Efflorescence - Removal and Prevention   By Frederick M. Hueston www.stoneforensics.com The crystallization of soluble salts in Historic masonry causes severe deterioration of the substrate. This crystallization is called subflorescence. These... Read More

  Efflorescence - Removal and Prevention   By Frederick M. Hueston www.stoneforensics.com The crystallization of soluble salts in Historic masonry causes severe deterioration of the substrate. This crystallization is called subflorescence. These... Read More

Q. Five years ago we built a home with a stone veneer front. We had water problems the first 4 years where water was leaking into several rooms and the basement coming from the front of the house. The stone was removed and replaced a couple of times ... Read More

Q. My new marble floor has a white powder on it. It cleans up with water, but keeps coming back. Is there anything I can use to clean it off permanently? A. This is a common condition, especially if the floor is new. When the marble is installed, it... Read More

Q. Our installer grinded off the top layer of our limestone floor and since then we have repeated powdery residue on limestone despite numerous washings and sealings/impregnatings. Why is this and can this be fixed as I don't want to have white... Read More

Q. After we applied a color enhancer to our Eromosa stone (from Owen Sound, Ontario), we noticed some efflorescence. Not sure if it was there before the enhancer was applied. Is there any way to get rid of it? A. What you’re seeing is very... Read More

Q. I have an (intentionally) distressed marble seat in my shower. After years of use, there is a build up of white on top of it. How do I get ride of it? Thanks.   A. White residue on the top of stone can be attributed to several things. Ask... Read More

This is a condition known as efflorescence. There are soluble salts in the grout coming to the surface. The large amount of water you used dissolved the salts and they are depositing on the surface. Efflorescence will eventually disappear when the... Read More

Recommended Coating for Slate Floors Coatings on slate floors can enhance the appearance of the slate, inhibit staining on the surface of the stone, and lighten the load a little when it comes to maintenance. However, the wrong type of coating on... Read More

Q. I have laid 10 mm bluestone tiles in a bathroom. I sealed the backs before laying them and used a water-based adhesive. The floor beneath was fully waterproofed. White stains and what appear to be oil-like marks are now showing across the floor.... Read More