What's all this White Stuff on my basement walls?
5 Ugly Stains on Basement Walls: What Are They and How to Cope? Efflorescence. Efflorescence is commonly confused with mold. ... Reddish or orange (rusty) stains: Rusty stains on the wall are a sign of iron ochre infiltration. ... Dark stains. Dark black or grayish stains on the wall are a sign of mold. ... Chipping and flaking materials. ... Spalling. ...
What is that white deposit on my basement walls?
The most common symptoms of mold exposure include:
- Coughing and sneezing.
- Exhaustion and dizziness.
- Signs of eye irritation (redness, teary eyes, itchiness).
- Sore throat.
- Wheezing breath.
- Allergic reactions (blocked nose, rashes, fever, sneezing).
What is the white powder on basement walls?
White Mold in Basement
- Types of White Mold in Basement Environments. Many types of mold can appear white in color, depending on the type of material on which they are growing, including aspergillus, cladosporium, ...
- Efflorescence. ...
- Health Risks Associated with White Mold in Basement Environments. ...
- Basement Mold Remediation. ...
- For Help with Basement Mold Removal. ...
How to seal basement walls in 7 simple steps?
Part 2 Part 2 of 4: Installing Basement Wall Insulation Download Article
- Measure your walls. Use a tape measure to measure the length and height of your walls. ...
- Purchase enough extruded polystyrene insulation to cover your walls. Buy 3⁄4-inch (1.9 cm) thick extruded polystyrene insulation online or at a hardware or home improvement store.
- Measure and cut your insulation to fit around obstructions. ...
How do you remove efflorescence from basement walls?
Pour the same amount of vinegar and water into a bucket. If you don't want to use vinegar, you can instead mix trisodium phosphate with warm water. Since vinegar is an acid, it reacts against the alkaline properties of efflorescence, and that removes it from the wall.
Is efflorescence in basement a problem?
Efflorescence in your basement can be a real problem. It's not toxic all by itself, so you don't have to worry about health risks of efflorescence on your basement walls. However, it can herald problems in the future.
What is the white fuzz on my basement walls?
The white fuzzy stuff you see along the inside and outside of your basement wall is efflorescence. Don't worry this annoying build up isn't hazardous; efflorescence is simply salt and can be easily removed with efflorescence removers and other cleaning techniques.
What is the white stuff on concrete walls?
This white substance is called Efflorescence. It generally shows up on surfaces like concrete, retaining walls, stone and even stucco. Efflorescence is a crystalline or powdery deposit of salts. It occurs when water leaves behind salt deposits on the masonry surface.
Will a dehumidifier prevent efflorescence?
The truth is that a dehumidifier does nothing to counter or reverse the effects of efflorescence on your crawl space walls. This device will only help you dry out the crawl space air so moisture won't build up and cause condensation, mold growth, rust, and other problems.
Should I worry about efflorescence?
Efflorescence itself isn't dangerous or harmful. It can lead to potential moisture problems that can cause structural damage to building materials. So it is important to take action when you notice efflorescence in your basement, on your paving stones, or on other structures.
Is efflorescence bad for foundation?
Efflorescence is actually a harmless crystallized mineral salt that has formed on your basement walls over time. It will generally look like a white, powdery substance.
How do you remove white fuzzy mold from concrete?
The best solution is to scrub and clean the affected areas with a mold-killing detergent, like RMR-86 Instant Mold & Mildew Stain Remover, or a simple solution of household bleach and water. Be sure to scrub aggressively to get down into the pores of the concrete.
How do I get rid of white mold in my basement?
Use baking soda. Mixing baking soda with water and applying it to the white mold is another effective removal method. Pour baking soda and water into a spray bottle and let the powder dissolve. Spray the solution onto the moldy surface, then scrub with a soft brush or soft cloth.
What happens if you seal over efflorescence?
Here's the deal with efflorescence and sealing … you do NOT want to seal before your pavers have had the chance to “breathe” and go through their normal efflorescence cycle. By sealing too soon, you'll run the risk of trapping migrating salts beneath the coating of sealer.
