You should always go to my AsktheBuilder website when you have questions. I have many columns about this topic there. Use my search engine. SPELL EFFLORESCENCE correctly to find them. Be sure to sign up for my newsletter while you're there. FREE tips each week.
That's exactly what I thought that was! The issue is when people panic! Great video, you are correct, better to broom off then rinse so you can get rid of the bit of salt that came to the surface 😀
Thanks! You might want to do two things: 1. Subscribe to my FREE newsletter at www.AsktheBuilder.com 2. Start watching my LIVE streaming videos! Lots of fun and you get to ask me questions in real time. Be sure to turn on NOTIFICATIONS about when I go LIVE.
I have been dealing with soil moisture seepage through a foundation of a 1943 home, for a couple of months now. I am so glad that I did not get out the bucket and brushes and add more moisture. I am running a fan and a dehumidifier 24 hours and the moisture collection is lessening. Thank you for this video.
Thanks! You might want to do two things: 1. Subscribe to my FREE newsletter at www.AsktheBuilder.com 2. Start watching my LIVE streaming videos! Lots of fun and you get to ask me questions in real time. Be sure to turn on NOTIFICATIONS about when I go LIVE.
Thanks for the explanation. I have lived in Florida for 6 years and have concrete driveway which is painted grey. There is a low spot about 1 sq. ft. where the paint has failed, so it is bare concrete and water puddles there. Just a few months ago, these white growths started appearing for the first time, and I could swear that it was a living organism of sorts getting started. It behaves like you described. I've tried all kinds of mold/mildew removers which work for a day or two, then it is back with a vengeance....relieved to know that it probably not alive and is harmless.
Thank god for people like you that take their time and educate others in this fashion. You literally just calmed me down from a panic attack. My basement flooded last week and I am just now starting to see this white substance on my cement floor and cement walls. Instantly thought it was a form of mold that was white in color. After watching your video, I can safely say it is not mold and efflorescence instead. Thank you good sir
Michael, you're most welcome. You can repay the favor by doing two simple things: Subscribe to my FREE AsktheBuilder.com newsletter - just go to my website, and pass the word about my website to all you know. That traffic is what provides the needed revenue to make all these videos.
At first when I saw efflorescence on my garage floor, I thought it was salt. So I brushed it away. But it kept coming back and I found it to grow to half inch easily, I became convinced it was fungus! Glad to know I can put it on my food safely. Thanks
My parents house, built 17 years ago, all concrete. It has that stuff growing like crazy on certain sides of the house, usually under the Windows and close to the ground. Thanks for clearing it up.
I have this stuff forming at the top edge of a stainless steel entrance gate that is under a 5 yr old new concrete layer laid on a porch for granite tiles. The efflorescence is thick and hard as stone. Do you have any suggestions for removing without damaging or staining the stainless steel?
Careful scraping so you only touch the mineral deposit and not the SS. Then you can try white vinegar. I'm happy to give detailed how-to instructions via a phone call: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
thank you! The salt water that drips from our wetsuits must be causing this to grow in the cracks in our garage floor. i thought it was mold, but i am so glad i found your video.
Thanks! You might want to do two things: 1. Subscribe to my FREE newsletter at www.AsktheBuilder.com 2. Start watching my LIVE streaming videos! Lots of fun and you get to ask me questions in real time. Be sure to turn on NOTIFICATIONS about when I go LIVE.
Thanks, Tim! We just spent thousands pavers for the patio/pool deck. Looked great for the first 2-3 weeks and then the haze came. I asked about it, assuming it was concrete dust from the pool remodel but all this finger pointing started happening. Everybody is trying to figure it out and fix my issue (or make me go away - lol). Your explanation makes perfect sense. So thank you! One question though...we have this beautiful new pool and paver patio and I’d hate to have to wait a year to naturally make this go away. Should we endure the cloudy look? Or best the wait a year then clean and seal? I’m finding efflorescence cleaners online, but questioning if we should do that and seal now - or wait it out. Let me know your thoughts, I’d appreciate it. Thanks!
After mopping the surface a billion times Ive finally realised that sweeping is a much better solution though I did find that the salt damaged the top of the concrete if left for too long. Have applied densi crete and will see how that goes. Thanks for the advice.
You're welcome. If you're serious about the thanks, click that *THANKS* text link under the video and maybe buy me two beers or two dips of mocha-chip ice cream.
Efflorescence comes from the pressure of water against a surface. That pressure slowly pushes water through the concrete collecting salts as it passes through. Once at the surface, the water evaporates and leaves the salts behind.
That's pretty much what I said in the video but you're not entirely correct. The salts can be harvested from the soil behind a retaining wall or under a slab. The salts can come from salt water that DROPS onto a slab and is not *forced through by pressure* as you say. Be careful about spreading half-truths on social media.
Tim thank you for another great video. I have this issue in my basement along the block walls. The Efflorescence has actually caused paint that was over the basement walls to pucker and crumble in several areas. Any tips for this type of issue? Thanks again.
We just put in an inground pool and payed tens of thousands for beautiful stamped and stained concrete around it. They built a hot tub alongside the pool that is covered with beautiful stone. When it rains, water runs down the stone and drains off of the concrete. I believe the salt or lime is coming off of those stones and rinsing down the concrete in 2 water trails, leaving efflorescence stains. It does not brush away. In fact, the only thing that removed it was a lime cleaner but it's acidic on the concrete and is starting to wear off my concrete color and sealant. Again, it's not my concrete that is producing efflorescence but the trail of water from the stacked stones (hot tub surround) draining off onto the concrete. Any ideas? I feel that it's too late to seal the stacked and mortared stones.
Tim thanks for explaining. I now understand that its my neighbors side of my cinder block retaining wall that’s causing a moisture problem on my side every few years. I keep painting it and it just chips away in chunks a year later. If I can’t fix my neighbors side wall can I put stone or something on the wall that will adhere and hide it better. I bet you’re gonna say...plant bushes
100yo house without any foundation sealing/barriors, what’s the best approach? I’ve tried drylok on the inside but a year or two it’s forming behind it.
Thank you I painted my concrete floor in a commercial space for a salon I am in the process of opening. I went back the next day and the efflorescence was in several places. I didn’t know what it was or what to do. I wiped it off with a wet mop, smh but now I know to just sweep it away. Thank you for your video.
Efflorescence is common down here in the southwest part of the U.S....... you will see these salt deposits forming on stucco homes which is the most common type of home here in New Mexico.... especially homes that are built very close to the street where rain water gets splashed onto the exterior walls. Thanks for the Tips Tim!
the moisture by cracks are likely moisture migration through the crack from ground moisture . just like you mentioned water proofing a wall... new slabs should have vapor barrier plastic underneath. i put it under 4" of gravel when possible so rebar dont ruin it and the blead water has a temporary place to sit as concrete cures and hardens. saves headaches when coating concrete and preventing efflorescence issues.
