Handyman Services, Seal Pavers, Driveways, Pool Deck

What Is Efflorescence and How Do I Get Rid of It????

What Is Efflorescence?????

Efflorescence is caused when soluble salts and other water dispersible materials come to the surface of concrete and mortars. It's induced by low temperatures, moist conditions, condensation, rain, dew, and water added to the surface of fresh concrete to assist troweling.

Look at the right corner of this picture. That white Chalkie or we call it cauliflower affect is efflorescence.

Efflorescence is caused when soluble salts and other water dispersible materials come to the surface of concrete and mortars. It's induced by low temperatures, moist conditions, condensation, rain, dew, and water added to the surface of fresh concrete to assist troweling. It can occur very soon after exposure to moist or cool conditions or gradually, especially when it comes from within the concrete or from the subgrade.

Is there a “whitish cloud” covering your beautiful new pavers???

Efflorescence will most likely disappear within the first year of installation… Most concrete paver manufacturers have attempted to control the problem of efflorescence by using an admixture in their products. However, no manufacturer has completely eliminated the problem. Therefore, most contractors resort to the use of commercial efflorescence cleaners. Most cleaners will effectively reduce the whitish haze on the paver caused by efflorescence, but only if Cleaned very well and cleaners used properly.

Efflorescence is normally white and shows up more on darker colors than white or light gray because of the contrast. Only 0.2 ounce of calcium carbonate per square yard of surface is needed to cause a significant shift in color. Some forms are very difficult (if not impossible) to remove, while others are easy—especially if they are removed right after they form.

Before we clean and seal, we clean the surface with Cobble Prep mixed a little bit stronger for areas of this condition.

The most usual reaction occurs when calcium hydroxide (lime) formed in the hydration reaction of cement (approximately 140 pounds per cubic yard of concrete) is transported by water to the surface through capillaries in the concrete. There it combines with carbon dioxide from the air to produce calcium carbonate (an insoluble material) and water. But efflorescence can also be caused by hydroxides and sulfates of either sodium or potassium, which are much more soluble in water than calcium. And they form efflorescence more rapidly than calcium hydroxide. These salts can come from cement, aggregates, water, or admixtures. If you have this problem Call us we may be able to help you. We have helped many of our customers that have experienced this problem. If you have new Pavers or concrete that haven't been sealed. Call for a FREE Estimate today!!!! Below are Before and After pictures of same area. https://www.google.com/#q=what+is+efflorescence" target="_blank">Click Here For More information about efflorescence.

This is the same driveway after we cleaned it and then sealed it with cobble loc.

Back To Strip and Seal Page.