Preventing Efflorescence
Efflorescence itself is harmless, however it is a sign of a much larger problem. Efflorescence is a buildup of salts and minerals left behind after water has dried. Therefore, efflorescence is a sign that moisture is entering your home through either hydrostatic pressure or a leak. So even though efflorescence itself isn’t dangerous, you need to take some steps to prevent it.
How To Tell The Difference Between Mold And Efflorescence
Efflorescence can resemble mold, but there are some serious differences. First of all, efflorescence is typically all white while mold is green, blue-green, black, grey, yellow, or white. Efflorescence will also be very powdery, while mold is fuzzy, slimy, and only powdery when dead. Efflorescence tends to also be in the shape of the water leak or stain, while mold will grow in patches or chains.
How To Prevent Efflorescence Build Up
Once you have determined that your basement staining is efflorescence, you need to take some preventative measures including:
- Check the landscaping around your house to make sure it has a positive slope. A positive slope is when the grading of the land slopes away from your house. If it slopes toward your home, you may be driving water into your basement.
- Have all the cracks and holes in your basement sealed so that water cannot enter.
- Make sure there are no leaks in your basement along the walls, windows, or from your interior plumbing pipes.
- Coat the basement walls in a waterproofing sealant. If hydrostatic pressure is causing your efflorescence problem, then you need to create a strong barrier against it.
- Call a waterproofing expert to inspect your home and find the source of the moisture and repair any damages.
Fortunately, once you have the source of efflorescence identified and repaired, the cleanup is very easy. Efflorescence will wipe right off the walls with a little cleaner.
So if you have noticed the presence of efflorescence in your basement, you need to find out the source. Though it is not harmful, it is a sign of the presence of moisture in your basement. If you have an efflorescence problem, you should call the experts at AA Action Waterproofing. Our knowledgeable staff can help you identify the source of the efflorescence and put together a preventative strategy so that your protect your basement from all forms of water damage. So call us today for a free consultation.