Thanks so much! You were very helpful. I have some of this on concrete in my basement, which has never ever flooded, not even a drop of water. Is it possible that it came from humidity or from the soil behind the wall?
READ all my columns about this on my website for the answer. Watch my NEW live stream videos! Subscribe to get my FREE newsletter here: www.AsktheBuilder.com
Thank you. I have a small area where the salts come through into the plasterboard and plaster. The source of the water was from a broken neighbours down pipe cutter splashing water all over the wall.
Thanks so much for this video Tim. I live in the Caribbean and saw the paint puff up and flake off. I then scraped off the paint, exposing the concrete wall in the room...a few days later, there was a white fuzz🤷🏾♀️🤯. I tried bleach and vinegar and nothing moved it... Thanks for letting me know to just brush it off. I was losing my mind over this. Thought that it was harmful to us.
Brand new pavers, right off the pallet, all of them have efflorescence. The date of the pallet is from 2021 so they sat in the stone yard for a year. You are saying don't use water to clean. The stone yard told me to use water to clean. I am bummed, because from the get go, the brownish pavers are all coated with white. How can I remove this white residue without using harsh chemicals?
Please rewatch the video. Please go to my www.AsktheBuilder.com website and READ all my past columns on this topic. It's all about patience. I also offer phone coaching before you make a GRAVE mistake. shop.askthebuilder.com/consult-tim/
Thank you very much for this I have it right against my patio cement and my stucco wall in my small patio and someone told me it was mold and I was going to pour bleach on it but now that you told me this I'll just go sweep it thank you so much for the information
My block wall wall next to the basement steps has lots of white crystaline Efflorescence. And it looks like the block is breaking down, as the crumbled grey material falls to the floor. Now that wall is on one side of the garage but no one has parked in that side of the garage for decades, and the garage floor is only rarely wet. The efflorescence is confined to a "patch" about 3' wide x 2' tall, about 3' above the basement wall. I hzve no idea where the water is coming from, in fact it is the other walls that leak water because the yard slopes down towards the house. But no such drainage issue where the affected wall is. There are no water pipes either. I'm wondering if I should drill some holes to let the water out.
Thanks Tim! If a basement has a lot of efflorescence up and down all the walls would u think that foundation needs some attention on the outside of the house like digging down and putting a better barrier to keep the moisture out?
My house was built in 1860 the inside of my mud room is brick and it is deteriorating I don’t want to use a chemical in there. The previous owners must have just painted over it because it is now coming out in big chunks along with the paint . I have high bubbles of the white power everywhere. How can I blend this safety and repaint this? Please Help Me
Lisa, I'm happy to help you. I help hundreds of RUclipsrs each year with complex issues like this. We jump on a phone call. Click or tap the following URL and read what you see there, especially what's highlighted in yellow: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
My basement never had efflorescence until I had an interior french drain installed in my basement. The water that the system allows to come in to the drains is causing efflorescence in a few areas. Can this be stopped? Can I coat something over it? I want to maybe tile my basement floor.....thanks!
I came here to ask a similar question. What did you end up doing? I want to paint my basement slab floor. Had an interior french drain installed a month ago and where the new concrete from that meets the slab, efflorescence appeared. Do i just brush it away and paint over it with like a Drylok basement floor paint or should I apply some kind of sealant atop the seam where the two concretes meet first and then paint?
I have this problem on the walkway up to my front door. When it rains, people track it into the house. I’ve been told putting a sealer on it will cause even more problems. Could I just put sealer in the area that people usually walk?
You'd be wise to get on a phone call with me before you make a grave mistake. There's far too much to type: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
Thanks for the informative video. I find the efflorescence, as you showed, where cracks are in my garage floors. I tried sealing the cracks with concrete caulk sealer & I then used a concrete waterproof sealer on the whole floor, but the efflorescence came back. Since some cracks are fine, do you think it would help if I got a grinding tool to open the cracks to where I can properly fill them all? Would it help to reseal the floor with sealer? I feel the floor needs it because it would lessen the deterioration of the floor from winter salt deposits from my car.
Cant figure out If I have white mold or efflorescence. Its coming through the stone hearth below my chimney, Where the laminate floor butts up against the stone. There is more inside the firelace area (Chimey is unused and IS damp with possible leakage) I really want it to be efflorescence and NOT effin' mold !!!! How do I tell the diff ? Help
Yes you explained what it is however it is not harmless, it destroys any surface that has long-term exposure to the salt crystals. We deal with it in Arizona all the time and masonry degradation is increased even more if the surface is sealed because it traps the salt.
Not only am I a builder, I'm a geologist. Salt will not harm rock. If it's hurting masonry or tile out there, it must be very low quality material. You've got a RUclips channel. Please shoot a video of the materials you see being harmed by the efflorescence deposits. Upload it to your channel. Come back here and then paste the URL to your video in your next reply so we can see what you're talking about.
I’m on day 3 of my declared war with what I thought was mold but it truly is just efflorescence… I should’ve looked it up before I bought every cleaning supply out there… thank you for easing my mind on how to manage it!
Karly, glad I could help. For the future, it's ALWAYS a good idea to do two things before you react: 1. Visit my www.AsktheBuilder.com website and use the search engine to see what I have about the topic 2. Tune into my LIVE stream each M-F at 4 PM Eastern time and ASK ME LIVE about whatever problem you have.
Very helpful. I would paint my wall up down from top to the bottom just to squeeze the water that contain of salt to stream down and dissolved just before another strokes and as oil would always goes upon the water maybe some types of oily paint would work
so we don't have snow here so its not road salt, but for us, its been raining non stop in Southern California for the first time in decades and now we have tons of white powder all over.
The salts are in your soils. My college degree is in geology. Once the slabs dry out, you'll just brush it away. Please click the *Thanks* text link under the video to support my efforts.
Very nice explanation. After brick masonry work when efflorecence happens should I keep the brick walls unplastered to come out the salts or plastering should be done immediately?
Simple. Go to my www.AsktheBuilder.com website and READ all my past columns about efflorescence. Or, if you want to talk to me directly over the phone to save lots of time, you have this option: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
I doubt you need a new floor. Situations like this are why I created my phone consult calls. Far far less expensive than putting in a new floor!!! shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
thank you so much' actually i have tried the internal water proofing step but didn't last very long, the salt came back after few years, trouble though the wall that has salt on it is a firewall next to my neighbor's house. so i guess i'll just brush it off for now and hope it will go away in time. thanks for the tip and hope to learn more from you in the future. God bless.
