I did a google search on this topic and didn't find an answer, so apologies if this question has been asked a million times before.
We recently had some brick and flagstone patio installed in addition to our existing flagstone patio. The brick near the firepit and built in BBQ that were installed at the same time has some efflorescence, presumably from the concrete leaching into it (from the BBQ/firepit installs). The mason tried to clean it with muriatic acid, but it didn't work. I know about the efflorescence treatments and plan to try that. Is that the best way to deal with this problem?
After getting the brick clean, we want to seal the brick and flagstone. What is a good brand of sealer? I know to avoid Thompson's. We would like the wet look. Will this make the surface slippery to walk on?
Also, one of the newly installed flagstones is flaking. Is this a problem that requires the piece to be replaced? None of the others are doing this, including the already existing ones.
Thanks a million for any advice.