Efflorescence: What it Is and When to Call Orlando Pressure Washing Companies

Have you ever noticed a cloudy white stain on your bricks, driveways, or sidewalks? If your answer is yes, then you’re not alone! This unsightly effect is called efflorescence and it affects thousands of homes every year. Before you reach out to Orlando pressure washers, learn more about efflorescence by reading our expert guide on identifying, removing, and preventing it!

What is Efflorescence and Where Does it Come From?

Efflorescence comes from the French word for “to flower out,” though it does not look anything like what you might imagine. When water gets into a brick or stone surface, the salts in that water can dissolve. Then, as those surfaces heat up, the salt-laden water is pulled to the surface so it can evaporate. However, as the moisture leaves, the salt is left behind on the surface, leaving that ghastly white appearance. For this reason, efflorescence can be common in areas with moist conditions, high condensation, and lots of rain.

What are the Consequences of Efflorescence?

Besides being hard to look at, efflorescence can also cause some long-term damage to the stability of your home. Brick has a very strong outer layer – called a “fire skin” – which forms when the clay is fired in the kiln. This outer layer can become damaged or disintegrate due to efflorescence, which exposes the inner body of clay. Though still strong, the inner body of clay is softer and more porous, which means the effects of efflorescence would continue to snowball as the brick absorbs more and more water.

How Do I Identify Efflorescence?

Not every white substance on a brick or cement surface is efflorescence. In fact, if it comes off with the stroke of a finger, you are likely dealing with something else entirely (and may require different pressure washing services Orlando). It is important to correctly identify efflorescence to ensure effective Winter Park pressure washing without harming the surface in question. Below, we explain how efflorescence affects different building materials!

• Brick is susceptible to efflorescence because water is able to travel to the surface before evaporating, and it brings all that salt along with it. You can test your bricks’ vulnerability by dousing specific ones with water and seeing how they react after a week.
• Cement usually contains some water-soluble alkalis, which makes it more vulnerable to efflorescence than some other building materials.
• Though not water-soluble itself, sand can still be contaminated with other materials that contribute to efflorescence. When using sand, make sure it is washed of contaminants beforehand.
• Lime is proven to strengthen the water resistance of masonry materials. However, it is water-soluble and may react with water to produce calcium chloride which can migrate to the surface.
• Building bricks and face bricks contain clay, which have highly soluble salts. Clay can also react with calcium sulfate, which results in efflorescence.

How do I Get Rid of Efflorescence?

Now that we have identified the existence of efflorescence on your home, the final question remains: what’s the best way to get rid of it without damaging the surface? Fortunately, that answer is simple – with Orlando pressure washing companies! There’s no company more qualified to resolve your efflorescence contamination than Florida Pressure Pros. As your leading Orlando pressure washers, we have experience removing efflorescence and creating plans to keep your surface looking new. Contact us today and get a free quote!