Be sure you subscribe to my FREE newsletter right here front and center: www.AsktheBuilder.com - Also, I now LIVE stream each M-F at 4 PM Eastern time at ruclips.net/user/askthebuilder
Hello Tim, I have the white build-up on rough-faced brickwork beneath DPC. However, as glorious as 'just brush it away' sounds, this stuff just ain't going to shift. As an engineer I had already determined that it was effervescence but even a steel brush has little effect. Is there any chemical or acid that will react and remove it. I am about to re-point the York stone patio and shall form a radius to the joint of patio and wall 'cos it does take a lot of water. Will waterproofing with silicone help. Anyway, thanks for video and most pleasant countenance. x limey m.
I go thru this every spring here in IL, salt brought into garage during the winter, I mop over and over and eventually it goes away, it doesn't seem like there's enough to brush, just a light haze of white salt that's been absorbed by the concrete........wish there was a easier way???
Please Please Please, any and all help would be very helpful. So I have an old home and the walls were re pointed and look amazing. But.... the actual rocks are "malting". What can I use to preserve these rocks and eliminate the dust, without taking froom the beautiful look of the stone walls? This is my basement which is utilized as a beautiful room... Please help!!
Thanks! You might want to do two things: 1. Subscribe to my FREE newsletter at www.AsktheBuilder.com 2. Start watching my LIVE streaming videos! Lots of fun and you get to ask me questions in real time. Be sure to turn on NOTIFICATIONS about when I go LIVE.
Simple. The What-To-Do steps are all in my efflorescence columns on my www.AsktheBuilder.com website. Go there, read them and sign up for my newsletter.
Hi Tim, my wife and I just purchased a newly built home near wet lands, unfortunately the garage is full of this powder like substance that leaves footprints everywhere. Theirs also a mildew smell only in the garage. Does the efflorescence accompanied with smell make it worse?
You have two different problems going on. Far too much to type and I've got questions. It requires one of my consult calls to unravel the issues. Go here: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
In the basement of my house the walls are 7 feet high the bottom two thirds are concrete and the top third is made of brick and mortar. There is a section of the brick in the corner of the wall that it is popping out and breaking apart. In this damaged area I find the efflorescence white material in the form of powder or crystals and there is no visible water, moisture or humidity on the wall, it looks totally dry. Also on the outside of the wall is the porch so there is no source of water and humidity coming from the outside. Could someone tell me why the bricks are popping out and breaking? . Also how to fix / prevent it, please
Lorenzo, I deal with complex situations like this via my phone consults. The call is FREE if you feel it's of no value. shop.askthebuilder.com/products/15-Minute-Phone-Conversation-with-Tim.html
Becky, you have several choices. You can spend hours on my www.AsktheBuilder.com reading all my concrete-repair columns. Or, I can tell you over the phone what to do in less than 15 minutes. There are several phone options here: shop.askthebuilder.com/consult-tim/
Rinse with clear water to see if it goes away. If the white comes back after the mortar dries, you've just got efflorescence going on. Read this to understand HOW to get rid of it: www.askthebuilder.com/efflorescence-removal/
Hi Tim, I’m getting this salt where my garage door comes down to the concrete, house is 4 years old and has just started to do this, my concern is my cat continues to lick it, would this be harmful?
Yes, once the source of the salt in the masonry is exhausted, it will stop. But that could be a long time. The issue is the source could be alkaline soil behind or under the masonry and that means there's an unlimited source of salt.
You say it doesn’t hurt the stone. But there are big divets in my stone.. The house 25 years old and it still keep coming up.According to you the salt should exhaust itself from coming up. I wonder when?
The divets could have been caused by ravens pecking at the stone. Or, there could have been arrows shot at the wall. If you want FREE unlimited tips like this each week, subscribe to my newsletter at www.AsktheBuilder.com
TNX for the kind words. I feel I had my day in the sun. Now there are thousands more home improvement channels and it's easy for me to get lost in all that noise. It's always great to hear from folks across the pond. I appreciate you reaching out.
Eric, I'm happy to assist. I do at least two of these per day to HELP folks like you. My most recent one a few hours ago was with a man in the Virgin Islands that needed help with a water heater vent: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
Hi Tim...Is it possible to have efflorescence on the rafters and sheething in an attic? The home is about 100 years old and has the original slate roof. I did take a brush to it and it does brush off in a very fine dust.
Okay. I was just thinking, and I know this is a long shot, but the roof of the home is sheathed with 1x12 solid planking. The slate is nailed to this planking (there is a heavy black felt paper between the slate and planking but that is mostly deteriorated). There are gaps between the planks, so I thought the efflorescence from the slate could find its way through the cracks and end up on the wood. Additionally, we've been having record rainfall here in New Jersey. Sorry for rambling here Tim, but unfortunately, I'll have to treat it as white mold if it has nothing to do with efflorescence.
I have that stuff coming through due to water outside. If I deal the inside will that stop it ? I mean obviously outside is a big issue but we’re talking about a rented space and I just need to keep it out. No I’m not a crappy landlord . I’m just a guy trying to help a friend.
So what do we do when our hotel has a pool with a rustic look? We have an old world style finish and stain. The efflorescence never turns into salt we can sweep. Its always a wet deck and is in the concrete. This stuff never seems to go away. And we have no retaining walls. Just the earth under the pool and deck.
I've been sick for quite some time. Years. This spring, I noticed a thickness in the air. My mouth tasted like dirt. I kept getting dizzy and I've been losing my hearing since last summer. My sinuses & ears feel full. With that air thickness, I started having breathing difficulties. Then I noticed a white talcum powder-like feel on everything. It feels soft, even on my skin. It has cross contaminated to my car. An environmentalist wants $1,300 to run tests & do an inspection. I googled today & found "efflorescence." I really don't have $1,300. There has to be another way. I just feel like running from my home. White powder is all over all of my contents in my entire home. Your thoughts and advice on what to do, who to contact please. I'm contemplating selling because of this.
Cyndi, I've got bad news. You'll have to SOLVE this issue. If you go to sell, the LAWS in your state will require to you DISCLOSE this defect. I can help you SOLVE the problem. It requires one of my affordable phone consult calls. I've got too many questions. Go here: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
What should I do if the efflorescence is underneath the carpeting in rooms in my house? We're starting to notice lumps of it in other rooms underneath the carpeting. In one of the rooms we've taken up the carpeting and swept it away, but it always comes back within a month especially after a Houston downpour.
Thanks for the video! Very informative...I have a quick question, if you don't mind. Can efflorescence be covered up? Say, putting a moisture barrier and then drywall over?
