DIY Network

Interview: Concrete, Tile and Chimney Cleaning From "Ask DIY Home Improvement" episode DADH-208

From Pennsylvania to Arizona, you've sent in E-mail questions about all kinds of problems and we've been doing research for the answers. Home-improvement expert Ed Del Grande is ready to give you the answers to do-it-yourself questions about concrete, tile and cleaning your chimney.

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Q: (Mel from Arizona): Is there a way to build up concrete on concrete? I have standing water on the patio every time it rains.

Figure A

Ed: Adding another layer to the area will solve the problem. You don’t necessarily need to rough up the concrete as long as you clean it well and it’s dry. Look for a leveling or resurfacing concrete (figure A). Next time it rains, outline the standing water with chalk or a china marker. I would recommend you cover the area that puddles first. Let it dry, then resurface the entire block from seam to seam with an inch or less. That way it will be harder to notice the different types of cement treatment. Slope the new material down slightly and away from where it pools. Make sure you follow the directions for the drying time. You may need to cover area with plastic for a day or two.

Q: (Donna from Michigan): I have a pink tub and pink tile. Can I colorize caulk to match?

Figure B

Ed: There are different color caulks on the market, but pink isn’t one of them. For something unique like this, you can mix latex paint with the appropriate type of caulk. Look for a caulk mixer at your home improvement center. You load up the syringe with the color of latex paint you want to match. Remove the back of the cartridge and squirt in the paint (figure B). Attach the mixer and mix for two minutes. Once the caulk is thoroughly mixed, remove the mixer and apply the caulk. It will darken to the right color in 24 hours.

Q: (Marty from Pennsylvania): There are white deposits on my chimney bricks. It is not mould. What is it and how should I remove it?

Ed: It is salt leaching to the surface of the brick (figure C). It is called efflorescence. No matter how good the product, soluble salts are usually present in brick. First, you need to stop the water from entering the masonry from above. The chimney needs to be treated with a silane/siloxane water repellent. In addition, if it has a cement crown, inspect it for cracks that might allow water to enter. They should be sealed as well. Because of the nature of this work and where it is being done, I recommend you leave this to an expert. They have all the tools and know how to get it done safely. To clean up the salt deposits, you should be able to find a product at a home improvement center, masonry center or on-line. Look for a sulfamic acid cleaner and follow the directions closely (figure D).

Figure C

Figure D