Whenever it rains, and moisture starts infiltrating your crawl space, you may notice some white residue on the wall. This is efflorescence, an indication that water or moisture is going through concrete or masonry. It often appears when water-soluble minerals like calcium or lime crystallize on the walls or floor. The residue usually looks like a white chalky substance.
Here, we are going to demystify efflorescence by showing you what causes it, what it portends, and what you can do to stop its formation.
Is Efflorescence Harmful?
Efflorescence isn’t a sign that your crawl space is at risk of flood. But it’s a clear indication you have a water seepage issue that needs to be addressed. With time, the signs can intensify and become complicated. It’s important that you understand what signals your crawl space walls are sending you so you can avert future water problems.
It’s possible to physically remove efflorescence from your crawl space walls. You’ll need a wire brush to scrape the loose materials off the walls. Get a dust coat as well before you start cleaning the wall.
Can a Dehumidifier Help Out?
Actually, your dehumidifier has nothing to do with the chalky substance on your wall, unless it’s due to a surge in humidity. If the crystals are forming due to exterior sources of moisture, a dehumidifier won’t stop the salt deposits from forming. What you need to do is fix the underlying issues that lead to the formation of efflorescence. Once you fix the issues, you can get a dehumidifier and use it to control the moisture in the crawl space. Your crawl space health and dryness depend on it, especially in the summer months when humidity is high.
The best way of stopping salt and mineral deposition is to reduce or prevent the inward movement of water. This requires improving groundwater drainage around the foundation. You can do this by diverting roof drainage and regrading your yard to attain a positive slope. This way, water won’t collect around or near the foundation. In some cases, you’ll have to waterproof the exterior of the foundation. Waterproofing the also helps prevent water infiltration which often leads to condensation, mold growth and wood rot.
Causes and Cures for Efflorescence
Efflorescence can arise from a number of things. Here are the major causes:
Site surface drainage
During construction, it’s important for the builder to use a well-graded concrete mix with a water reducer. The concrete should also be properly consolidated and placed directly on a vapor retarder. These measures result in dense concrete slabs with low amounts of bleed water and fewer pores. Such a slab will resist water absorption and moisture movement.
Wall cracks
Cracks and crevices on the walls of your Kansas City, Missouri, crawl space act as conduits for outside water. These have to be sealed. Your contractor may use grout injection or a rigid type sealer on the interior walls. For this fix to work, it has to be paired with an interior drainage system like a Crawl Space Drain that helps relieve hydrostatic pressure on the walls.
Negative grading
A negative slope allows water to flow back and pool around the foundation. This water may end up in the crawl space. To correct this problem, you will have to create a positive slope. Your landscaper can help you with this. Ideally, your yard should slope by six to eight inches over 10 feet so water flows out naturally.
Excess moisture
Moisture buildup often leads to condensation. The water beads that form when water vapor cools gets absorbed to the surface. When temperatures rise, the water vapor moves up and evaporates leaving behind salt or mineral deposits. To tame moisture, get an energy-efficient dehumidifier for the crawl space. It will dry out the moisture from the crawl space. This will prevent condensation and rust from forming on your tools, appliances, and metallic objects.
Moisture or water from the ground
Ground moisture and water can also contribute to condensation and wood rot in the crawl space. To avert this problem, ask your local waterproofing expert to seal the area with a WallSeal™ vapor barrier, a 100% waterproof material that isolates the crawl space and home from water that comes from the ground. Our solution is durable, washable and comes with a 25-year warranty for your peace of mind.
Get Professional Help
Whether you’re noticing efflorescence for the first time or it has been there for many years, you’ve got to deal with it fast. Otherwise, the water that’s bringing the salt deposits into your crawl space will hurt your home. The experts at Foundation Recovery Service can help you uncover the real source of moisture and resolve it once and for all. To get started, request a free crawl space repair inspection and quote.
