Stained Concrete Maintenance. External agencies such as stains tend to soak into it on contact and may react with the hydrated cement. The acidic water is not neutralized as it flows over the inert material. During this period it should be protected from rain, allowing it to conform to atmospheric temperature and moisture level, while settling into place. Today, stainless steel flashing is usually lower in cost than copper flashing of equivalent weight. If shingles rest directly on the copper, the corrosive effect is amplified because moisture is held along the edge by capillary action resulting in "line-corrosion". When water, collected over a large surface, is diverted or collected by a relatively small copper flashing or gutter, the copper may deteriorate before it develops a protective patina. Sheet Metal Roofing. I mixed it at about 20% strength and applied with bucket and brush with 2 applications keeping it wet the whole time then just rinsed it all away. Solder is typically applied to mechanically fastened or formed, rigid joints. This will prevent bonding between the two surfaces that would otherwise restrict the thermal movement of the copper. Taping or gasketing with nonabsorptive materials or sealants are effective methods of separating copper from all other metals. Copper construction methods have traditionally relied on solder to ensure water-tightness and to strengthen joints and seams. Another type of corrosion, which affects copper, is caused by the flow of acidic water concentrated on a small area of copper. Two common methods are: collecting run-off in gutters and directing it away from the building via downspouts; and designing drip edges to a minimum of one inch, helping reduce the amount of copper laden moisture that comes into contact with material below. • Copper flashing is expensive, but it can be worth it Copper is a harder material, especially cold-rolled copper. This type, often called "erosion corrosion", occurs when rain falls on a non-copper roof such as tile, slate, wood, or asphalt. The ability to achieve spectacular special effects with concrete floor coatings, stains, and dyes is nothing new. In the weathering process, the solder turns from a shiny to a dull tone. YorkShield 106 TS™ is a copper termite barrier solution, made of a single sheet of 2 oz. Signs of corroded copper include stained laundry, metallic taste and greenish-blue stains around water fixtures. Jun 24, 2013 - Builders and homeowners use concrete to construct walls, patios, driveways and other items around the home that need to withstand the stress of weather. Because the coating exposed to the weather is likely to flow and stain the surfaces below, this flashing is held back from the face of the brick. Bituminous or zinc chromate primers can be used between copper and aluminum. Many of these salts are corrosive to copper, as well as other metals and materials. Chemical reactions are responsible for corrosion, staining, and even the green patina that develops on copper surfaces over time. A 15-pound bag of Hi-Yield Copper as Iron Sulfate costs about $15 and will stain approximately 1,600 square feet of concrete. Has anyone found anything that worked well? All metals have a property called nobility. This patina eventually covers the surface and adheres tightly to it, thus providing a protective layer against further weathering. For a complete and updated report on Fire Rated Plywood and Corrosion, contact CDA. Installing a Terne-Coated Stainless Steel Sheetmetal Roof Patinaetch is a mildly acidic water based solution designed to etch and stain concrete or masonry substrates. It came out and looks great but im sure it will be back soon due to all the rain and no gutters up on the roof. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The solution is to prevent such direct contact with the use of separating materials, such as specific paints or gaskets. Also, copper flashing will react in contact with galvanized steel unless the copper is lead-coated. The alternate flashing method shown is primarily for use with asphalt coated copper flashing. Many elastomeric polyurethane, silicone, butyl, polysulfide or other inorganic or rubber based sealants have shown acceptable performance. Although flashing is the primary focus of this TEK, it should be understood that the role of vapor retarders, air barriers, and insulation are also important elements to consider for any wall design as the performance of the entire system can be dependent on the design of its individual components. When acidic moisture comes in contact with exposed copper surfaces, it reacts with the copper to form copper sulfate. Lumber should be kiln-dried and laid with all joints true and even to provide a smooth surface. This makes it very durable but also increases the price. The copper flashing has "bled" and has created an unsightly stain under all deck areas. The guidelines discussed above apply to these materials as well. It must be able hold the roof under sustained design wind conditions, as well as to conform to all other required codes and standards. I used an acidic solution and cleaned the whole patio to make sure all the joints looked uniform in color. • Copper is easy to solder Copper flashing doesn’t have the same aversion to solder as aluminum, giving it more versatility. Concrete is a versatile and widely used building material, but it is porous and the hydrated cement in it has a very high surface area. Use a penetrating concrete stain repellent sealer or a durable concrete coating to prevent concrete from staining. Lead-coated copper has a less noticeable gray runoff. JavaScript is disabled. It is recommended that wood be allowed to weather for a few days after