Efflorescence on walls

What is Efflorescence?

Efflorescence is a deposit of salts, usually white, formed on a surface, the substance having
emerged in solution from within either concrete or masonry and subsequently precipitated
by evaporation. Severe efflorescence in these materials may even put their soundness and
structural integrity at risk.

How does it occur?

It occurs most readily in porous concrete and masonry near the surface. Efflorescence is not
usually damaging, but it is aesthetically undesirable. Efflorescence of gypsum occurs as a
foggy white deposit on the surface of clay bricks.

Efflorescence occurs when water reacts or mixes with masonry materials to move salts to
the element's surface. In some cases, the water reacts with the masonry components to
create free salts and other cases.

Due to saltwater use during construction and rains, the salts (like sulphates or magnesium,
sodium and calcium carbonate) present in the wall get dissolved. On evaporation, the
previously absorbed water and salts appear on walls as crystallized patches or a layer of
white powder.

It is formed when water reacts with the natural salts contained within the construction
material and mortar. The water dissolves the salts, which are then carried out and deposited
onto the surface by the natural evaporation that occurs when air comes into contact with
the surface of the wall or floor.

It sometimes also occurs due to any source of moisture, like any leakage in attached or
associated areas.
Why does efflorescence happen on plaster and painted surface?

Efflorescence and wash-out of lime typically occur on masonry units. During wetting, rain
runs off the masonry surfaces and cause excessive wetting of the mortar joints. It facilitates
the dissolution of lime in the pore water of the mortar joints and prevents carbonation of
this lime.

The presence of salt in the lime, cement, sand, bricks and sometimes even in water used in
construction work causes efflorescence on the plaster surface. After completion of
plasterwork and when it becomes completely dry, soluble salts dissolved by moisture are
drawn to the surface through pores. These soluble salts absorb moisture from the
atmosphere, and on drying, they get deposited in patches in the form of a white crystalline
substance. The surface appears disfigured by ugly damp patches of efflorescence. This
defect gradually disintegrates the structure. It is generally temporary as it disappears during
wet weather and reappears during dry weather.

Efflorescence damages any paintwork or wallpaper that you put over interior walls affected
by efflorescence. However, this build-up of salts on the wall's surface is a sign that the wall
has been wet, so you will need to check what has caused the damp that has led to the
efflorescence. It could be wet due to extremely high humidity levels.

How to prevent efflorescence in buildings?

Most efflorescence can be washed away by high-pressure water. Efflorescence can be

limited or prevented through proper drainage and concrete sealers. The use of lime and
GGBS (Ground Granulated Blast furnace Slag) in mortar mixtures would effectively eliminate
efflorescence in masonry structures.

Efflorescence may occur within the first year of a new construction project. Some points to
prevent efflorescence in the building:

 The use of damp proof courses should be made wherever necessary.

 Only burnt bricks and clean water (free from salts) should be used.
 The masonry or plastered works should be well protected at night and during rain to
exclude extra water.

Solution

It should be recognized that there must be water or moisture present to dissolve and/or
transport these salts, so the source of the moisture needs to be detected and treated first.

Efflorescence will only stop forming when the migration of moisture through the substrate
stops. Unless the source of the water or moisture causing the efflorescence is traced and
eliminated (if possible), the salts will likely continue to reappear over time. Failure to
remove the source of water ingress allows more efflorescence to form, resulting in
subsequent damage to the existing painted surface. For detecting the source of moisture,
you can hire a professional who uses advanced thermal imaging (covered in my earlier
articles) to detect it.
For efflorescence affected walls, products of manufactured by construction chemical
manufacturers can be applied on the surface to seal the surface.

Conclusion

Efflorescence is indeed a potential hazard to brick and masonry-based buildings. If

efflorescence not treated at the right time, will be leading to various damages like paint
deterioration, disintegration of masonry & plaster and damage to associated areas. This will
create unhealthy living conditions for residents and add extra cost due to repairs. Severe
efflorescence in these materials may even put their soundness and structural integrity at
risk due to continuous dampness.