

Roof cleaning is another service that can dramatically improve the appearance of your home’s exterior. Soft wash roof cleaning is one of our specialties at Liberty SoftWash. Asphalt shingles, slate roofs, cedar roofs, tile and even metal roofs can all be successfully be cleaned by using the correct technique. We will never pressure wash your roof but instead will use a safe, low pressure cleaning techniques that will remove year of algae growth and return your roof to a like new appearance without the use of a pressure washer or any other high pressure cleaning technique.

Our technicians have all gone through training that ensures they are knowledgeable about not only the techniques used but also about the equipment they are using and most importantly about the surfaces they are cleaning. Using top quality equipment, and continuing education about our industry are what makes Liberty SoftWash an excellent choice for all of your exterior cleaning needs.

Call 717-324-4208 today to speak with one of our professionals about all of your exterior cleaning needs. Our service area includes: York PA, Lancaster PA, Harrisburg PA, Hershey PA, Lititz PA, Mechanicsburg PA, Carlisle PA, Hanover PA and surrounding areas.

We also offer pressure washing services to Commercial customers and business owners in Central Pennsylvania.  Liberty SoftWash is Certified through the UAMCC (United Association of Mobile Contract Cleaners) in the areas of Roof Cleaning, Hard Surface Restoration and Wash Water Control.

Visit our website to learn more about our exterior cleaning servicesor call (717) 324-4208. www.LibertySoftWash.com

http://www.libertysoftwash.com/blog/summer-visitors-may-be-knocking-at-your-door-time-for-some-pressure-washing/

Services we offer include:

• Pressure washing
• Soft Washing
• Roof Cleaning
• Stucco and Dryvit Cleaning
• House washing
• Concrete cleaning
• Rust stain removal
• And more!

  Pressure Washing / Soft Washing Wyndham Resorts River Village Shawnee on Delaware PA 18356

June 11, 2015

This week the trained and fully insured staff of Pocono Non-Pressure Roof & Exterior Cleaning had pleasure of pressure washing some hard surfaces and soft washing the vinyl sided timeshares of Wyndham Resorts. This 96 unit project is located on the Delaware River in the heart of the Poconos.

This project was performed around the arrival and departure of guests. We had to consider both the pedestrian and vehicle traffic, while completely cleaning and sterilizing the vinyl siding of each location.

At Pocono Non-Pressure Roof & Exterior Cleaning we service not only resorts but residential and commercial properties as well. Our pressure washing/soft washing methods have made us the leading provider of exterior cleaning throughout the Poconos, the Slate Belt, the greater Scranton/Wilkes Barre area and northwest New Jersey.

Whether you need roof cleaning, hard surface pressure washing or soft washing of exterior substrate surfaces we have the knowledge, technology and the proper staffing to assist all property owners.

Please feel free to visit our website (www.poconoroofclean.com) or reach out to us at 570-994-6918 for additional information.

  Verizon Corporate Headquarters Softwashing in New Jersey....

April 25, 2015

This week the Roof Wizard's Crews softwashed a corporate office HQ, for Verizon. It was cold, and extremely windy, but we were able to get the project scope of work done in one day. The building was fully functioning and had approximately 1500 people in and out all day, including deliveries to the loading dock and an entire army of Verizon Corporate Officer's in for meetings. It was probably our most difficult job to date, with respect to pedestrian and auto traffic, and dealing with a constant 25 MPH wind. They are having a Corporate party for all the Verizon big wigs here next week, in the courtyards, and wanted the building to shine. We used a 2.5-3% mix with Green Wash and the results were terrific.  

  Atlantic City Police Athletic League Exterior Cleaning...

April 25, 2015

This past Monday The Roof Wizard and crew help out with the UAMCC "Wash With Us" initiative. To help kick off the UAMCC event in Atlantic City, we donated our cleaning services to softwash the local Police Athletic League. A few other UAMCC contractor also helped out and cleaned the Boys & Girls club, just up the street also. As you can see from the pictures, the building was dirty and in need of a good bath. The building was mostly Dryvit, with some concrete panels and split faced block here and there. It all cleaned up nice and even Senator Jim Whelan stopped out for a visit and to show his gratitude.

  Metal Building Softwashing of Plagido's Winery in Hammonton, NJ...............

April 13, 2015

Last Friday The Roof Wizard's crews softwashed a local winery, Plagido's Winery, which was infested with black mold. I got the call from the owner as a referral from another winery owner, who's building we cleaned last year. He explained that his customers have been commenting on the nasty black mold on the building and he needed a solution. He was very concerned about using too much pressure and had not done a real cleaning, since the winery was opened in 2007. We softwashed the entire building, in two hours, first thing in the morning, so they could open at noon and not cause a disruption in business. We then went next store and softwashed the owner's roof & house. As you can see from the pics below, the winery is clean from the black mold & algae.

  Solar Panel Cleaning with Terra Wash in the cold & wet Northeast Spring............

March 25, 2015

This afternoon we cleaned approximately 600 solar panels on a strip mall in Voorhees Township, New Jersey. The weather is a little crazy this time of year in the NorthEast and it was a cloudy 44 degrees with rain off and on all afternoon. We typically use DI water and water-fed poles only to clean solar panels, but roughly 100 panels were surrounded by exhaust vents, from a restaurant below. These panels were caked in grease and needed an extra special touch. We used a Terra Wash, applied with our Gilmour Bleach Wash applicator, and let it sit for about five minutes. The we rinsed with DI water and then gave then a final scrub with DI and a water-fed pole. The grease melted right off and they looked new again. Attached are some pics. It worked so well, we went ahead and sprayed the other 500 panels also, before scrubbing. The owner of the strip mall was present and was so impressed, we signed a maintenance agreement for three cleanings a year. He also requested a proposal for the entire strip mall exterior and sidewalks, plus a quote for his house & roof. His house and roof are around 5500/SF. 

