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Moldy Bricks on TH

Discussion in 'Homeowners Corner' started by MJD, Mar 1, 2004.

  1. MJD

    MJD New Member

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    Anyone else in the Southern Walk TH's notice the white mold that is starting to grow on the brick exteriors? It's mostly on the brick stairs, but I've also started noticing it on some of the brick facing of many TH's as well.

    Does anyone know what this is all about? I hope this will come off easily!

    MJD.
     
  2. sunnydog

    sunnydog New Member

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    Hi - it's not mold, it's calcium and salt that leeches (sp?) from the bricks and is a natural process. Looks a little odd but it does go away as the house ages.
     
  3. MJD

    MJD New Member

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    Thanks! I Didn't know that. We were walking through the neighborhood yesterday evening and almost all of the Townhomes have some of this leeching. Good to know that it will eventually go away.

    MJD.
     
  4. Wick

    Wick New Member

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    I haven't tried it yet, but a high-pressure water sprayer may take it off in the short term.
     
  5. JenCo

    JenCo New Member

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    Was told by VM that high pressure washing the bricks will do damage. Kind of like using chemicals on the bricks to de-ice in the winter. Causes them to break down and crumble. The salt in the brick is natural and I'd probably leave it there rather than pressure wash.
     
  6. Dutchml

    Dutchml Member

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    It's called "phosphorescence" and is perfectly natural. Normal rainfall will wash it off, but it will come back, with lesser intensity each time. Eventually, it will stop re-occurring. If it really bothers you, just wash it off with a hose.
     

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