The Ottawa House - Efflorescence is a Symptom Not a Sipping Drink

Posted on May 7, 2008 
Filed Under Buying Your New Home, The Ottawa House, Valerie Zinger

Last week I was at a friend’s house.  I noticed that there was a white build-up on the bricks near the top of her front stairs.  She said that it was a salt build-up due to the brick facing on her home near that spot not having enough ventilation.  I thought, given that I have seen this before but usually in basements, that I would add efflorescence to the Ottawa House series. 

Pink TulipI started looking for pictures of efflorescence and came across a wonderful “Information Blog” written by a home inspector, Charles  Buell ,  who lives in Washington State U.S.A.  The bouquet is to thank him as he has kindly allowed me to use his pictures in this article and I have quoted him on the source of efflorescence. 

As Charles said, “Most people have seen “efflorescence” even if they didn’t know what it was or that it even had a name.  The whitish build-up visible on masonry structures is caused by moisture moving through the material.  As the moisture evaporates from the surface, the salts carried in the moisture builds up to create what we call “efflorescence.”  It is very common on foundations below grade that have not been adequately sealed on the exterior or that are for some other reason being impacted by sub-surface water.  Moisture can also wick up through the foundation footing and then evaporate out through the wall.  While mostly cosmetic (in some cases it can lead to spalling and weakening of the concrete or brick structures), the main thing that is indicated by efflorescence is:  “there is moisture in the material.”  The picture … shows typical efflorescence on a basement wall.  …”

 ar120040981610458.jpg

The photo below shows efflorescence on exterior brick chimney. 

ar120041039791649.jpg

Don’t let the home inspector surprise you with the news of a moisture problem.  When you see efflorescence you will already know there is an issue.  Look wise.  Ask the inspector if he or she can tell you the extent of the problem.  The hidden or future cost may be repairs to reduce moisture penetration.  

Valerie Zinger ~ Ottawa, Canada ~ Ph. 613-723-5300 ~ Email vzinger@royallepage.ca 

Comments

Leave a Reply