Efflorescence
Efflorescence is a term used in materials science and construction to describe a crystalline deposit of salts that can form when water is present in or on brick, concrete, stone, stucco, or other building surfaces. It appears as a white or greyish tint on the surface of materials and is especially visible on porous surfaces. Although efflorescence itself does not harm the structural integrity of a material, it can be an indicator of moisture issues that may need to be addressed to prevent damage.
Causes[edit | edit source]
Efflorescence occurs when water moving through a wall or other surface evaporates, leaving behind salt deposits on the surface. The source of the water can be groundwater, rainwater, or even humidity in the air. The salts are often naturally present in the materials used for construction, such as lime or gypsum in cement. When the water evaporates, it leaves the salt on the surface, creating the characteristic white bloom.
Prevention and Removal[edit | edit source]
Preventing efflorescence involves controlling water ingress into the material. This can be achieved through proper construction techniques, such as using water-resistant materials, applying sealants, and ensuring good drainage around structures. Once efflorescence has occurred, it can often be removed with a stiff brush and clean water. For more stubborn deposits, a diluted acid solution, such as vinegar, may be used, but care must be taken not to damage the material.
Impact[edit | edit source]
While primarily a cosmetic issue, efflorescence can indicate the presence of moisture within a structure. If left unchecked, this moisture can lead to more serious problems, such as the deterioration of the material or the development of mold. Therefore, it is important to address both the symptoms and the underlying causes of efflorescence.
See Also[edit | edit source]
This construction related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it.
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
