Have you ever noticed a thick white salt like powdery substance covering your tile and grout? No matter how much you scrub it, it does not leave the surface. This is nothing but efflorescence, which is the residue of calcium and mineral deposits originated due to masonry. Many people mistake efflorescence for mold, but unlike mold it does not grow and does not have any potential health hazards. Let us go more in depth about what it is and how to prevent it.
What is Efflorescence?
Efflorescence is the mineral deposits that settle on the tile surface once the water evaporates, leaving a white residue. Sometimes when showers are not installed correctly, the water can dwell underneath the tile. This water mixes with the minerals in the concrete mud bed, making these mineral deposits travel in the shower drain through the weep holes and eventually on your tile and grout.
How is it Formed?
If there are calcium and mineral water-soluble salts present in the building materials such as concrete, then there is a chance of efflorescence forming. If the water is penetrating from somewhere into the mud bed, it dissolves these materials and salts into a solution. The solution travels to the top of the surface, where the water evaporates and leaves the efflorescence behind as a byproduct. Efflorescence only forms on surfaces constructed with porous materials such as natural stone and brick, which allow the penetration of water inside and allows water to travel out on the surface too.
Is Efflorescence a Problem?
Efflorescence in a shower gives a very unsightly look to the tile and grout with its white powdery appearance. It is not harmful to the structure and nor does it convey that your building structure is corroding or deteriorating. Although not harmful to health or to the building structure, it does indicate that there is an accumulation of moisture somewhere inside the floor tile or wall tile, which can lead to a bigger problem later on such as mold and mildew, which love to breed in damp areas. Efflorescence travels to the outer surface where the water can evaporate and it might cover the drain and clog it, which could require an expensive tile and grout repair.
How do you prevent Efflorescence from any tile surface?
The best way to prevent water and moisture from seeping into the surface is to apply a sealer. A sealer prevents water and other moisture from seeping into the surface from the outside and also disables the already present water in the brick or concrete from making its way to the surface where it can evaporate. If you are having problems with efflorescence,and are looking to remove and/or prevent it from happening give us a call today to schedule your free consultation. (843) 900-7684.
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