Efflorescence

Efflorescence is a crystalline deposition of salt frequently seen on the surface of concrete, brick and natural stone surfaces. Efflorescence is the white chalky powder that might find on the surface of a concrete or brick wall.

Efflorescence alone does not pose a major problem, but it can be an indication of moisture intrusion, which may compromise the structural material. Building materials, such as concrete, wood, brick and stone, are porous materials. The ground in which these materials can come into contact also contain salts.

Causes of Efflorescence

A soluble salt : A variety of salts and salt-forming chemicals can be present in masonry. They include an array of sulphates and silicates and even ordinary table salt, sodium chloride. An alkali, such as calcium hydroxide (lime), can form a salt when exposed to air.

Water : Moisture is the medium that carries the salt to the surface of the masonry.

Channels :  Concrete and bricks have microscopic pores. These tiny channels allow water to move by wicking action. If the moisture reaches the surface and evaporates, it leaves behind the dissolved salts as efflorescence.

Sources for entering moisture can be :

Ø  Porous quality to attract water from outside or rain water directly entering through pores.

Ø  Cracks in the wall.

Ø  Existence of voids in brickwork.

Ø  Leakage of soil, waste water or rain water pipeline, water supply pipeline etc.

Ø  Existence of small trees and plants on the brick wall.

Ø  Non-existence of damp proof course.

Prevention from Efflorescence

Ø  Use “Low slump Concrete”, high quality of concrete that hold minimal water. Minimize its porosity.

Ø  Water that are using in concrete mix make sure that it is salt-free in addition to that sand and gravel which are used should be washed. Using Fly ash helps to reduces water and cement requirement and that tends to minimize efflorescence.

Ø  Utilize sealer or paint that will minimize efflorescence.

Ø  Keeping a concrete slab wet and covered with plastic while curing makes it denser and leaves fewer channels through which salts can wick to the surface.

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