What is Efflorescence?
Efflorescence is salt that is pulled into a masonry structure through capillary action where it is deposited inside the small pores of the substrate and on the outside of the structure, leaving it unsightly.
How Does Efflorescence Happen?
Each time moisture enters a masonry structure by capillary action the water transports diluted salts with it. As the walls dry, salt crystals grow.
Why Efflorescence Bad?
The continual action of more salt crystals growing internally (within the pores of the masonry) pushes apart the structure of the bricks, blocks or stone from within. This process causes cumulative damage until finally the substrate is totally disintegrated leaving just grains of sand.