The front porch of my home faces to the north. When it rains the concrete gets a line of a white chrystaline substance next to an expansion joint. There is a water or at least it look like a water stain there.
Can you tell me what this stuff is and how to get rid of it so it won't come back.
I should mention also that it goes away on it's own but always comes back when it rains. I'm thinking some kind of mold or other fungus. Any concrete people know what this is? Thanks in advance.
U.S.M.C. Semper Fi !!!
phosforesence or salts in the concrete.
but usually should not show up like that but according to your description it is. scrub with some muriatic acid (big caution) and clean the area to hopefully remove the surface salts.
but usually should not show up like that but according to your description it is. scrub with some muriatic acid (big caution) and clean the area to hopefully remove the surface salts.
I’m sorry for correcting you theeagle but it is not “phosforesence” or “phosphorescence” it is efflorescence. The muratic wash should remove it but will not prevent its reappearance. To prevent it from coming back you must find the areas where water is getting into the brick wall (cracks, poor flashing, etc.).
Water getting into the wall is dissolving the salts in the mortar and then they will crystallize (or bloom) on the surface where the solution dries. Find the areas where the water is getting into the wall and seal them and you should eliminate the problem from reappearing.
Glenn
Moderator: Construction Systems, Foundations, and Masonry & Stone
For more information about me and/or my qualifications please visit my website at:
www.consultationdirect.com
Water getting into the wall is dissolving the salts in the mortar and then they will crystallize (or bloom) on the surface where the solution dries. Find the areas where the water is getting into the wall and seal them and you should eliminate the problem from reappearing.
Glenn
Moderator: Construction Systems, Foundations, and Masonry & Stone
For more information about me and/or my qualifications please visit my website at:
www.consultationdirect.com
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