If you’ve ever noticed unsightly white residue on your brick or cement surfaces, you are likely dealing with efflorescence. Besides altering the look of your building, it points to moisture issues within your siding that could lead to structural damage. The guide below looks closer at this phenomenon and how treatments like brick sealing can help.

How to Deal with Efflorescence

What Is It?

Efflorescence is a white, powdery substance that can be found on brick, cement, stone, or other masonry surfaces. It forms when water draws out crystalline salts found in the building materials. For efflorescence to occur, water-soluble salts must be present in the building materials, which then need to encounter moisture. The salt must also be able to move to the surface and evaporate. The evaporation is what causes the white residue. 

Since moisture needs to be present for efflorescence to occur, this process can be caused by rain, snow, or water leaks. It’s often a bigger problem in the winter because more extreme weather conditions are present. This same moisture can cause your siding to deteriorate, weakening the structure of your home or business.

How to Prevent It

If your building doesn’t already have eaves and flashings, installing these features can prevent rainwater or snow from touching your building. You should also make sure your sprinklers aren’t hitting your brick or stone.

However, the best way to stop efflorescence is brick sealing. Professionals use penetrating siloxane for this purpose. It bonds chemically to the pores on and below the brick’s surface. Since this solution penetrates the material, it will last much longer than a regular surface coating. It can also be used in high traffic areas like patios or driveways while still maintaining their original look. Look for a reputable waterproofing company that provides brick sealing services.

If you need reliable waterproofing for your home, look no further than Jaco Waterproofing. Renowned as a leading basement and foundation repair contractor in the Cincinnati and Indianapolis areas with over 40 years in business, they specialize in both residential and commercial waterproofing and repair. To have a professional technician evaluate your specific challenges, call today at (317) 721-9379 for Indianapolis, IN, or (513) 738-0084 to reach their Cincinnati, OH, location. Visit their website for more information.