Efflorescence or Mold Growth?
Efflorescence is often confused with mold growth. Both of them occur in damp environments and exhibit similar growth characteristics, so the confusion is understandable. A common place for both to occur is in the basement, learn how to manage and prevent basement mold growth and efflorscence.
What is efflorescence?
Efflorescence in Basement
- Efflorescence occurs when water migrates through cement structures, carrying salts to the surface. These salts are then deposited on the surface when the moisture evaporates, leaving behind a crystalline-like structure.
Differentiating between mold growth and efflorescence
Due to their similar appearance, the two substances often cause confusion. The easiest way to differentiate between the two is via a water test. Spray a small quantity of water on the suspected substance. Efflorescence will quickly dissolve, while mold growth will remain. The mold growth will likely mat down a bit, so look carefully for lingering material.
Note – while this test is effective with raw, crystalline growth, it will not be useful if the efflorescence is pushing through a painted concrete wall (as is seen in the photo below).
Where is efflorescence typically found?
- The phenomenon typically occurs in concrete or brick construction materials, often during the initial dry out. Large amounts of water are present in the materials during their initial installation. Just pouring a foundation and slab for a 2,000 sqft home introduces thousands of gallons of water. Therefore, we most often find efflorescence in either new construction or existing buildings with water failures.
- Basements are common locations for efflorescence in existing homes and buildings. This is a sign that water is migrating through the concrete structure.
Where does the moisture come from that causes efflorescence?
Efflorescence on Concrete
Pinpointing the exact source of the moisture can be difficult, as numerous entry points are possible:
- Groundwater saturation. Capillary action can easily draw water from wet soil into masonry.
- Rainwater. Either through a leak or through vapor drive. This occurs when the sun hits a saturated wall and drives the moisture inward.
- Sprinklers / artificial water sources. Occurs when sprinklers saturate an exterior wall, causing water to enter the wall and later retreat, carrying salts to the surface.
- Water vapor. Airborne moisture forced through masonry walls can provide sufficient water to cause efflorescence. For example, during the winter months, warm, humid indoor air will move towards the cool exterior.
Does efflorescence require an inspection?
- Efflorescence itself is not a health problem. However, it is an indication of the building’s failure to properly manage water. Therefore, if efflorescence is present, there is a significant chance of mold growth or other moisture issues may be present. For example, while efflorescence on a garage floor will not cause a problem, the accompanying moisture can cause mold growth on items stored on the floor. If the problem is significant, contact a mold inspector or concrete waterproofing company.
Project Report > Inspection for Efflorescence in a Basement
Basement
Efflorescence, not mold.
- RH: 69% Temp: 69 deg F. CO2 = 650 ppm CO = 0 ppm
- The basement was extremely humid due to a wet concrete skim coat being applied to the floor.
- Visible mold growth was found behind the base trim at the landing of the basement stairs.
- The client had applied tape over the visible mold growth to contain the area.
- Once the tape was removed the inspector was able to confirm moderate amounts of mold growth along the bottom 2 inches of sheetrock.
- Sections of sheetrock were broken due to water damage.
- Elevated moisture levels were noted in sheetrock to a height of approximately 10 above the floor.
- Concrete block foundation was slightly damp with some minor efflorescence found on the mortar joints.
- Stair stringers and supporting framing members did not register and elevated moisture levels or visible mold growth.
- The backside of the sheetrock wall found under stairs did not exhibit any signs of water damage or mold growth.
- Ventilation in the basement is minimal and could be increased to allow for the removal of relative humidity and CO² from the rooms.
Recommendations
- The client may wish to treat the concrete wall with a water-sealer membrane to help minimize water vapor diffusion.
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Got a question? Ask it here and we'll post the answer below
I have a 2-3 foot long, 8in. wide covering of white cotton like substance on my block wall in basement. It also looks like ther might be some sort of bugs in it, maybe spiders as I saw 5or6 spiders very near the area. Can you help???
There are three possibilities. Mold, efflorescence or spider web. The easiest way to determine if it’s efflorescence is to spray water on the substance. If it’s mold (or a spider web), it won’t change much. If it’s efflorescence, it will dissolve. Finding spiders amid mold growth is rare. I would assume you’re looking at a insect related web/nest. Feel free to upload a photo for further investigation.
This substance grows after the walls become wet after rain falls. It appears to be setting some internal walls also, we are keen to get it sorted. I have lots of pictures but an only upload one. Wondering what can be causing it.
It looks like you have a combination of both efflorescence and mold growth. The black substance near the bottom of the wall is likely mold growth. The whitish substance in the middle of the wall is more difficult to determine. If this is a furred out wall (i.e. wood framing and sheetrock), then it’s not efflorescence. Spray a small amount of water on the substance. If it completely dissolves, it’s efflorescence. If it mats down a bit, it’s likely mold.
Both are the result of moisture intrusion. I would contact a drainage specialist and have them inspect your downspouts, drains, etc. I would also consider removing a small piece of sheetrock. If there’s no mold on the backside, you’re likely dealing with a humidity issue. If mold is present, you’re looking at a liquid water intrusion.
I suspect this to be efflorescence. This is from a concrete wall that is partially underground. This started to show up after a recent rainfall.
You are correct – this is efflorescence. The efflorescence itself isn’t a problem. It’s just crystal deposits left on the surface due to moisture migrating within the concrete. If you plan on leaving the concrete wall exposed, no further action is necessary. If you intend on finishing out the wall with framing, dry wall, etc. you’ll want to take steps to stop the moisture movement or install dimple board to direct the water downward.
We are making a bedroom in the basement for my teenage daughter and want to paint the concrete walls. We bought the house 4 years ago and the basement was treated for mold and had remediation done. I’m thinking it is back. It’s a white substance and wiped it down but it came back! Not sure what to do!
This is almost assuredly efflorescence, not mold growth. If it disappears when sprayed with water, it’s efflorescence. As noted in the article above, this indicates water is moving through the concrete wall. Do not cover this wall with insulation, framing or sheetrock without addressing this moisture issue. If you intend on finishing the basement, you’ll want to first install dimple board on the walls to direct water toward the floor. At the floor, install a internal footing drain and a sump pump.
Alternatively, you can simply leave the concrete wall uncovered and allow the moisture to harmlessly enter the room as vapor. It only becomes a problem when you cover the wall.
Is this white mould or efflorescence?
This is a tricky one. You can rule out efflorescence, due to the fact it’s occurring on metal. Efflorescence only appears on masonry surfaces.
Mold also seems unlikely. Direct growth on metal ducts is extremely rare. This would require large amounts of continual moisture combined with a heavy layer of existing dust. Also, the line between the white substance and the clear sheet metal is too precise for mold growth. You would expect a more diffuse edge.
Does this duct opening have a filter box? If so, occasionally you’ll see dust accumulation at the edge of a poorly fitting filter. Typically it is grey or black, not white.
My guess? This is overspray from the sheetrock texture.
If you’re looking for a firm answer, you can take a small sample in a bag and drop it off at your local environmental testing lab. At a minimum they can rule out mold.
This is a basement wall, below a window.From some of the other posts it looks like efforvesence, but no white fluffy powder. Now I'm worried about structural integrity. What do you think? Thanks
Yes, this is very likely efflorescence. Often it forms with an orange, bubbled surface. This typically does not impact the structural integrity directly, although it is a sign of failed/poor drainage and water management. I recommend contacting a basement drainage/waterproofing contractor to assess the issue. Often simply redirecting the downspouts on the exterior can alleviate the issue.
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