+Veronica Henning Veronica, I've got your answer! Just go here and read what I've written about the topic: www.askthebuilder.com/search-results/?q=efflorescence
Easy. GO READ my columns about this topic on my website. Watch my NEW live stream videos! Subscribe to get my FREE newsletter here: www.AsktheBuilder.com
Can these salt things form between window panes? I have a window with dried white stuff all over the inside of the panes. It has never changed appearance in 5 years. I didn't think it was mold because I always thought mold was black and mold grows. This has stayed the exact same way in five years. Could this be what you are describing? Thanks much
I have a rock collection at home, and I keep seeing efflorescence on the rocks and I wipe it off and clean the rocks but it keeps coming back anyway is there anything I can do about it?
Thanks. I have efflorescence coming through my block foundation that has been stuccoed...any advice on how to remove the unsightly lines from the stucco?
Hi could crystal like stuff with glitter pieces that catch on to things be on a leaf or piece of wood that’s indoors and it’s the only little item it’s on
Yes. I did this test with my fellow NH wizards just before we cast a protective spell on person, and their underwater allies, that required our protection.
Does the formation of efflorescence means that the water/ moisture presence in a "plumbing leak affected wall" has dried up now? If so, how early that wall can be re-painted? PS: Plumbing leak issue has already been fixed.
can this chemical be taken out of the cement mixture so you do have this issue? I dont see the reason for this chemical if it causes these issues. Please clarify if you can thank you
David, I have all the clarification, and more, you need in all my efflorescence articles at www.AsktheBuilder.com Go there and be amazed. Sign up for my free newsletter while you're at it.
I "feel" like where I have efflorescence that over time those areas of the concrete flake up or chip up, and now i have craters. Maybe that is from hammering or something years ago. But it continues to grow the area where there is a crater.
hi very helpfull thanks, i am buying a house and found effloresensce in basement posts, so is this something in need to be concerned about ? do i need to be worried about structural damage etc ? thx will the salt ever come out entirele from masonry and damage the masonry ? thx
Thanks! You might want to do two things: 1. Subscribe to my FREE newsletter at www.AsktheBuilder.com 2. Start watching my LIVE streaming videos! Lots of fun and you get to ask me questions in real time. Be sure to turn on NOTIFICATIONS about when I go LIVE.
I have concrete floors in my house with a latex concrete coating. The efflorescence is creating bubbles and tears in this coating! How can I resolve this issue?
Easy. Go to my website. READ all my columns about efflorescence. For unlimited free tips each week subscribe to my FREE newsletter at www.AsktheBuilder.com
Hi, I have fiber cement siding and this efflorescence is building up on them. When I wipe over with a dry cloth it knocks some of it off but does not clean it completely leaving a noticeable white marks on my brown home. Any advice for cleaning? CLR was suggested to me but I am a bit worried about using that.
+Choose2Rejuv Please visit my www.AsktheBuilder.com website. Read all of my past columns about how to clean it off. If you need personalized service, I offer that over the phone.
Can someone tell me if there is a better material to build a foundation with than concrete. As it seems concrete being so porous of a building material and does not seem to fair well in a wet climate
Sure, you can use giant granite blocks. Check out the podcast and great photo of a granite foundation in this past column of mine: www.askthebuilder.com/foundation-height/
I have white mold like patches on my indoor terracotta tiles. These appeared after a heavy continuous downpour when the floor became damp. I completely dried the floor. Dusted and brushed the fine white dust . I used damp cloth to clean. Brushed with a combo of turpentine+coconut oil with cocopeet as adviced by diff websites in restoring terracotta floors. I don't have prof equipment. Used hands to buff. The problem remains. My hands are aching. 😭🤕 Can you help? Oh I forgot to mention, I live in south India climate 12 to 24 degrees. Tks. Sudha
Thanks so much for this info! I just had new pavers put down - right before all the snow and ice last month. I think I made the mistake of sprinkling some snow melt down, as now I see this efflorescence in the area that I sprinkled. Do you recommend a particular type of salts (or should I not sprinkle anything) to melt ice?
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You should always go to my AsktheBuilder website when you have questions. I have many columns about this topic there. Use my search engine. SPELL EFFLORESCENCE correctly to find them. Be sure to sign up for my newsletter while you're there. FREE tips each week.
Thanks
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what is the asphalt solution called
thank you so much! You just saved me thousands of dollars and a lot of heart ache worrying about white mold.
I have been explaining to people for 25 years about efflorescence. That was really well worded so that people get it. Great video Thank you.
That's exactly what I thought that was! The issue is when people panic! Great video, you are correct, better to broom off then rinse so you can get rid of the bit of salt that came to the surface 😀
Thanks! You might want to do two things: 1. Subscribe to my FREE newsletter at www.AsktheBuilder.com 2. Start watching my LIVE streaming videos! Lots of fun and you get to ask me questions in real time. Be sure to turn on NOTIFICATIONS about when I go LIVE.
I have been dealing with soil moisture seepage through a foundation of a 1943 home, for a couple of months now. I am so glad that I did not get out the bucket and brushes and add more moisture. I am running a fan and a dehumidifier 24 hours and the moisture collection is lessening. Thank you for this video.
Thanks! You might want to do two things: 1. Subscribe to my FREE newsletter at www.AsktheBuilder.com 2. Start watching my LIVE streaming videos! Lots of fun and you get to ask me questions in real time. Be sure to turn on NOTIFICATIONS about when I go LIVE.
Thanks for the explanation. I have lived in Florida for 6 years and have concrete driveway which is painted grey. There is a low spot about 1 sq. ft. where the paint has failed, so it is bare concrete and water puddles there. Just a few months ago, these white growths started appearing for the first time, and I could swear that it was a living organism of sorts getting started. It behaves like you described. I've tried all kinds of mold/mildew removers which work for a day or two, then it is back with a vengeance....relieved to know that it probably not alive and is harmless.
yess, I also thought it was a fungus like creature but 'salt' is the correct term and I am relieved to hear that
Kill it with phosphoric acid. 7 to 1 water 7 to 1 phosphoric acid.
Thank god for people like you that take their time and educate others in this fashion. You literally just calmed me down from a panic attack. My basement flooded last week and I am just now starting to see this white substance on my cement floor and cement walls. Instantly thought it was a form of mold that was white in color. After watching your video, I can safely say it is not mold and efflorescence instead. Thank you good sir
Michael, you're most welcome. You can repay the favor by doing two simple things: Subscribe to my FREE AsktheBuilder.com newsletter - just go to my website, and pass the word about my website to all you know. That traffic is what provides the needed revenue to make all these videos.
At first when I saw efflorescence on my garage floor, I thought it was salt. So I brushed it away. But it kept coming back and I found it to grow to half inch easily, I became convinced it was fungus! Glad to know I can put it on my food safely. Thanks
You're welcome. You can reciprocate by clicking the *THANKS* text link under the video. Don't you feel that's a good idea?
My parents house, built 17 years ago, all concrete. It has that stuff growing like crazy on certain sides of the house, usually under the Windows and close to the ground.
Thanks for clearing it up.
