Effects of efflorescence is damp wall leading to various damages like unhygienic conditions, decay, dry rot of woodwork, disintegration of masonry, damage to furniture and internal decorations, crumbling of plaster, etc.
Unlike white mould though, efflorescence does not pose any health risks and won't grow or spread. To tell whether a substance is white mould or efflorescence, the affected surface should be checked. If it's masonry, it's efflorescence.
These issues can adversely affect the health of occupants of the building. Permanent moisture issues that are causing efflorescence will also eventually weaken the structural integrity of the substrate. A constant reduction in the salt content of the substrate will eventually leave the substrate weak and sandy.
Efflorescence occurs when water soluble salts travel to the concrete surface. The mineral salts might be a result of the cement hydration reaction or can come from many other sources like sulphate rich sand. Porous concretes, masonry and mortars will be more susceptible to the migration of salts to the surface.
The efflorescence will progressively worsen with time. In severe cases, the salt solution can travel down the face of the wall, leaving a trail of mineral salts. Other problems are discoloration of the concrete, the proliferation of mould, moss, mildew and other organic growth, and persistent, musty smells.
Efflorescence is the process by which salt migrates to the surface of a porous material where it forms a coating. Found on walls and other brick, stone or concrete surfaces, it occurs when evaporating water leaves behind salt deposits on the masonry and appears as a white powdery substance.
CAUSES OF EFFLORESCENCE
Simply stated, efflorescence occurs when water containing dissolved salts is brought to the surface of masonry, the water evaporates and the salts are left on the surface.
Efflorescence, it is not a structural, but rather an aesthetic building concern. Efflorescence and water-proofing failure are common problems in the construction industry. Concrete materials such as tile beds, adhesives, grout, concrete and render are all ordinarily porous.
A typical efflorescence is formed by calcium carbonate (CaCO3). In more rare cases efflorescence of other salts, such as gypsum derived from carbon dioxide induced destabilization of ettringite, may occur (Brocken and Nijland 2004).
The best protection against efflorescence and water damage is to use a penetrating sealer to make the surface entirely waterproof. The products we recommend using are a masonry sealer such as Resistain or Shower Plug.
While efflorescence itself isn't harmful, it is a warning sign of a water seepage issue that needs to be addressed. With time, water intrusion will lead to mold and mildew. When airborne, mold spores can trigger allergies and respiratory issues, particularly in individuals with sensitivities.
Unlike mold, efflorescence isn't normally harmful to human health, but it can cause mild irritation if inhaled or if it comes in contact with the eyes. Even so, efflorescence doesn't usually float freely in the air as dust. Pressurized water can dissolve efflorescence and clean away the mineral deposits.
Efflorescence itself is not a health problem. However, it is an indication of the building's failure to properly manage water. Therefore, if efflorescence is present, there is a significant chance of mold growth or other moisture issues may be present.
In the vast majority of case efflorescence will natural disperse though use and exposure to the elements and will disappear over a period of a couple of months, without the need for any additional cleaning.
Efflorescence on pavers will eventually stop on its own after the salts in the pavers have dissipated.
No! Mold is a fungus, and efflorescence only occurs when moisture evaporates and leaves behind salt deposits. Mold is a type of fungus that consists of small organisms found almost everywhere. And according to WEBMD, They can be black, white, orange, green, or purple.
Efflorescence from masonry (concrete, render, brick or plaster) that appears as white alkaline salts on the surface, consists mainly of calcium carbonate.
Efflorescence can be white, yellow, or brown, depending on the salt composition. It will be powdery, and smell vaguely like sea water- salty or briny. Mold can be virtually any color, and smells musty or earthy.
A conventional chemical cleaner that has been used for removing efflorescence is muriatic acid in a mild solution, usually one part muriatic acid (hydrochloric acid, HC1) to 12 parts water. Several mild individual applications are better than one overpowering dose.
Efflorescence is serious and should be fixed!
In most cases it is advanced secondary efflorescence known as calcium leaching, a visible defect and a failure of waterproofing and tiling techniques that if not addressed will worsen and is likely to eventually fail.
A few major differences between efflorescence and mold growth: Mold grows, efflorescence doesn't. Mold can grow on just about any surface, whereas efflorescence doesn't spread. Mold is a fungus, whereas efflorescence is moisture that evaporates into salt deposits.
You can treat efflorescence on internal walls using a special product called salt neutraliser. This product is designed to stop the salts reacting with water and can be used on bare plaster, stone, brick or render – not over paint or wallpaper.
Vinegar and water solution—Efflorescence can be removed by using a dilute solution of household white vinegar and water. A vinegar and water solution is relatively inexpensive, non-toxic, and easy to obtain, mix and apply. Dilution ratio is 20–50% vinegar in water by volume.
Is White Mold Dangerous? Make no mistake, white mold has its health risks, but it's just as dangerous as any other color of mold. Continued exposure to any kind of mold can pose a serious threat to your health with symptoms including headaches, nausea, dizziness, allergies, and respiratory infections.
As efflorescence is brought about by moisture within your masonry, it is safe to assume that its presence is indicative of damp in your walls. It's here that we can say with confidence that whilst your efflorescence isn't going to cause you any major problems – the damp, if left untreated, most certainly will.