Why You Should Never Ignore Efflorescence in Your Basement
If you notice a white, chalky substance on your basement walls and floors, it could be a crystalline deposit of salts called efflorescence. It’s a warning sign of excess moisture in your downstairs space, something that could eventually damage your foundation.
So what causes efflorescence in the first place? And how can you keep your basement dry and safe? Learn more below.
What Is Efflorescence?
Basement efflorescence occurs when water moves through a porous surface like a concrete wall and dissolves the salts within, leaving a white, powdery substance behind. It might look like white mold on concrete or brick.
The good news is that efflorescence isn’t dangerous, and you can clean it away pretty easily with a strong brush and a mild solution like diluted vinegar. That said, this white residue on concrete and brick indicates excess moisture in your basement — a problem you’ll want to address immediately. Otherwise, you could risk expensive foundation damage that threatens your home’s structural stability.
Efflorescence often accompanies other signs of excess basement moisture, such as:
If you experience any of these issues, contact a basement waterproofing expert in Salt Lake City, like Groundworks, straight away. We can inspect your basement, determine the cause of efflorescence, and recommend repair solutions based on your needs.
What Causes Efflorescence?
Too much moisture in your basement leads to efflorescence, which can happen for these reasons:
- Cracked floors or walls
- Incorrect basement construction
- Failing downspouts and/or gutters
- Inadequate or broken waterproofing systems
- Condensation and high humidity
- Flooding due to heavy rainfall or melting snow — the latter being a common issue here in Salt Lake City, where the annual average snowfall total is 50 inches
What Happens If You Ignore Efflorescence in Your Basement?
Efflorescence itself won’t damage your basement. However, ignoring the problem that caused it — excess moisture — can lead to the following concerns:
- Foundation failure: Moisture can seep into cracks and gaps in your foundation, eventually weakening the structure. In the worst-case scenario, your home could collapse.
- Mold growth: A damp basement is the ideal breeding ground for mold, which may risk the health of loved ones with respiratory issues.
- Expensive repair bills: Extensive foundation issues may cost tens of thousands of dollars to fix, potentially putting a huge strain on your finances.
- Decreased home worth: A strong foundation is a sign of a healthy home. Without one, your property could depreciate in value and become more difficult to sell.
How To Get Rid of Efflorescence
You can clean efflorescence off basement surfaces yourself. However, you’ll want to call in a basement waterproofing expert to resolve your excess moisture problem.
Here at Groundworks, we tackle moisture intrusion as follows:
- Inspecting your basement and determining the cause of excess moisture
- Sealing leaks and cracks in foundation walls and flooring
- Installing an interior drainage and sump pump system to prevent excess water and moisture from entering your basement
- Attaching a vapor barrier to your basement walls to control moisture levels
- Installing a dehumidifier to further manage moisture
- Monitoring your basement over time with our annual maintenance checks
All our basement waterproofing products come with long-lasting warranties, providing peace of mind.
Trust Groundworks for Basement Waterproofing in Salt Lake City
Efflorescence in your basement is far more than just a cosmetic concern. It indicates excess moisture in your downstairs space, an issue that could jeopardize the structural stability of your home.
Groundworks specializes in basement waterproofing solutions that can control moisture levels in this part of your home. We serve Salt Lake City and the surrounding areas. Contact us to learn more.
FAQs
Waterproofing your basement once so you’ll never have to worry about it is definitely worth the investment. You can’t put a price on your peace of mind.
Many DIY solutions available at big box stores are quick fixes that are only temporary. These repairs would require continuous purchasing and application.
However, professional repairs are usually guaranteed for the life of the structure.
Exterior waterproofing solutions like damp proofing for the walls and footing drains are available, but their exposure to the elements can render them ineffective over time. The damp proofing can wear away, and the buried drains can be crushed or clogged.