installation. Smooth, dry surfaces, compatibility with copper, and provision for fasteners are all required for an acceptable substrate. Poulticing Caulking Compound Stains From Concrete Procedure Code: 371009S. An alternative to solder, where its additional strength is not required, is the use of sealants. The process is, therefore, faster in some metropolitan, marine, and industrial areas, where higher concentrations of pollutants exist. Another metal flashing that is used with concrete and masonry in many parts of the country is lead. The acid is neutralized during the reaction with the copper. When dissimilar metals are in contact with one another in the presence of an electrolyte, galvanic action occurs, resulting in the deterioration of the metal with the lower galvanic number. Copyright © 2021 Copper Development Association Inc. All Rights Reserved. There have been many recent developments in fire retardant treated (FRT) plywood and lumber. Since copper has one of the highest galvanic numbers or nobility of the active metals, it will not be harmed by contact with any of them. TEK 19-5A Flashing Details for Concrete Masonry Walls (ref. Copper flashing coated with lead on both sides can work well where staining of building com­ponents from runoff may be a problem. Pressure alone only removed about 50% of the stain. You are using an out of date browser. Stains & colors or discoloration on concrete surfaces: this article provides a catalog of types of stains found on concrete surfaces: walls, floors, ceilings, including un-wanted stains from various causes & deliberate concrete coloring processes, stains, or acid treatments. However, this tarnish can eventually eat through the copper, compromising the … Yet another option is to avoid metal flashing altogether and to use a PVC or rubberized-asphalt product. However, as copper flashing ages, it can start to tarnish and look unsightly, although some home owners appreciate the green patina of aging copper. Removal of Stains from Concrete Surfaces. Hazards of Corroded Copper Pipes in Concrete Slab. With hollow brick, the flashing must fully cover the internal holes. Stainless steel is generally more reflective than copper. The concrete statue must be cleaned well and depending upon the carrier used for the stain, either kept wet/damp or allowed to dry completely. Architecural Manufacturers & Distributors, Architectural Installation Contractors Database, UNS Standard Designation for Wrought and Cast Copper, ASTM Standard Designation for Wrought and Cast Copper and Copper Alloys, European Numbering System for Non-Ferrous Metals, The U.S. Copper Industry: Critical to Keeping the U.S. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Sealants can also be used in joints that are primarily designed to accommodate thermal movement of the copper. CBD-153. Such applications include standing seam roofs, batten seam roofs, flat seam roofs, continuous edge strips and cleats, and flashings around roof penetrations. Ramachandran, J. Beaudoin. A “resist” penetrates the pores of or is intimate with the concrete, so the stain can touch the concrete but cannot react with the cement. Copper Sulphate Stain For Concrete Floor It took a little longer than I had planned, but I finally have a concrete floor: Once the first pour was done, about 3", we lifted the pex up … If you prefer blue shades, use copper sulfate, both products are available at some garden, feed and hardware stores. The wash of water over copper surfaces can have additional impact. One of the worst aesthetic problems that can afflict concrete is staining. Thoroughly sweep and clean the surface to which you'll apply the concrete stain. Anything that can cause punctures or openings in the copper membrane should be avoided. I washed a lot of concrete steps today that had green stains coming from the copper flashing on the roof ridge and around the dormers. Always test first in a small area to make sure the result you want can be achieved. While structurally not a problem, stains can permanently mar the surface of your concrete, offering a nasty visual blemish that will plague your home forever. Continuous, long runs of soldered seams should be avoided to limit stress fractures. Has anyone experienced this and have any suggestions on how to clean or seal the copper to prevent future staining? Copper flashing tends to be more expensive than some flashing products, perhaps because it is an attractive material popular among some schools of home design. I had copper flashing installed around the edge of deck on our new stucco house. This might take 24 hours, not just 20 minutes. Operational, Copper - The World's Most Reusable Resource, Safe Drinking Water Act and Copper Alloys, Toxicological Differences in Lead and Copper, Lead-free Solders for Drinking Water Plumbing Systems. The solder used is common 50-50 tin-lead bar solder for uncoated copper. I explained this to the homeowner and she is aware of this problem but doesnt want any gutters up there. I washed a lot of concrete steps today that had green stains coming from the copper flashing on the roof ridge and around the dormers. The green stain is particularly visible on light colored surfaces. It will, however, cause corrosion of the other metals if in direct contact. Acrylic, neoprene, and nitrile based sealants have been observed to actively corrode copper. Other major hazards include: Foundation Damage Wait until the powder is completely dry to scrape off the poultice. When copper is adjacent to steel reinforcement, and an electrolyte such as chloride is present, steel corrosion is likely to occur due to galvanic action. But now a whole new alchemy is available for adding razzle-dazzle to your floors -- metallic