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I have this stuff forming at the top edge of a stainless steel entrance gate that is under a 5 yr old new concrete layer laid on a porch for granite tiles. The efflorescence is thick and hard as stone. Do you have any suggestions for removing without damaging or staining the stainless steel?
Careful scraping so you only touch the mineral deposit and not the SS. Then you can try white vinegar. I'm happy to give detailed how-to instructions via a phone call: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
thank you! The salt water that drips from our wetsuits must be causing this to grow in the cracks in our garage floor. i thought it was mold, but i am so glad i found your video.
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Thanks Tim. I was nervous about my basement wall and was going to wash it. Now I will brush it off and vacuum. Good video!
Glad I could help
Thanks, Tim! We just spent thousands pavers for the patio/pool deck. Looked great for the first 2-3 weeks and then the haze came. I asked about it, assuming it was concrete dust from the pool remodel but all this finger pointing started happening. Everybody is trying to figure it out and fix my issue (or make me go away - lol). Your explanation makes perfect sense. So thank you!
One question though...we have this beautiful new pool and paver patio and I’d hate to have to wait a year to naturally make this go away. Should we endure the cloudy look? Or best the wait a year then clean and seal? I’m finding efflorescence cleaners online, but questioning if we should do that and seal now - or wait it out. Let me know your thoughts, I’d appreciate it. Thanks!
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After mopping the surface a billion times Ive finally realised that sweeping is a much better solution though I did find that the salt damaged the top of the concrete if left for too long.
Have applied densi crete and will see how that goes. Thanks for the advice.
You're welcome. If you're serious about the thanks, click that *THANKS* text link under the video and maybe buy me two beers or two dips of mocha-chip ice cream.
Great video, what is the best way to seal the concrete surface so this doesnt continue?
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Efflorescence comes from the pressure of water against a surface. That pressure slowly pushes water through the concrete collecting salts as it passes through. Once at the surface, the water evaporates and leaves the salts behind.
That's pretty much what I said in the video but you're not entirely correct. The salts can be harvested from the soil behind a retaining wall or under a slab. The salts can come from salt water that DROPS onto a slab and is not *forced through by pressure* as you say. Be careful about spreading half-truths on social media.
Tim thank you for another great video. I have this issue in my basement along the block walls. The Efflorescence has actually caused paint that was over the basement walls to pucker and crumble in several areas. Any tips for this type of issue? Thanks again.
Waterproof it.
We just put in an inground pool and payed tens of thousands for beautiful stamped and stained concrete around it. They built a hot tub alongside the pool that is covered with beautiful stone. When it rains, water runs down the stone and drains off of the concrete. I believe the salt or lime is coming off of those stones and rinsing down the concrete in 2 water trails, leaving efflorescence stains. It does not brush away. In fact, the only thing that removed it was a lime cleaner but it's acidic on the concrete and is starting to wear off my concrete color and sealant. Again, it's not my concrete that is producing efflorescence but the trail of water from the stacked stones (hot tub surround) draining off onto the concrete. Any ideas? I feel that it's too late to seal the stacked and mortared stones.
Dear JB. I know exactly what to do. It requires a short conversation. shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
Tim thanks for explaining. I now understand that its my neighbors side of my cinder block retaining wall that’s causing a moisture problem on my side every few years. I keep painting it and it just chips away in chunks a year later. If I can’t fix my neighbors side wall can I put stone or something on the wall that will adhere and hide it better. I bet you’re gonna say...plant bushes
Get the wall rendered. What ever colour you like. No more painting no more damp as the base coat will stop it coming through the top coat
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100yo house without any foundation sealing/barriors, what’s the best approach? I’ve tried drylok on the inside but a year or two it’s forming behind it.
The best approach is to visit my www.AsktheBuilder.com website and read ALL of my past columns on this topic.
Thank you
I painted my concrete floor in a commercial space for a salon I am in the process of opening. I went back the next day and the efflorescence was in several places. I didn’t know what it was or what to do. I wiped it off with a wet mop, smh but now I know to just sweep it away. Thank you for your video.
YW YL as we say in Morse.
Efflorescence is common down here in the southwest part of the U.S....... you will see these salt deposits forming on stucco homes which is the most common type of home here in New Mexico.... especially homes that are built very close to the street where rain water gets splashed onto the exterior walls. Thanks for the Tips Tim!
the moisture by cracks are likely moisture migration through the crack from ground moisture . just like you mentioned water proofing a wall... new slabs should have vapor barrier plastic underneath. i put it under 4" of gravel when possible so rebar dont ruin it and the blead water has a temporary place to sit as concrete cures and hardens. saves headaches when coating concrete and preventing efflorescence issues.
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thanks! i thought it was white mold.
EMNYC yeah, I got that in my garage, and also thought it was white mold. Washed my garage many times, but now I guess I know what to not do. Lol
@The Quad Father vinegar itself is comprised of salts in water, my guess is it would only make it worse.
Thanks so much! You were very helpful. I have some of this on concrete in my basement, which has never ever flooded, not even a drop of water. Is it possible that it came from humidity or from the soil behind the wall?
READ all my columns about this on my website for the answer. Watch my NEW live stream videos! Subscribe to get my FREE newsletter here: www.AsktheBuilder.com
thank you so much ...i have been spraying this thing with bleach and water , wondering why its getting worst ...you have been such a big help
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I wonder if you can drill a half inch hole in the slab and fill the void below with a sealer to prevent it from reaching the cracks
I'm sorry to say your plan is fraught with all sorts of poor assumptions about what will happen.
Thank you. I have a small area where the salts come through into the plasterboard and plaster. The source of the water was from a broken neighbours down pipe cutter splashing water all over the wall.
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Thankyou for this information. Before seeing this I thought it was some kind of mold on my tiles.
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@@askthebuilder sure 👍🏼
Thanks so much for this video Tim. I live in the Caribbean and saw the paint puff up and flake off. I then scraped off the paint, exposing the concrete wall in the room...a few days later, there was a white fuzz🤷🏾♀️🤯. I tried bleach and vinegar and nothing moved it... Thanks for letting me know to just brush it off. I was losing my mind over this. Thought that it was harmful to us.
You're very welcome. Be sure to subscribe to my FREE newsletter on the home page of www.AsktheBuilder.com
Brand new pavers, right off the pallet, all of them have efflorescence. The date of the pallet is from 2021 so they sat in the stone yard for a year. You are saying don't use water to clean. The stone yard told me to use water to clean. I am bummed, because from the get go, the brownish pavers are all coated with white. How can I remove this white residue without using harsh chemicals?
