I searched on here but didn’t find a lot. I’ve done them before with a 4-5% mix with no issues, but I read all the time no SH with limestone. Has anyone ever actually had an issue with these caps and strong SH? With how bad these are I don’t think I have much choice.
Depends on where limestone came from, but usually fine to hit with strong SH. Can always hit with oxalic after you rinse to be sure if you’re worried about. Let sit for about 10min and rinse it off too.
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Awesome, thanks both of you
You’re welcome, I do limestone often here in Kentucky. I usually always treat with acid after then rinse real good. I’ve seen some limestone cleaned around here that did turn color……Prosoco has some good products too for limestone. Would use that on real high end homes though, gets costly. Much success.
Well, this is a $1.8m home. Going up for sale next week, so they want it cleaned up a bit. I tested a corner of the cap with some 4% and it seemed fine. I think the ox after is an easy and good idea
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Yup, did one if these last year. 4% hot mix, medium pressure, hot mix again, rinse and oxalic. The other guys on here pointed me in the right direction.
I have a limestone patio that is honed. Think it’s from PA. You mentioned it matters where it is from? Is that because some are softer or more prone to alkaline/acidic ph? It’s smooth and matte compared to the stone in above. They have bluestone above surrounding so I am afraid to use Sh on blue and have it run down on limestone. I don’t have any organic except one spot where cedar roof spills onto it. Can I just use a soap and light pressure with wand or surface clean with a 40 deg light pressure? Tia
I wouldn’t worry about. I’d hit with hw mix, maybe use pump up in worst spot, and can either use lower pressure on surface cleaner(quicker) or just rinse with medium pressure. Doesn’t look that dirty. Like I said earlier, I’ve never had a problem.
Typically where you have a problem is when you use too strong a mix or a hydroxide product in cleaning older historic buildings is when you may need to neutralize. Or if you use too high a pressure, since limestone is very porous and is mainly calcium carbonate. Too high a pressure will cause efflorescence or the calcium deposits to come out as the water evaporates.
As always, do a little test somewhere inconspicuous.
Thanks. I misspoke. The blue is from PA and the Lime from Turkey. Just curious if a percarbonate is suitable for limestone. I have to do that cedar cabana roof and it will drain right on it. Either way, is that a valid option to use for blue or limestone instead of sh.
Have no idea, have never used on it. Probably won’t hurt it, but guess you’ll find out when you do the roof. Report back
I think I should be more worried that the nasty cedar rinse will do more damage than the percarb
Thanks again Rick. Your advice and a lot of others here as well has really helped me in this beginning stage of my business. I see some of the questions people ask are repetitive and mundane to most here and you keep helping regardless. Keep helping. Good karma.
That may be a valid concern on the crud and stain coming off roof. Would prewet and have someone rinsing off quickly. Don’t want to stain the mortar joints in the tile either.
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