Efflorescence

Excess moisture is the culprit if you have white or gray streaks on your basement walls and floors. When water seeps into concrete walls or floors, efflorescence leaves behind a powdery substance.

Removing efflorescence from walls and floors is straightforward. However, it doesn’t resolve the underlying moisture problem, leading to serious future structural issues.

Matvey Foundation Repair in Seattle & Western Washington provides a comprehensive solution for moisture intrusion in homes across Western Washington. Our high-quality dehumidifiers, vapor barriers, and other basement waterproofing products create a drier and safer basement and prevent efflorescence from returning.

What Is Efflorescence?

Efflorescence is common in Western Washington homes, often on basement floors and walls. It is a crystalline salt deposit that forms when water enters pores in concrete.

The good news is that efflorescence itself isn’t harmful, and you can easily brush it off concrete surfaces. However, efflorescence is a warning sign of a much bigger problem in your basement—excess moisture. It’s crucial to consult a professional quickly.

The conditions that cause efflorescence results in other issues, including:

If you notice efflorescence, immediately contact a basement waterproofing expert like Matvey Foundation Repair. Excess moisture will compromise your home’s entire framework and your family’s safety if left untreated.

What Causes Efflorescence?

In Seattle & Western Washington, moisture intrusion is the primary cause of efflorescence in basements, which happens for these reasons:

Can You Remove Efflorescence?

Yes! Here’s how to remove efflorescence on basement walls and floors:

Instead, our team seals water entry points and installs highly efficient waterproofing products to ensure a dry, safe, and healthy living environment.

• Dip a stiff brush into a bucket of water and mild detergent. Scrub the efflorescence from any concrete surfaces. Then, rinse away the remaining salts.
• A pressure washer is more effective for removing efflorescence. Use the widest-angle tip to avoid damaging concrete and creating more pores.
• Acidic cleaners are another option if other methods fail. Pre-soak concrete surfaces to prevent damage and new pores and neutralize the acid with baking soda. Wear protective gloves and goggles when handling these harsh chemicals.

The above techniques temporarily remove efflorescence. You should address the moisture issue in your home to stop it from returning. A basement waterproofing professional seals water entry points and installs sump pumps, interior drainage, and other high-quality products.

Matvey Foundation Repair’s Strategy for Removing Efflorescence

Our waterproofing experts remove efflorescence for Washington residents through the following proven methods:

• Inspecting your basement 
• Sealing cracks or leaks in foundation walls and flooring
• Installing our interior drainage and sump pump systems to manage water effectively
• Setting up a vapor barrier to remove moisture
• Controlling moisture levels with dehumidifiers
• Performing annual maintenance checks

For additional peace of mind, our basement waterproofing products come with long-lasting warranties.

Why Fix Efflorescence Now?

Ignoring efflorescence is risky for these reasons: 

• It indicates your home has ongoing water damage. Delaying repairs results in more expensive repairs in the future.
• Moisture and salt weaken your foundation and building material over time.
• A damp basement encourages mold growth and poor indoor air quality.

DIY methods offer only temporary fixes. Count on the waterproofing solutions at Matvey Foundation Repair for permanent peace of mind.

Matvey Foundation Repair Is Your Premier Basement Waterproofing Specialist in Seattle & Western Washington

Efflorescence FAQs

What does efflorescence look like?

Efflorescence appears as a white or gray chalky substance on basement walls and floors. Some homeowners mistake efflorescence for mold growth, which is another sign of moisture intrusion.

Can I paint over efflorescence?

Paint won’t stick to walls unless you remove the efflorescence first. Brush and scrub efflorescence away before painting your walls, but it might return if you don’t address the underlying moisture problem.

Is efflorescence dangerous?

No, but it’s a warning signal of moisture intrusion in your home, which can damage your foundation and structural elements. Ignoring this problem compromises your family’s health and leads to expensive repairs.