Efflorescence

When there is water in the woodwork or the concrete, the humidity dissolves the limestone salts contained in the concrete and carries them to the surface. When the humidity evaporates, the salts crystallise, leaving a white, granular deposit. The concrete finally crumbles; paint flakes and fissurescracks can appear.

This humidity can be caused by a number of factors:

• A poorly-functioning French drain, or lack thereof
• Porous or poor-quality concrete
• Insufficient or inappropriate drainage around the building
• Humidity that rises towards the surface

The source of the humidity must be identified as the phenomenon will be amplified and could damage the areas of concrete affected and compromise your walls and foundations.

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