Please rewatch the video. Please go to my www.AsktheBuilder.com website and READ all my past columns on this topic. It's all about patience. I also offer phone coaching before you make a GRAVE mistake. shop.askthebuilder.com/consult-tim/
Thank you very much for this I have it right against my patio cement and my stucco wall in my small patio and someone told me it was mold and I was going to pour bleach on it but now that you told me this I'll just go sweep it thank you so much for the information
You're welcome. Be sure to start watching my LIVE streams each week.
My block wall wall next to the basement steps has lots of white crystaline Efflorescence. And it looks like the block is breaking down, as the crumbled grey material falls to the floor. Now that wall is on one side of the garage but no one has parked in that side of the garage for decades, and the garage floor is only rarely wet. The efflorescence is confined to a "patch" about 3' wide x 2' tall, about 3' above the basement wall. I hzve no idea where the water is coming from, in fact it is the other walls that leak water because the yard slopes down towards the house. But no such drainage issue where the affected wall is. There are no water pipes either. I'm wondering if I should drill some holes to let the water out.
I help folks like you solve these conundrums: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
Thanks Tim! If a basement has a lot of efflorescence up and down all the walls would u think that foundation needs some attention on the outside of the house like digging down and putting a better barrier to keep the moisture out?
Yes, that's the solution. Please READ all of the efflorescence columns at my www.AsktheBuilder.com website. Sign up for my newsletter once there.
My house was built in 1860 the inside of my mud room is brick and it is deteriorating I don’t want to use a chemical in there. The previous owners must have just painted over it because it is now coming out in big chunks along with the paint . I have high bubbles of the white power everywhere. How can I blend this safety and repaint this? Please Help Me
Lisa, I'm happy to help you. I help hundreds of RUclipsrs each year with complex issues like this. We jump on a phone call. Click or tap the following URL and read what you see there, especially what's highlighted in yellow: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
My basement never had efflorescence until I had an interior french drain installed in my basement. The water that the system allows to come in to the drains is causing efflorescence in a few areas. Can this be stopped? Can I coat something over it? I want to maybe tile my basement floor.....thanks!
I came here to ask a similar question. What did you end up doing? I want to paint my basement slab floor. Had an interior french drain installed a month ago and where the new concrete from that meets the slab, efflorescence appeared. Do i just brush it away and paint over it with like a Drylok basement floor paint or should I apply some kind of sealant atop the seam where the two concretes meet first and then paint?
I have this problem on the walkway up to my front door. When it rains, people track it into the house. I’ve been told putting a sealer on it will cause even more problems. Could I just put sealer in the area that people usually walk?
You'd be wise to get on a phone call with me before you make a grave mistake. There's far too much to type: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
What do I need to do to prep a stone foundation to paint? We do currently have efflorescence. Does the wall need to be repointed?
Thanks for the informative video. I find the efflorescence, as you showed, where cracks are in my garage floors. I tried sealing the cracks with concrete caulk sealer & I then used a concrete waterproof sealer on the whole floor, but the efflorescence came back. Since some cracks are fine, do you think it would help if I got a grinding tool to open the cracks to where I can properly fill them all? Would it help to reseal the floor with sealer? I feel the floor needs it because it would lessen the deterioration of the floor from winter salt deposits from my car.
Nancy, a sealer might help. Here's one that has everything in it that I'd look for if I was buying a concrete sealer: amzn.to/2jR8WWP
Cant figure out If I have white mold or efflorescence. Its coming through the stone hearth below my chimney, Where the laminate floor butts up against the stone. There is more inside the firelace area (Chimey is unused and IS damp with possible leakage)
I really want it to be efflorescence and NOT effin' mold !!!! How do I tell the diff ? Help
Easy. I can call you on the phone. Watch my NEW live stream videos! Subscribe to get my FREE newsletter here: www.AsktheBuilder.com
Yes you explained what it is however it is not harmless, it destroys any surface that has long-term exposure to the salt crystals. We deal with it in Arizona all the time and masonry degradation is increased even more if the surface is sealed because it traps the salt.
Not only am I a builder, I'm a geologist. Salt will not harm rock. If it's hurting masonry or tile out there, it must be very low quality material. You've got a RUclips channel. Please shoot a video of the materials you see being harmed by the efflorescence deposits. Upload it to your channel. Come back here and then paste the URL to your video in your next reply so we can see what you're talking about.
I’m on day 3 of my declared war with what I thought was mold but it truly is just efflorescence… I should’ve looked it up before I bought every cleaning supply out there… thank you for easing my mind on how to manage it!
Karly, glad I could help. For the future, it's ALWAYS a good idea to do two things before you react: 1. Visit my www.AsktheBuilder.com website and use the search engine to see what I have about the topic 2. Tune into my LIVE stream each M-F at 4 PM Eastern time and ASK ME LIVE about whatever problem you have.
Very helpful. I would paint my wall up down from top to the bottom just to squeeze the water that contain of salt to stream down and dissolved just before another strokes and as oil would always goes upon the water maybe some types of oily paint would work
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Thank you for this info. Found some on my concrete wall just today. It’s been raining a LOT lately, very humid either way since I live in the tropics.
Glad I could help! Just brush it away.
so we don't have snow here so its not road salt, but for us, its been raining non stop in Southern California for the first time in decades and now we have tons of white powder all over.
The salts are in your soils. My college degree is in geology. Once the slabs dry out, you'll just brush it away. Please click the *Thanks* text link under the video to support my efforts.
Yeah but what can I do when this happens on my house walls which is neverending and it destroys paint, it's a pain in the ass
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Very nice explanation.
After brick masonry work when efflorecence happens should I keep the brick walls unplastered to come out the salts or plastering should be done immediately?
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So what do you do if your wall is flaking? The front was repaired and French drain added. Do I keep brushing it away and eventually reseal it?
Simple. Go to my www.AsktheBuilder.com website and READ all my past columns about efflorescence. Or, if you want to talk to me directly over the phone to save lots of time, you have this option: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
For the first time I've experienced efflorescence between my floor tiles. I've tried to get it up but it seems like I'm going to need a new floor.
I doubt you need a new floor. Situations like this are why I created my phone consult calls. Far far less expensive than putting in a new floor!!! shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
would you please be able to write how to get rid of cement milk stains on architecural concrete walls?
Hah! I've alreayd fulfilled your request: www.askthebuilder.com/efflorescence-removal/
Thank so much! Which instore product would you recommend to remove efflorescence from laminate floors? Every diy mixture I've tried hasn't worked.
Elenor, please READ all my columns about the topic and you'll know what to do: www.askthebuilder.com/search-results/?q=efflorescence
@@askthebuilder I’ve clicked on this link and can’t seem to find any articles- only ads. Any tips on navigating your website? Thank you!
thank you so much' actually i have tried the internal water proofing step but didn't last very long, the salt came back after few years, trouble though the wall that has salt on it is a firewall next to my neighbor's house. so i guess i'll just brush it off for now and hope it will go away in time. thanks for the tip and hope to learn more from you in the future. God bless.