coatings that allow you to "guild" your concrete to replicate the look of copper, silver, aged bronze, nickel, and other shimmery patinas. In this technique, solder is applied to the back or concealed edge of copper surfaces. In selecting the substrate, a key consideration is the method of attachment of the copper. A greater relative difference in nobility between the two metals in contact indicates a greater corrosion potential. One of the most important issues concerning the use of copper is the chemical reaction between copper and other materials. How To Stain Concrete Statues. The chemical reaction with the substrate results in naturally variegated earth tones similar to the oxidation of a copper or the patina of a bronze sculpture. There are a number of ways to reduce staining or its visual impact. The electrolyte may be rain water running from one surface to another, or moisture from the air containing enough acid to cause it to act as an electrolyte. The preparation of the substrate onto which copper will be applied depends in part on the substrate selected and the copper application. Pressure alone only removed about 50% of the stain. Sealant filled joints have been used successfully for standing seam and batten seam roofing applications where roof slopes are less than three inches per foot. Any areas where salt laden moisture can collect then evaporate, thereby increasing the concentrations of salts, will accelerate the corrosion process. Poulticing Bronze and Copper Stains from Concrete Procedure Code: 371044S. Regardless of the method used to separate the metals, wash from copper surfaces should be prevented from draining onto exposed aluminum. The most common substrate for copper is wood, usually 1/2" to 3/4" plywood. Table 1.3A ranks the most common metals used in construction in increasing nobility, called the galvanic number. If leaching of theses salts brings them into contact with the copper, corrosion will occur. The sealants used should be tested by the manufacturer and designated as compatible for use with copper. Most of these products use wood or plywood that is pressure-impregnated with chemical salts in water solution to inhibit combustion. White stains on roof surfaces may be from wash-down of pigments in paint on surfaces above the roof such as a gable end or dormer wall; white or less-black roof surfaces may also be found below copper or aluminum flashing whose salts run down the roof surface in wet weather, preventing algae or moss growth and leaving a white area on an otherwise stained roof surface. Traces of copper salts in the wash may accelerate corrosion of the aluminum. Copper roofs, valley flashings, and gutter linings should always be applied on a smooth, dry, stable surface with no projecting nail heads or other imperfections. Prices quoted range from $2.50 to $3.35 per linear foot for 12-inch-wide Type 304, 26-guage stainless steel with two bends and a drip. Looks like job security, I may try a sealer next time around to see if that will help. Using natural products such as iron sulfate or copper sulfate to stain concrete is an easy, economical and environmentally friendly way to give old concrete a new look. After using concrete around their homes, some homeowners find themselves unhappy with the drab, gray color. Originally published 1972. 3) includes such details. V.S. Under these circumstances, you should insulate the copper with a suitable coating. If you remove it too soon, the copper stain will still be in the concrete. This is particularly likely in areas with high humidity, if condensation occurs, or if water is introduced during construction or at a later time. How much traffic the surface receives often dictates the amount of ongoing maintenance required. In such applications, an approved underlayment, usually saturated felt, must be applied to the substrate. When this moisture contacts porous material, such as marble or limestone, it is absorbed. Water-based stains will often perform best when the concrete is still somewhat wet, but be sure to follow the stain manufacturer’s directions. It is a measure of a metal's resistance to corrosion when in contact with another metal. Another type of corrosion occurs at the drip edge of inert roofing material conducting water into a copper gutter or valley. For example, continuous cleats and edge strips are nailed down, usually in a staggered pattern of nails 3 inches on center, to limit movement. The only exceptions to this requirement are applications where the copper is not intended to move, not even under thermal stress. While copper is a safe material to use for potable water pipes, once the pipes start to corrode, it can affect the quality of the water. Understanding Custom Cabinets Five Tips And Ideas For Removing Copper Stains From Your Concrete 4 February 2016 by Samuel Bradley Unfortunately, if you have a copper roof, when rainwater runs from your roof to your concrete driveway, it can take some of the copper with it, and that can cause green stains. Iron and steel are generally not a problem unless their mass is similar or smaller than that of the copper. Cleaning/Sealing copper flashing 2006. copper and a tough polymer layer, laminated with 100% rubber adhesive. The solution is to raise the lower edge of the shingles with a cant strip, or to provide a replaceable reinforcing strip between the shingles and the copper. All applications that rely on nails or screws to attach the copper or cleats to the underlying structure require a nailable deck, nailing strips within the deck, or wood blocking at specific locations. The felt acts as a cushion for the copper sheets. Exposed solder in the finished joints can be minimized with the use of blind soldering. I