Efflorescences: what they are and how they can be prevented and treated ?

Efflorescence: what they are and how they can be prevented and treated 

One of the most common pathologies that takes place on facades is efflorescence. These are whitish spots with an abnormal & irregular appearance & look that seem on surfaces which have suffered moisture. When the surface dries and the water evaporate, a few soluble salts observed in the water crystallize and therefore efflorescence appear.

The main reasons for this problem are precipitation and humidity and, therefore, to prevent and deal with efflorescence stains, it'll be crucial to shield surfaces against those factors.

Causes and types of efflorescence

Efflorescence, additionally called saltpeter or alkalinity, further, to being an aesthetic problem, can pose a chance to the support on which they're located, since they can significantly harm it. Generally, this pathology takes place on concrete, brick and stone surfaces and these are a number of the main factors that cause its appearance:

Highly porous constructing materials containing soluble salts. 
Weather situations such as rain and low temperatures. 
Moisture through capillarity or condensation 

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Two types of efflorescence may be distinguished:

   Primary efflorescence: it is the only those forms in recently completed works because of humidity. Although their appearance is generally unavoidable, they disappear after a quick time without leaving a trace.

    Secondary efflorescence: these are those who seem in older works because of poor construction or an inappropriate choice of materials. They also can arise, as we've got seen previously, because of excessive porosity or humidity.

Efflorescence: what they are and how they can be prevented and treated?

How to prevent and deal with the appearance of efflorescence?

This worrying pathology may be avoided in numerous ways. In the case of newly constructed surfaces, special care should be taken while choosing the appropriate materials. In this section it is essential to avoid using calcareous waters and mortars with excessive alkalinity. It is likewise essential to respect the drying times of every material used in the construction.

In the case of existing surfaces, it is crucial to manipulate humidity. As we've noted before, each condensation and growing damp can cause efflorescence. Each of them should be treated in a different manner: in the case of condensation, the solution is to use a thermal insulation system; while to deal with the humidity by capillarity a constructive improvement can be needed, since these come from the subsoil. 

However, if the stains caused by efflorescence have already made their appearance, then the main measure can be cleansing and, later, the application of a brand new safety measure for the guide. The simplest manner to remove them is with pressurized water and a brush, however occasionally it is necessary to apply a particular cleaner for this kind of pathology. After cleansing it is important to let the surface dry properly to prevent stains or moisture problems from reappearing.

To complete the process and prevent these unpleasant stains from reappearing, it is really helpful to use more protection to the facade with a repair mortar. For example, Blatem's R2 repair mortar, that is specially indicated for the recovery of prefabricated façade elements, repair of damaged corners and edges, etc; or the repair mortar R4 whose application is suitable for the structural repair of concrete.

Efflorescences: what they are and how they can be prevented and treated?

For the final coating, it is endorsed & recommended to use a paint with anti-moisture or anti-condensation protection, such as, for example, matt Sprint with anti-Mould preservative, that is highly proof against weathering, in addition to being breathable and absolutely waterproof. Mar Liso also can be used with anti-mold preservative, an acrylic coating with excellent adherence that is self-cleaning, waterproof and breathable. In addition, all of the hues in which it is available are fast to light and weather.