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You’re amazing. I wish I could show you my Situation with a internal brick wall I live in.
You can show me and we can talk about it: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
Our garage floor constantly seeps this stuff and where we live is quite dry. I assume that means that there’s water seeps under there.
go to my website www.AsktheBuilder.com - and read ALL about it.
Thanks Tim great tip exactly what I needed for the efflorescence on my chimney wall
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Hello Tim, I have the white build-up on rough-faced brickwork beneath DPC. However, as glorious as 'just brush it away' sounds, this stuff just ain't going to shift. As an engineer I had already determined that it was effervescence but even a steel brush has little effect. Is there any chemical or acid that will react and remove it. I am about to re-point the York stone patio and shall form a radius to the joint of patio and wall 'cos it does take a lot of water. Will waterproofing with silicone help. Anyway, thanks for video and most pleasant countenance. x limey m.
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Great work very informative had this issue with my basement legend keep up the good work
You might want to read up on efflorescence on my www.AsktheBuilder.com website.
I go thru this every spring here in IL, salt brought into garage during the winter, I mop over and over and eventually it goes away, it doesn't seem like there's enough to brush, just a light haze of white salt that's been absorbed by the concrete........wish there was a easier way???
There is an easier way. Why not do what I say to do in the video???? You're causing the problem by MOPPING!!!!
@@askthebuilder ok, I'll lay off the mopping and see if enough comes up to brush and suck up with the vac...........thanks for the advice.
Please Please Please, any and all help would be very helpful. So I have an old home and the walls were re pointed and look amazing. But.... the actual rocks are "malting". What can I use to preserve these rocks and eliminate the dust, without taking froom the beautiful look of the stone walls? This is my basement which is utilized as a beautiful room... Please help!!
Thanks! You might want to do two things: 1. Subscribe to my FREE newsletter at www.AsktheBuilder.com 2. Start watching my LIVE streaming videos! Lots of fun and you get to ask me questions in real time. Be sure to turn on NOTIFICATIONS about when I go LIVE.
Tim, what about when we build a home newly and want to avoid at the start itself?
Simple. The What-To-Do steps are all in my efflorescence columns on my www.AsktheBuilder.com website. Go there, read them and sign up for my newsletter.
Hi Tim, my wife and I just purchased a newly built home near wet lands, unfortunately the garage is full of this powder like substance that leaves footprints everywhere. Theirs also a mildew smell only in the garage. Does the efflorescence accompanied with smell make it worse?
You have two different problems going on. Far too much to type and I've got questions. It requires one of my consult calls to unravel the issues. Go here: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
In the basement of my house the walls are 7 feet high the bottom two thirds are concrete and the top third is made of brick and mortar. There is a section of the brick in the corner of the wall that it is popping out and breaking apart. In this damaged area I find the efflorescence white material in the form of powder or crystals and there is no visible water, moisture or humidity on the wall, it looks totally dry. Also on the outside of the wall is the porch so there is no source of water and humidity coming from the outside. Could someone tell me why the bricks are popping out and breaking? . Also how to fix / prevent it, please
Lorenzo, I deal with complex situations like this via my phone consults. The call is FREE if you feel it's of no value. shop.askthebuilder.com/products/15-Minute-Phone-Conversation-with-Tim.html
I have efflorescence in my garage and the concrete is deteriorating. What am I supposed to do? I am worried.
Becky, you have several choices. You can spend hours on my www.AsktheBuilder.com reading all my concrete-repair columns. Or, I can tell you over the phone what to do in less than 15 minutes. There are several phone options here: shop.askthebuilder.com/consult-tim/
Wow..!! you helped me out big time. Some of my indoor brick wall get them and i just vacuum it away. Thought it was mould 😅
Glad I could help! Get unlimited tips each week for FREE via my www.AsktheBuilder.com newsletter.
I rinsed my paver's that were set in mortar with a 10% acid solution and the mortar turned white, can i fix it?
Rinse with clear water to see if it goes away. If the white comes back after the mortar dries, you've just got efflorescence going on. Read this to understand HOW to get rid of it: www.askthebuilder.com/efflorescence-removal/
Soooo helpful and easy to follow, thank you!
Just noticed this in my crawl space on a newly constructed home. Great video home inspection pointed it out. U just explained what it was thanks.
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Hi Tim, I’m getting this salt where my garage door comes down to the concrete, house is 4 years old and has just started to do this, my concern is my cat continues to lick it, would this be harmful?
No. Animals love salt. Brush it away to minimize cat ingestion. READ all about efflorescence on my www.AsktheBuilder.com website.
Efflorescence has been taking place on our carport floors for 30 years and getting worse, so you say will eventually go away not so sure about that.
Yes, once the source of the salt in the masonry is exhausted, it will stop. But that could be a long time. The issue is the source could be alkaline soil behind or under the masonry and that means there's an unlimited source of salt.
Very helpful i am experiencing this, very good info, good job
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I get this in my garage concrete, is it a bad thing to put a floor mat over it ?
No. Mat away!
You say it doesn’t hurt the stone. But there are big divets in my stone.. The house 25 years old and it still keep coming up.According to you the salt should exhaust itself from coming up. I wonder when?
The divets could have been caused by ravens pecking at the stone. Or, there could have been arrows shot at the wall. If you want FREE unlimited tips like this each week, subscribe to my newsletter at www.AsktheBuilder.com
Thanks so much for the info! You sir are a legend! Much love from the U.K. 👍🏻
TNX for the kind words. I feel I had my day in the sun. Now there are thousands more home improvement channels and it's easy for me to get lost in all that noise. It's always great to hear from folks across the pond. I appreciate you reaching out.
What about when it seems to resist coming through the wall and forms solid bubbles? Do you hack it off?
Either that or use a light saber.
Can we cover it up with wood paneling?
You can do whatever you want. The power is always in the question. You've yet to harness this power.
Can I email you for some of your suggestion on Egyptian limestone that I am having issues.
Eric, I'm happy to assist. I do at least two of these per day to HELP folks like you. My most recent one a few hours ago was with a man in the Virgin Islands that needed help with a water heater vent: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
Hi Tim...Is it possible to have efflorescence on the rafters and sheething in an attic? The home is about 100 years old and has the original slate roof. I did take a brush to it and it does brush off in a very fine dust.
Doubtful. I don't know of alkaline salt deposits in wood.
Okay. I was just thinking, and I know this is a long shot, but the roof of the home is sheathed with 1x12 solid planking. The slate is nailed to this planking (there is a heavy black felt paper between the slate and planking but that is mostly deteriorated). There are gaps between the planks, so I thought the efflorescence from the slate could find its way through the cracks and end up on the wood. Additionally, we've been having record rainfall here in New Jersey. Sorry for rambling here Tim, but unfortunately, I'll have to treat it as white mold if it has nothing to do with efflorescence.
