Efflorescence is white, yellow, or brown, while mold can be any color.
Both can cause damage to your home, but there are some key differences between the two. Efflorescence is a white powdery substance that can form on surfaces when water evaporates. Mold, on the other hand, is a type of fungus that can grow in damp areas.
Efflorescence is a salt deposit caused by salty water seeping through concrete, brick, or stone. When the water evaporates, it leaves behind a white crystalline substance similar in appearance to this type of mold. Yet, unlike white mold, efflorescence does not pose health risks and does not grow or spread.
Ultimately, efflorescence itself isn't dangerous. However, it can lead to potential moisture problems that can cause structural damage to building materials. That means if you find efflorescence in the basement or on concrete and other structures, it's important to take action.
As the water evaporates, it leaves the salt behind, which forms a white, fluffy deposit, that can normally be brushed off. The resulting white deposits are referred to as "efflorescence" in this instance.
Efflorescence itself isn't dangerous or harmful, but it can lead to potential moisture problems, which can lead to mold issues. Mold is a fungus, while efflorescence is moisture that evaporates into salt deposits.
Once the water source is eliminated, most efflorescence (also called Calcium Carbonate or limestone) can be removed with abrasive techniques. Dry brushing, light water blasting or light sandblasting followed by flushing with clean water. In large areas, rotary scrubbers with scrubbing pads may also be used.
Hydrochloric acid eats efflorescence. Wet the surface down first so that the acid is not absorbed into either the tile if it is concrete or stone or grout as it will bleach the pigmented grout.
The Extent of the Issue: A small amount of efflorescence might not be a deal-breaker, but extensive or recurring efflorescence could indicate significant moisture problems.
Can a Dehumidifier Help? The truth is that a dehumidifier does nothing to counter or reverse the effects of efflorescence on your crawl space walls. This device will only help you dry out the crawl space air so moisture won't build up and cause condensation, mold growth, rust, and other problems.
Because of the risks that come with mold exposure, it can be unsafe to sleep in a house with mold, particularly in the affected areas because you put yourself at risk of mold allergies. This becomes especially concerning if you are sensitive to the mold.
Efflorescence is often seen as a white fluffy deposit of salt crystals on cementitious (e.g. masonry) wall surfaces. Efflorescence depends on the presence of salt and moisture, and the growth of crystals will continue as long as both are present.
A water infiltration or efflorescence problem that is not taken care of can result in serious structural and even health problems. Molds love humidity and some types of efflorescence can be very damaging to the human respiratory system.
Efflorescence itself is not harmful to human health. It is a natural process that occurs when water evaporates from concrete, masonry, or other porous surfaces, leaving behind salt deposits on the surface.
Indications of Moisture
Efflorescence (which means "to flower out" in French) is the dissolved salts deposited on the surface of a porous material (such as concrete or brick) that are visible after the evaporation of the water in which it was transported.
In most cases, it's simply an aesthetic issue, and removal is optional. The only time you should really be concerned about efflorescence is if it's accompanied by other issues, like brick spalling, which is indicative of a more severe water damage problem.
The easiest way to differentiate between the two is via a water test. Spray a small quantity of water on the suspected substance. Efflorescence will quickly dissolve, while mold growth will remain. The mold growth will likely mat down a bit, so look carefully for lingering material.
A stiff scrubbing brush and a dry brushing technique will remove the efflorescence. Muriatic acid can be used for efflorescence removal, but it poses risks such as discolouration and potential surface damage. Consider safer commercial solutions.
The acidity in the vinegar helps remove the efflorescence and calcium deposits by breaking down mineral crystals. After cleaning the surface, let dry for 48-72 hours (moisture content below 25%).
Give us a call at 832-294-5462 or contact us online if you find efflorescence or other signs of water damage in your California home.
The application of DRYLOK® Wet Wall Bonding Primer will minimize the reoccurrence of efflorescence when the surface is properly treated. Patch all holes and cracks with DRYLOK® Fast Plug®.
Managing water movement in and out of your concrete and masonry is generally the easiest and most cost-effective means to control efflorescence. This can be accomplished by sealing your concrete, bricks, and masonry to prevent water from being absorbed.
Power Washing
We get this question a lot: “Can't we just power wash it?” Yes, you can certainly try. However, spraying efflorescent deposits with a power washer is the least effective way to remove the white stains from your brick and mortar.
In all but very extreme cases, efflorescence will stop as capillaries in the stone become blocked by crystallized salts. Once the process stops, the white deposits will eventually wear off with use and exposure.