As a property manager, it's important to understand what efflorescence is and how it affects your building to take effective measures to manage it.
Efflorescence is a common problem that affects many buildings, especially those with masonry. While efflorescence doesn't cause any structural damage, it can negatively impact the appearance of a building, causing buildings to look unappealing.
What Is Efflorescence?
Efflorescence is the white, chalky deposit that appears on masonry and other surfaces. It's caused by the salt deposits in the building materials, which are dissolved when the building is exposed to water. As the water evaporates, the dissolved salts are left behind on the surface, forming efflorescence.
How Does Efflorescence Affect a Building?
Efflorescence doesn't cause any structural damage to buildings. However, it can impact the appearance of your building, making it look dull and unappealing. If you don't address the problem, efflorescence can continue to form, making it harder to remove.
While you don’t have to worry about efflorescence itself, it can be a sign of moisture problems you should quickly address. Excessive moisture can cause damage to sheetrock, promote wood rot, and reduce the effectiveness of insulation.
How Do You Get Rid of Efflorescence?
Because efflorescence can be unsightly, you’re probably interested in removing it. The first step in fixing efflorescence is to identify the source of the water intrusion. Often, this is a problem with the building's drainage system. If this is the case, you'll need to fix the problem before you can properly address the efflorescence.
Once you've fixed the source of the problem, you can remove the efflorescence with a variety of different methods. The most common method is to use a mild acid solution to dissolve the salt deposits. This can be dangerous and should only be done by trained professionals.
Another method is to use a pressure washer to remove the efflorescence. However, this can be damaging to the building if done incorrectly, so it's important to have a professional do this work.
Conclusion
Efflorescence can be a frustrating problem for property managers, but it's important to address it as soon as possible to prevent it from getting worse. By understanding what efflorescence is and how it affects your building, you can take effective measures to handle the problem and protect your property.
Remember to identify the source of the problem and to use safe methods to remove the efflorescence. If you're unsure about how to handle the problem, don't hesitate to contact a professional who can help you.
United Structural Systems can provide the professional services you need help prevent efflorescence. Contact us today for help!