I have that stuff coming through due to water outside. If I deal the inside will that stop it ? I mean obviously outside is a big issue but we’re talking about a rented space and I just need to keep it out. No I’m not a crappy landlord . I’m just a guy trying to help a friend.
Please go to my website for the answer. READ all my efflorescence columns: www.AsktheBuilder.com
So what do we do when our hotel has a pool with a rustic look? We have an old world style finish and stain. The efflorescence never turns into salt we can sweep. Its always a wet deck and is in the concrete. This stuff never seems to go away. And we have no retaining walls. Just the earth under the pool and deck.
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I've been sick for quite some time. Years. This spring, I noticed a thickness in the air. My mouth tasted like dirt. I kept getting dizzy and I've been losing my hearing since last summer. My sinuses & ears feel full. With that air thickness, I started having breathing difficulties. Then I noticed a white talcum powder-like feel on everything. It feels soft, even on my skin. It has cross contaminated to my car. An environmentalist wants $1,300 to run tests & do an inspection. I googled today & found "efflorescence." I really don't have $1,300. There has to be another way. I just feel like running from my home. White powder is all over all of my contents in my entire home. Your thoughts and advice on what to do, who to contact please. I'm contemplating selling because of this.
Cyndi, I've got bad news. You'll have to SOLVE this issue. If you go to sell, the LAWS in your state will require to you DISCLOSE this defect. I can help you SOLVE the problem. It requires one of my affordable phone consult calls. I've got too many questions. Go here: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
What should I do if the efflorescence is underneath the carpeting in rooms in my house? We're starting to notice lumps of it in other rooms underneath the carpeting. In one of the rooms we've taken up the carpeting and swept it away, but it always comes back within a month especially after a Houston downpour.
Thanks for the video! Very informative...I have a quick question, if you don't mind. Can efflorescence be covered up? Say, putting a moisture barrier and then drywall over?
+Veronica Henning Veronica, I've got your answer! Just go here and read what I've written about the topic: www.askthebuilder.com/search-results/?q=efflorescence
I have efflorence on my ceramic tile after installing. I tried everything. Scrubbing, water with vinegar, etc. Any tips?
Easy. GO READ my columns about this topic on my website. Watch my NEW live stream videos! Subscribe to get my FREE newsletter here: www.AsktheBuilder.com
Can these salt things form between window panes? I have a window with dried white stuff all over the inside of the panes. It has never changed appearance in 5 years. I didn't think it was mold because I always thought mold was black and mold grows. This has stayed the exact same way in five years. Could this be what you are describing? Thanks much
Not really, but it's possible. Watch my NEW live stream videos! Subscribe to get my FREE newsletter here: www.AsktheBuilder.com
I have a rock collection at home, and I keep seeing efflorescence on the rocks and I wipe it off and clean the rocks but it keeps coming back anyway is there anything I can do about it?
Dip them in white vinegar. No more salt
Keep wiping them off.
Thanks. I have efflorescence coming through my block foundation that has been stuccoed...any advice on how to remove the unsightly lines from the stucco?
Yes. Re-watch the video again. Maybe twice. For unlimited tips like this video, subscribe to my FREE newsletter at www.AsktheBuilder.com
Hi could crystal like stuff with glitter pieces that catch on to things be on a leaf or piece of wood that’s indoors and it’s the only little item it’s on
Yes. I did this test with my fellow NH wizards just before we cast a protective spell on person, and their underwater allies, that required our protection.
Does the formation of efflorescence means that the water/ moisture presence in a "plumbing leak affected wall" has dried up now? If so, how early that wall can be re-painted?
PS: Plumbing leak issue has already been fixed.
+Aish ai Wait a minimum of 30 days.
can this chemical be taken out of the cement mixture so you do have this issue? I dont see the reason for this chemical if it causes these issues. Please clarify if you can thank you
David, I have all the clarification, and more, you need in all my efflorescence articles at www.AsktheBuilder.com Go there and be amazed. Sign up for my free newsletter while you're at it.
I "feel" like where I have efflorescence that over time those areas of the concrete flake up or chip up, and now i have craters. Maybe that is from hammering or something years ago. But it continues to grow the area where there is a crater.
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hi very helpfull thanks, i am buying a house and found effloresensce in basement posts, so is this something in need to be concerned about ? do i need to be worried about structural damage etc ? thx will the salt ever come out entirele from masonry and damage the masonry ? thx
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Thnku sir... such a knowledgable tips u had given ,from india
I have concrete floors in my house with a latex concrete coating. The efflorescence is creating bubbles and tears in this coating! How can I resolve this issue?
Easy. Go to my website. READ all my columns about efflorescence. For unlimited free tips each week subscribe to my FREE newsletter at www.AsktheBuilder.com
Hi, I have fiber cement siding and this efflorescence is building up on them. When I wipe over with a dry cloth it knocks some of it off but does not clean it completely leaving a noticeable white marks on my brown home. Any advice for cleaning? CLR was suggested to me but I am a bit worried about using that.
+Choose2Rejuv Please visit my www.AsktheBuilder.com website. Read all of my past columns about how to clean it off. If you need personalized service, I offer that over the phone.
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Good. Thanks. Though it was mold.
I have been educated! Thanks for explaining it very well.
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Thank you for that information it was very helpful.
Glad it was helpful!
Tim, I have efflorescence on some parts of the foundation of my house. Does that in some way weaken my foundation?
Nope. It's just a buildup of mineral deposits on the concrete.
Can someone tell me if there is a better material to build a foundation with than concrete. As it seems concrete being so porous of a building material and does not seem to fair well in a wet climate
Sure, you can use giant granite blocks. Check out the podcast and great photo of a granite foundation in this past column of mine: www.askthebuilder.com/foundation-height/
I have white mold like patches on my indoor terracotta tiles. These appeared after a heavy continuous downpour when the floor became damp. I completely dried the floor. Dusted and brushed the fine white dust . I used damp cloth to clean. Brushed with a combo of turpentine+coconut oil with cocopeet as adviced by diff websites in restoring terracotta floors. I don't have prof equipment. Used hands to buff. The problem remains. My hands are aching. 😭🤕 Can you help? Oh I forgot to mention, I live in south India climate 12 to 24 degrees. Tks. Sudha
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Thanks so much for this info! I just had new pavers put down - right before all the snow and ice last month. I think I made the mistake of sprinkling some snow melt down, as now I see this efflorescence in the area that I sprinkled. Do you recommend a particular type of salts (or should I not sprinkle anything) to melt ice?
Simple!!! Go now to www.AsktheBuilder.com - Type: deicing salts into my search engine and see what I have to say.
@@askthebuilder learn how to build a website would be useful that works on an iPhone