Posted by cmpc on January 04, 19100 at 11:56:58:
In Reply to: Initial signs of efflorescence on concrete masonry units inside a residential house posted by Dave Urke on December 30, 1999 at 09:42:20:
Efflorescence is caused by water penetration. The water allows for soluable salts to leach out of the block during the hydration process. If your residence is new construction this is called early stage effloresence which can be easily cleaned off. Early stage is caused from the water in the mortar during construction. If however you have an older home and the effloresence is occuring then we need to find the source of the water infiltration. There is no need for alarm. Effloresence is harmless salts, but it is an indicator that you have a leak.