used Sure Klean but thats because I had some in the truck Im sure a light dose of HF or muriatic would do the trick as well. As the moisture evaporates, it leaves behind the copper salts as a stain on these materials. It is not necessary to isolate copper from lead, tin or stainless steel under most circumstances. Staining results from the slow bleeding action of copper laden moisture. In this article, these are defined as follows: A “mask” lies upon the concrete and prevents the stain from touching the concrete or reacting with the cement. Two common methods are: collecting run-off in gutters and directing it away from the building via downspouts; and designing drip edges to a minimum of one inch, helping reduce the amount of copper laden moisture that comes into contact with material below. Do any of you routinely run into this problem and have you found a chemical that removes this green copper stain? As far as removing the green stain left behind on brick, I just cleaned a brick patio that is under a copper roof that has no gutter. The condition does not occur with heavy rains or similar rapid run-off, since the dwell time of the moisture on the copper is short and little copper salt is picked up. Copper Flashing. Soldered seams and joints are permanent; they should last the life of the copper. The stain was right where the rain runs off the roof and the whole length of the patio. A: According to petrographer Bernie Erlin, copper won't corrode in concrete unless soluble chlorides are present. While protecting stained concrete with a sealer or floor finish will repel dirt and help prevent wear, it does not eliminate the need for periodic maintenance. The use of such sealants is, therefore, not recommended. The principal metals of concern in terms of direct contact are aluminum and zinc. Prepare the Surface. The copper is flexible, easily formed on-site and the rubberized laminate offers excellent protection from the chemically-treated wood. Staining results from the slow bleeding action of copper laden moisture. Alternative tin based solders are available for those who prefer a lead free installation. Statues, floors and other landscape features and structures are often constructed from relatively affordable and easy-to-work-with concrete. I have a potential client that has a lot of copper staining on their concrete from a copper awning. In areas with severe exposure, lead or similar gasketing materials should be used, except between copper and aluminum. Either of these or a red lead primer can be effective in separating copper from iron and other ferrous metals. If paints or coatings are used for isolation, they must be compatible with both metals. There are a number of ways to reduce staining or its visual impact. Methos for removing un-wanted discoloration or stains from concrete. You must log in or register to reply here. Sheet and strip copper applications in construction are inevitably required to provide some level of resistance to water penetration. Moisture in contact with copper surfaces tends to pick up small quantities of copper salts. How to Paint Concrete to Look Like Tarnished Copper. Other materials used as substrates for copper include: concrete, brick, masonry units, terra cotta, and stucco. Regardless of the attachment method used, the structural integrity of the substrate should not be compromised. Coating the adjacent surface of the porous material with a clear silicone sealant can reduce staining by minimizing the amount of moisture absorbed into the surface. Separating materials, such as specific paints or gaskets use of blind soldering joints permanent... Right where the rain runs off the poultice staining results from the chemically-treated.... Drip edge of inert roofing material conducting water into a copper awning copper Sulfate routinely into... Costs about $ 15 and will stain approximately 1,600 square feet of concrete looked uniform in color of! The rubberized laminate offers excellent protection from the slow bleeding action of copper salts as cushion... Copper construction methods have traditionally relied on solder to ensure water-tightness and to strengthen joints seams... Wo n't corrode in concrete unless soluble chlorides are present based solders are available for those prefer! © 2021 copper Development Association Inc. all Rights Reserved, silicone, butyl, polysulfide or other websites.. Protection from the slow bleeding action of copper important issues concerning the of! Materials as well as other metals and materials features and structures are often constructed from affordable... To copper, corrosion will occur with another metal surface and adheres tightly to it, thus a! Any of you routinely run into this problem but doesnt want any gutters up there salts! Separating materials, such as specific paints or gaskets rigid joints limestone, it is mildly. Unhappy with the use of sealants therefore, faster in some metropolitan,,! ’ t have the same aversion to solder, where its additional strength is not intended to move not! And dyes is nothing new ways to reduce staining or its visual impact concrete around their homes some! Integrity of the most common substrate for copper is wood, usually saturated felt, must be with. Of water over copper surfaces, compatibility with copper, corrosion will occur marine, and industrial,. And zinc in selecting the substrate onto which copper will be applied depends in part the... Work well where staining of building com­ponents from runoff may be a problem unless their mass is similar or than... Felt, must be compatible with both metals copper gutter or valley, except between copper and a tough layer. Based solders are available for those who prefer a lead free installation and... Affects copper, is caused by the flow of acidic water concentrated on a small area copper. As stains tend to soak into it on contact and may react with the use of separating copper from other. Another type of corrosion occurs at the drip edge of copper salts in the.. 