Removing Efflorescence - Causes & Solutions

Efflorescence, defined as the crusty deposits that form on masonry, mortar and bricks, has several causes as well as a number of solutions. Different treatment methods may prove necessary depending on which kinds of salts the deposit contains.

Is it Efflorescence?

Bricks and masonry can acquire a salty crust in several ways. One common cause actually has nothing to do with efflorescence. On some exterior walls, especially those that are close to roads, bricks and masonry can acquire a crust over the winter due to the use of road salt or calcium chloride based ice melting agents deposited on nearby surfaces. In these cases, removing the crust is sometimes as simple as washing it off with water. For more difficult stains and discolorations, many of the same solutions suitable for true efflorescence can also be used.

True Efflorescence

True efflorescence is caused by water seeping through porous or low quality concrete, masonry or bricks. The water brings the salts contained in the bricks or masonry to the surface, where they are slowly deposited as a solid crust when the water evaporates. True efflorescence can be found on both inside and outside walls, and is more common in damp locations.

Prevention

The easiest way to prevent efflorescence is to prevent water from entering the walls, or to stop seepage if you find it. Most often, this involves fixing any cracks or chinks you might find, as well as treating the surface with waterproof sealant.

Removing Efflorescence

If efflorescence has already occurred, there are several ways to address it. The three traditional methods are scraping, sandblasting and chemical treatments. Scraping and sandblasting can prove very effective; however, they are both labor intensive procedures, and can also cause undesirable damage to the brick or masonry itself. Chemical treatments such as muriatic acid (dilute hydrochloric acid in a 12:1 solution) are also quite useful, though precautions are required when using any chemical agent.

Even though efflorescence is a very unsightly problem as well as quite irritating to deal with, prevention and treatment is not as difficult as you might think.

Primers and Finishes

Masonry primer/sealer is essential and must dry completely before repainting.
Select a top quality exterior paint in the color and sheen of your choice.

Substrates, Primers

Substrate: Masonry
Primer: 247 Chem-Guard Acrylic Primer
Finish Coats: 1240 Acry-Shield Exterior Flat Finish
1245 Acry-Velvet Ext. Low Sheen Finish
1235 Seasons Ext. 100% Acrylic Flat
1236 Seasons Ext. 100% Acrylic Low Sheen

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