Efflorescence

Efflorescence is a calcium or alkaline salt which forms as a blotchy, powdery or crystalline deposit on the surface of masonry walls and concrete products. It is due to moisture entering through the walls or the surface of the Cast Stone, coming with the calcium hydroxide in the cement and bringing the hydroxide to the surface in a solution which forms crystals when it combines with the carbon dioxide in the air.

Efflorescence is unsightly and is usually a source of disagreement between builders and architects as to why it occurs and what should be done about it when it appears. It is not always possible to predict whether masonry will have efflorescence. Soluble salts and moisture must be present for efflorescence to occur. These salts may be present in the concrete, mortar, brick, or Cast Stone. They may be carried into the wall with rainwater or absorbed by ground water. Planter areas and water table sections must be properly damp proofed to prevent wicking of ground water. Improper ground storage is a common cause of salt contamination. There is some evidence which suggests that salts can be interjected with admixtures, de-icers or with masonry cleaners. While acids are frequently used to remove efflorescence, they can contain chlorides which contribute to efflorescence. This is one reason why many buildings show signs of efflorescence shortly after wash down.

ASTM C 67 - Standard Test Methods of Sampling and Testing Brick and Structural Clay Tile - includes a wick test for ascertaining whether a brick is liable to cause efflorescence. Small specimens or cubes either molded or saw cut from Cast Stone may be evaluated by this test.

Common installation problems which can cause or enhance efflorescence include the improper use of through-wall flashing, lack of sufficient weep holes, use of Cast Stone without ventilated wythe, use of Cast Stone below grade or at planter type areas without proper moisture barrier, failure of joint materials which allow water entry and the use of hard mortar joints where sealant joints should be used. Soffit stones are particularly susceptible to efflorescence from masonry walls above and should be designed to prevent from becoming the "gutter" of the wall.

Most efflorescence is temporary and, as such, should be left alone. It most commonly occurs shortly after building wash down and during the fall and winter months when vapor transmission slows down and masonry stays damp for extended periods of time. Acid rain is a natural remover of efflorescence since most salts are highly soluble in water.

If necessary environmental considerations are taken, a dilute solution of muratic acid (5 - 10%) will remove common efflorescence as well as any carbonate of lime which may be present. Manual washing can often draw additional salts to the surface and repeat washing may be necessary, but when all of the salts have come to the surface naturally and been washed off, there will no more trouble from this cause.

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