Contact a basement waterproofing professional like JES Foundation Repair when you notice the signs of efflorescence. Proactive measures prevent further damage and expensive repair costs.
Materials commonly used as backings or inner wythes of masonry walls, such as concrete and concrete masonry units (CMUs) may contain large quantities of soluble salts. As with mortar, the cement in concrete and concrete products is the principal contributor to efflorescence.
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.
Remove the efflorescence and all other loose material with a wire brush, power brush, or low-pressure washing, and then thoroughly rinse the surface. If the surface is highly alkaline, wash with a mild solution of H&C Concrete Etching Solution or Muriatic Acid. Painting should be delayed if efflorescence continues.
Costs range from $150 to $850 for efflorescence repair.
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.
While efflorescence itself is not harmful to your foundation, it can be a sign of a more serious problem. The presence of efflorescence indicates that water is entering your foundation and carrying these salts to the surface. If left untreated, this water infiltration can cause damage to your foundation over time.
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.
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%).
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.
How much does it cost to remove efflorescence? A cleaning service or a handyman may charge about $100-200 to remove efflorescence from the surface of a small area. However, the efflorescence could be a sign of a more serious problem.
Over many years of trial and error, City Clean has developed a system to remove Efflorescence safely and effectively. We use a nontoxic, environmentally friendly, safe, and effective blasting system to remove build up.
High psi cleaning can remove efflorescence; however, you need to be careful not to use psi levels that are too high as that can make the situation worse and actually make the surface more permeable. Stick to no more than 2,500 psi for this job.
Texture and Appearance: Efflorescence appears as a white or grayish powdery deposit on the surface of the affected material. It is often found in a crystalline or salt-like pattern. No Health Risks: Unlike mold, efflorescence does not pose direct health risks as it is not a living organism.
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.
We were told a diluted CLR solution would work. We tried this and it was a lot of work to scrub the surface clean of the residue and you have to be sure to rinse immediately because technically CLR is not for painted surfaces.
You will still use hydrochloric acid to eat away the efflorescence however because the tile is super porous you need to be mindful to ensure that surface is sufficiently wet not just before you apply the acid but during the application as stone and concrete will start absorbing the water initially applied which will ...
How do I permanently get rid of it? If you wish to remove efflorescence, you can consider using a specialized efflorescence remover. These products are specifically formulated to dissolve efflorescence and remove dirt from paving stones and concrete surfaces without causing discoloration or damage.
Once your concrete has dried, you can use either bleach or muriatic acid to remove efflorescence from your concrete sidewalk or driveway.
Painted surfaces already damaged by efflorescence must NOT be repainted until the source of the moisture is identified and eliminated or blocked (by waterproofing). It may be necessary to engage the services of a qualified waterproofing specialist.
Efflorescence must be removed before applying a penetrating sealer.
In these cases, water repellency is critically important. In these situations, use LastiSeal Brick & Concrete Sealer for an unbeatable 15-years of protection, or go for DryWay Water-Repellent Sealer, which is a DOT approved silane/siloxane water-repellent. Efflorescence is a very common and controllable condition.
While efflorescence itself doesn't directly damage structures, its presence often signals underlying issues like water intrusion, plumbing leaks, or high humidity. These can lead to more significant problems like foundation weakening, wall cracks, mold growth, and wood rot.
If you see a white powdery substance (as you will see below), it is natural salts present in the masonry and is the biggest enemy of any waterproofing job. The white powdery substance is efflorescence, and you want to neutralize it with DRYLOK Etch which is much safer than muriatic acid.
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.