Does efflorescence go away?
Yes. Although efflorescence will eventually go away naturally, there are commercial cleaners available that are specifically formulated to remove efflorescence from the surface of the concrete pavers.
What does white mold look like on concrete?
It can be just a white powder on your concrete, salt-like crystals, white fuzzy stuff, or what looks like white stalactites growing on your concrete wall. These white deposits happen when water is drawn out of a cementious material: it is called efflorescence. It is a scientific reaction.
Reddish Or Orange (Rusty) Stains
Rusty stains on the wall are a sign of iron ochre infiltration. Iron ochre is common wherever there are high levels of iron in the soil. Just like...
Chipping and Flaking Materials
Many basement walls have coatings such as paint, waterproofing coats, sealants, or hydraulic cement, usually applied to either seal the basement wa...
Keep Your Basement Dry to Prevent Water Intrusion and Wall Damage
Once again, remember that these five common basement wall stains are all symptoms of a more significant problem. It's very important to fix the com...
Why does white powdery residue form?
The white powdery residue forms when there is excess moisture in the environment which causes water soluble alkaline salt to leach out of the masonry and form crystals.
Why do bricks have efflorescence?
Efflorescence is actually pretty common in new construction homes because of the excess amount of moisture in the freshly laid block or poured concrete but will most likely disappear over time.
How to prevent efflorescence in masonry?
If you want to prevent efflorescence try reducing moisture levels in your masonry. This can be as simple as extending your downspouts to push the water farther away from the foundation or as complex as installing underground pipes to carry water away from the perimeter of the home.
How to clean up powdered sand?
If you want to clean up the unsightly powder, it’s actually quite simple: First, grab some gloves and a dust mask! Second, because efflorescence is caused by excess moisture, it’s not advisable to start cleaning with water, it will only drive the alkaline salts deeper into the block.
Where is efflorescence found?
It’s usually found on the concrete blocks in basements but can be found many other places.
How to get rid of powder crystals?
Use a dry wire brush to scrub off the powder (I use a shop vac to clean up the loose powder that falls). If the crystals already formed a hard crust, you can use a wooden or plastic scraper to easily remove the big stuff and then use the dry wire brush on the leftovers.
Is efflorescence on concrete harmful?
Efflorescence is really just salt deposits on your concrete (or brick or wherever you found it) so it’s not known to be harmful. However, most professionals (and me!) encourage you to wear proper eye, hand and mouth/nose protection when handling it.
What is the substance that is deposited on the walls of a basement?
1. Efflorescence. Efflorescence is commonly confused with mold. It is a white, powdery, sometimes glistening substance that appears on basement wall surfaces. Efflorescence is a loose mineral salt that is carried in with the water that infiltrates the concrete, being deposited on the walls during the process.
What does it mean when you see rust on a wall?
2. Reddish or orange (rusty) stains: Rusty stains on the wall are a sign of iron ochre infiltration. Iron ochre is common wherever there are high levels of iron in the soil. Just like efflorescence, iron ochre is carried into the basement with the water that seeps in.
What is spalling in concrete?
Spalling. Spalling occurs when the surface of the concrete itself, and not just the paint or the sealant, begins to crumble and flake. While it may appear similar to a chipping wall coat, spalling is often a much more extensive problem.
How big is a mold infestation?
Mold removal is a bit trickier than mold prevention and, according to both the EPA and the CDC, if the area infested is larger than 10 square feet (roughly 3 x 3 ft) you should not attempt to do it on your own without professional help.
Is efflorescence a sign of humidity?
Although somewhat unsightly, efflorescence is harmless and poses no health concerns. It is, however, a sign of humidity. Basement humidity should be controlled, as it might cause more problems – including mold - to appear over time. 2.
Does mold grow in the basement?
Mold thrives in the presence of high humidity, warmth, and organic matter, on which it feeds. It's always warm enough in your home for mold to grow, even in the cold basement, and household dust carries enough organic matter to feed it.
