Removing Efflorescence From Concrete Block Walls

If you notice a white powdery film on your basement walls efflorescence is likely the culprit.

Removing efflorescence from concrete block walls.

Before sealing a concrete block wall it s important to remove any white efflorescence using an efflorescence remover such as quikrete efflorescence rust remover. Give your concrete surface a thorough rinse. Removing efflorescence can be quick and simple. If you are working with an outdoor surface you can carry out this step with a garden hose.

Joe nasvik an example of extreme efflorescence. The chalky white substance so often found on old brick cement or cinder block walls is efflorescence. Concrete can be stained when salts and other materials will come off the concrete surface. Contents causes for formation.

The concrete was placed colored and stamped shortly before winter. It s an alkaline substance composed of salts and minerals from the concrete itself in. Art restorers in valencia spain were able to erase efflorescence from 17th century frescoes by antonio palomino in the church of santos juanes by using special bacteria selected to eat the salts and glue residue on the art. To clean efflorescence off brick it is crucial to complete this task in warm dry weather.

The first step in removing efflorescence is to vigorously rinse the concrete with water. The technique part of a three year restoration project that began in 2011. Efflorescence typically shows up better on darker concrete and occurs when the salts and other materials in the concrete make their way to the surface. In fact efflorescing salts are water soluble which means efflorescence may disappear on its own due to normal weathering.

You will need a bucket filled with warm water liquid dish soap sponge clean cloth paint or bristle brush dry cloth protective goggles and a fan. The extended period of water movement through the concrete to the surface brought chemicals to the surface where they combined with carbon dioxide from the air to produce calcium carbonate the white chemical you see in this photo. It is caused when water soluble salts are present in the concrete material which comes on to the surface while evaporation of water from the concrete. The stains are normally white and are present in darker colors more than white or pale colors due to the contrast created by the chemical reaction.

Efflorescence will be triggered by low temperatures humidity condensation and rain. This can diminish the appearance of your basement walls. Once the wall has been cleaned apply a waterproofing sealer to prevent more moisture from coming through the wall. Efflorescence in concrete is a whitish coloured powdered deposition of salts on the concrete surface that is formed due to evaporation of water from the concrete.

To remove efflorescence from your concrete block walls you will need a few handy tools and ingredients.