  Gutter Cleaning East Stroudsburg PA 18301 18302 North Slope One Town House Assocition

March 31, 2015

Need Gutter Cleaning?

Pocono Non-Pressure Roof & Exterior Cleaning completed the gutter cleaning of this ten building 60 unit town house association(North Slope One) based on the bottom of Shawnee Mountain on Hallow Road in East Stroudsburg. As the photos indicate not even snow stopped our dedicated and train staff from completing the work on a timely basis.

As many of our customers already know we are here to help both residential and commercial property owners with the exterior cleaning needs. We provide not only gutter cleaning to our customers but a full array of exterior cleaning to include but not limited to non-pressure roof cleaning, soft washing, house washing, pressure washing, exterior rust removal, gutter clean outs, gutter brightening, graffiti removal, gas station and convenience store canopy cleaning, fleet washing, playground sanitation and concrete/sidewalk cleaning.

We are available to our customers seven days a week and provide free quotes and consultation. Please feel free to contact us at 570-994-6918 or visit us on the web at www.poconoroofclean.com

  Roof Cleaning Upper Marlboro Maryland

March 29, 2015

 Looking for a roof cleaning service in Upper Marlboro Maryland?

  Do you want the roof cleaning to be done in the safest manner possible, and the cleaning to last the longest? Do you want to see results the same day?

 GutterDogs uses a safe non pressure method to remove those ugly black stains on your roof. Results you see the same day, and we guarantee it for 5 years. Our method causes no damage to your roof, like pressure washing or "rinsing" the roof does.

 Why is "rinsing" an important keyword, to watch out for? Some roof cleaning companies who pressure wash your roof try to hide that fact and call it rinsing.

 What to expect from our roof cleaning. The black stains will be 100% gone. Any moss or lichens on the roof will turn white, become brittle and flake off over time and no granule loss to your shingles.

Give us a call today for a free estimate 240-355-1110

Roof cleaning Upper Marlboro Maryland

  Slate Roof Cleaning Warren County New Jersey / 570-994-6918 / www.poconoroofclean.com

March 27, 2015

All slate roofs when cleaned properly with a low pressure system and the correct detergents will bring back the natural beauty of slate. Never let someone use a pressure washer or surface cleaning machine to try and clean your slate roof. This will only cause irreparable damage to your existing roofing material.

At Pocono Non-Pressure Roof & Exterior Cleaning we have been servicing all roofing materials since 2007. This includes not only slate but metal, asphalt and cedar shakes as well. Our staff is actively involved in our industry on a daily basis to enable us to provide the most cost efficient services to our customers. Our slate roof cleaning service areas are listed below for your perusal.

We are available to provide not only roof cleaning but an array of exterior services to include but not limited to residential and commercial exterior soft washing, pressure washing, gutter clean outs, gutter brightening, exterior rust removal, graffiti removal, gas station/convenience store canopy cleaning, fleet washing and playground cleaning.

Please contact us at 570-994-6918 or visit us on the web at www.poconoroofclean.com. We provide free quotes and consultation at your convenience.

Slate Roof Cleaning Sussex County New Jersey

Slate Roof Cleaning Monroe County PA

Slate Roof Cleaning Northampton County PA

Slate Roof Cleaning Carbon County PA

Slate Roof Cleaning Pike County PA

Slate Roof Cleaning Lehigh County PA

Slate Roof Cleaning Wayne County PA

Slate Roof Cleaning New Jersey

Slate Roof Cleaning         Allamuchy NJ 07820

Slate Roof Cleaning         Andover, NJ 07821

Slate Roof Cleaning         Augusta, NJ 07822

Slate Roof Cleaning         Belvidere, NJ 07823

Slate Roof Cleaning         Blairstown, NJ 07825

Slate Roof Cleaning         Branchville, NJ 07826

Slate Roof Cleaning         Branchville, NJ 07890

Slate Roof Cleaning         Columbia, NJ 07832

Slate Roof Cleaning         Delaware, NJ 07833

Slate Roof Cleaning         Fredon NJ 07860

Slate Roof Cleaning         Glasser, NJ 07837

Slate Roof Cleaning         GREAT MEADOWS, NJ 07838

Slate Roof Cleaning         Hackettstown, NJ 07840

Slate Roof Cleaning         Hopatcong, NJ 07843

Slate Roof Cleaning         Hope, NJ 07844

Slate Roof Cleaning         Johnsonburg, NJ 07846

Slate Roof Cleaning         Lafayette Township, NJ 07848

Slate Roof Cleaning         Layton, NJ 07851

Slate Roof Cleaning         Montague Township, NJ 07827

Slate Roof Cleaning         Newton, NJ 07860

Slate Roof Cleaning         Ogdensburg, NJ 07439

Slate Roof Cleaning         Oxford Township, NJ 07863

Slate Roof Cleaning         Phillipsburg, NJ 08865

Slate Roof Cleaning         Port Murray, NJ 07865

Slate Roof Cleaning         Sparta Township, NJ 07871

Slate Roof Cleaning         Stanhope NJ 07874

Slate Roof Cleaning         Stewartsville, NJ 08886

Slate Roof Cleaning         Stockholm, NJ 07460

Slate Roof Cleaning         Sussex, NJ 07461

Slate Roof Cleaning         Vernon Township, NJ 07462

Slate Roof Cleaning         Vienna, NJ 07880

Slate Roof Cleaning         Washington, NJ 07882