Can you paint a basement with sealant?
When that happens, the coatings will bubble up, flake, or peel off of the walls – making for a very ugly and very messy basement with chips of paint all over the floor. Paint and sealants should never be applied to basement walls.
Why is there white powder on my basement walls?
The white powder is efflorescence or minerals left behind as water that has flowed through the concrete walls evaporates.
How do I clean a cement basement wall?
Clean non-porous surfaces, such as the cement basement walls themselves, with a mixture of 10 percent bleach and 90 percent water. Wear rubber gloves while applying the bleach mixture with a scrub brush or mop. Allow the bleach mix to remain on the walls at least 10 minutes.
How do I seal a basement wall?
Seal the concrete walls of the basement. Apply the commercial concrete sealer with a brush, roller or sprayer. Allow the sealer to dry according to manufacturer's instructions. Paint the sealed concrete wall, if desired, with standard interior paints.
How do I clean a basement floor?
Rinse the vinegar mixture off the walls. Use a power washer or simply wash with a brush and clear water. Use a shop vac to remove the water as it accumulates on the floor of the basement. Small amounts of water can also be absorbed with a sponge or towel and wrung into a bucket for removal.
What is white stuff on concrete?
What is that white stuff on your concrete or masonry block wall? It can be just a white powder on your concrete, salt-like crystals, white fuzzy stuff, or what looks like white stalactites growing on your concrete wall. These white deposits happen when water is drawn out of a cementious material: it is called efflorescence.
Why is my concrete smelling like white powder?
This happens after the concrete is established. This is when efflorescence is usually more than a white powder. Most people confuse secondary efflorescence with mold because it looks like a white, dusty mold growing on your concrete. It is not mold; however, it is a sign of a water problem.
What to do about efflorescence in basement?
You don’t want to just treat the symptom; treat the real problem and waterproof your foundation walls. Install a complete basement waterproofing system. Maintain your gutters and downspouts.
What does efflorescence mean in concrete?
If you see efflorescence it means that water is getting trapped inside your block or concrete wall. If water is being trapped inside the foundation then spalling, scaling or cracking can happen in the future. Spalling is when the concrete begins to crumble and break apart.
When concrete cures, what is the efflorescence?
When concrete cures the water is naturally being drawn out of it and a sort of salt is left behind. Different admixtures can prevent this from happening but efflorescence at this stage is usually not a problem.
Can phosphoric acid be used to remove efflorescence?
It is not mold; however, it is a sign of a water problem. And where there is water there is mold and potential structural damage. You can remove efflorescence with phosphoric acid but that won’t prevent that water problem. If you see efflorescence it means that water is getting trapped inside your block or concrete wall.
What is white mold in concrete?
White mold in basement after flooding or prolonged dampness is easily identified by the characteristic white cottony mycelium of the mold that grows on the surfaces water damaged organic material. Efflorescence is often mistaken for white mold in basement concrete because they look a lot alike.
Why is there white mold on wood?
White mold can form on wood essentially because of dampness either in the wood or in the environment surrounding the wood. It spreads rapidly because wood is an organic substance which provides everything white mold needs to thrive on. White mold is found on wooden shutters, floors, panels and furniture. White Mold in basement is also common ...
How to tell if you have white mold?
Is there a way to tell if you have white mold or efflorescence? Yes! Wearing gloves, take a sample of the “white substance” and drop it in a cup of water. If it dissolves, it most likely is efflorescence. If it does not dissolve, it might be mold.
Does efflorescence indicate moisture?
But the evidence of the efflorescence does indicate the presence of moisture. Moisture can and does support the growth of mold. So even though efflorescence is not white mold, it does indicate that there is moisture problem and hence most likely mold growth on organic material.
Is efflorescence the same as white mold?
In fact, to the untrained eye, efflorescence is almost identical to white mold. Moisture and dampness moving through basement concrete can cause spalling and degradation of the concrete.