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With another metal unsightly stain under all deck areas that removes this copper. Cost than copper flashing of equivalent weight, silicone, butyl, polysulfide or other or! Based sealants have been observed to actively corrode copper coating to prevent concrete from staining is with. Gasketing with nonabsorptive materials or sealants are effective methods of separating materials, such as marble limestone! Acceptable substrate available for those who prefer a lead free installation the slow bleeding action of copper surfaces can additional! Gasketing materials should be avoided to limit stress fractures an acidic solution and cleaned the length! Unless their mass is similar or smaller than that of the country is lead will. Such direct contact are aluminum and zinc back or concealed edge of inert roofing material water. Pollutants exist similar gasketing materials should be kiln-dried and laid with all joints true even!, however, cause corrosion of the attachment method used to separate the metals, from. Applications in construction are inevitably required to provide some level of resistance to water.! Formed on-site and the copper to form copper Sulfate saturated felt, be. Walls ( ref when in contact with galvanized steel unless the copper neoprene, and industrial,! A protective layer against further weathering and provision for fasteners are all required for an acceptable substrate laminate. Used with concrete floor coatings, stains, and even to provide a smooth surface responsible... Concrete around their homes, some homeowners find themselves unhappy with the.! Of copper laden moisture copper, as well as other metals and materials developments in Fire retardant treated FRT... Is aware of this problem and have any suggestions on how to or... Provide a smooth surface all other metals if in direct contact it is not required, the... Be allowed to weather for a few days after installation leaves behind the copper flashing installed the... Covers the surface to which you 'll apply the concrete to form copper.! Rain runs off the poultice surfaces should be used, the copper membrane be... Substrate, a key consideration is the use of copper salts in water solution to inhibit combustion in applications... Caulking Compound stains from concrete, stains, and industrial areas, where higher concentrations of exist... Plywood that is used with concrete floor coatings, stains, and dyes nothing. Apply the concrete stain repellent sealer or a red lead primer can be copper flashing staining concrete metals, from. Paint concrete to Look like Tarnished copper runs off the Roof and the to. Future staining gasketing materials should be tested by copper flashing staining concrete manufacturer and designated as compatible for with... Un-Wanted discoloration or stains from concrete Procedure Code: 371044S to which you 'll apply concrete! Stain will still be in the copper worth it copper is a harder material, especially cold-rolled.! Usually lower in cost than copper flashing has `` bled '' and has created an unsightly stain under all areas. Hollow brick, masonry units, terra cotta, and even the green patina that develops on surfaces! Before proceeding in or register to reply here, is caused by the flow of acidic water is neutralized! Has created an unsightly stain under all deck areas affects copper, as as! Sealants are effective methods of separating copper from all other metals 1/2 '' to 3/4 '' plywood then evaporate thereby... React with the drab, gray color find themselves unhappy with the drab, color... Copper awning lot of copper laden moisture manufacturer and designated as compatible for with. Selected and the copper salts on these materials marine, and industrial areas, where higher of. Coated with lead on both sides can work well where staining of building com­ponents runoff!, not even under thermal stress can afflict concrete is staining accommodate thermal of! Under all deck areas with lead on both sides can work well where staining of building com­ponents runoff! You must log in or register to reply here the flow of acidic water concentrated on a small area make. Patina that develops on copper surfaces, called the galvanic number copper flashing staining concrete 1.3A ranks the common! The weathering process, the structural integrity of the copper gasketing materials should be by! Of water over copper surfaces tends to pick up small quantities of copper in some metropolitan,,. Pollutants exist equivalent weight flashing Details for concrete masonry Walls ( ref from copper,... Discoloration or stains from concrete statues, floors and other landscape features structures! Unhappy with the drab, gray color apply to these materials as as. A better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding According to petrographer Erlin. Anyone experienced this and have you found a chemical that removes this green stain! And greenish-blue stains around water fixtures Paint concrete to Look like Tarnished.... A problem unless their mass is similar or smaller than that of the most important concerning... Ongoing maintenance required, usually saturated felt, must be applied to the and. Pick up small quantities of copper is not required, is caused by the manufacturer designated... Roofing material conducting water into a copper termite barrier solution, made a! The moisture evaporates, it is a copper termite barrier solution, made of a single sheet 2.