This is especially important in wet areas such as fountains, spas, steam showers, etc. This helps minimize or eliminate efflorescence-causing salts and minerals from migrating from below. Some solutions that you can consider for a new tile installation would be to use a waterproof membrane beneath the installed surface. These cleaners appear to be working when my surface is wet, but when the surface becomes dry it comes right back, leaving frustrated. The usual comment sounds like, “I have a white powdery haze on my surface and I have used every cleaner under the sun to no avail.
It is almost on a daily basis that we hear the cry for help regarding efflorescence. On the other hand, a Saltillo tile or terra cotta paver is porous enough that moisture transmission and salt or mineral deposits can be seen throughout the entire surface. Therefore, with dense surfaces such as ceramic tile, it is often found that the grout lines are more vulnerable to show efflorescence due to the higher concentrations of these deposits in those areas. Moisture migration follows the path of least resistance. In situations where a fat mud setting mixture is used (when additional lime is added to the mortar) there may be a heightened probability of efflorescence occurring. In all cases, the salts and minerals need water or moisture as the carrier to bring them to the exposed surface level. Just the water used in installation can be enough to trigger migration of these salts and alkalis to the surface resulting in efflorescence without the usual migration from the setting materials below. Sometimes alkali surfaces, like limestone, marble, concrete or grout, may be the source of salts and minerals. If the stone or tile is installed on a concrete substrate, or if there is moisture originating from the setting material (e.g., thin set, mortar), or if any component is mixed with water, then moisture will travel through the stone and/or grout to the surface. Because of this behavior, moisture may travel to lower or higher levels within a material and can move multi-directionally.Įfflorescence can be found on the oldest of installations but will frequently be created after a new tile or natural stone installation. This attraction or repulsion is caused by capillary action. By definition, it is the action by which the surface of a liquid, where it comes in contact with a solid, rises or falls. Capillarity is best explained as the movement or transmission of water or moisture in masonry and natural stone. These salts and minerals are generally carried by water as it travels through concrete substrates. These salts and minerals travel to the surface, using moisture as their carrier, and when the moisture evaporates what is left behind are salts and minerals on the surface. These salts and minerals are water-soluble and generally come from the ground or where cementitious or alkali substances exist. These deposits may become visible on many types of building surfaces such as concrete, stucco, grout, masonry, brick, natural stone, clay, ceramic tile and even wood. It is not limited to any specific geographic area.Įfflorescence is a white crystalline deposit that is composed of salts, lime and/or other minerals. Its existence is noticeable throughout various structures, statues, monuments and building projects worldwide.
SIGNCUT PRO REMOVE TILING PROFESSIONAL
Efflorescence Tech Report Furnished by Claudia Ramirez of Stone Tech Professional (1-22-05)Įfflorescence and How It Affects Ceramic Tile and Other InstallationsĮfflorescence has been in existence since the beginning of time.
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