basalt stone driveway

Amc services

Amc services

New member
Craig,

Take a look at this pic. Contractor wants the effo cleaned. It seems to happen after every good rain. Hes tired of acid washing, and is looking for another alternative? Its a natural Basalt stone
 

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Could be a crushed stone aggregate base ( CA-2 ) was used under at least a portion of the drive and when it rains the water is mixing with the fine particles (almost a powder) and running out through the joints. How old is the drive?
 
Can you tell if its mud set or dry set? Looks pretty steep, I could see where they would set those in a bed of modified thinset or other cementitious mix to stabilize....in that case I would say effervescents. Just a thought
 
Efflorescence as you probably know is caused by water and salt. Stop either one and you will control the efflorescence. After cleaning, look into penetrating breathable sealers that can control the efflorescence. Stopping Eff 100% is nearly impossible but I've found that with concrete it can be controlled to help stop the damaging effects of it. I'm not a tile expert so I'd recommend calling some one like Rob at Stone Pro. I don't have his number right now but will try to get it.
 
From the picture it really looks like the deposits are coming from the joints between the stone. Even with that said, applying a high quality penetrating sealer after proper cleaning and neutralizing, will keep the bulk of future leached minerals from being able to adhere to the surface as well as make them easier to remove.
 
I did . It's a perfect cocktail of ground moisture mixing with salt air (it's in Malibu on a cliff). Instead of acid washing we used high heat @around 1800 psi. That removed 95% if deposits. We are going to do maintenance cleanings during the year.
Also going to apply a penetrating sealer. Did a test area with salt guard penetrating sealer and it tends to darken the stone. We will see..



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Amc services said:
I did . It's a perfect cocktail of ground moisture mixing with salt air (it's in Malibu on a cliff). Instead of acid washing we used high heat @around 1800 psi. That removed 95% if deposits. We are going to do maintenance cleanings during the year.
Also going to apply a penetrating sealer. Did a test area with salt guard penetrating sealer and it tends to darken the stone. We will see..



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The salty air didn't come to mind. Looks like an on going maintenance program like you said which means $$$ in your pocket! Good job Erich.
 
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