Mold or mold on the walls most often appears as a result of excessive moisture. Not only do they spoil the aesthetics of the interior, but they can also have serious consequences for the health of the residents. Salt efflorescence can also appear on damp walls. Although they are not harmful to our health, they can lead to significant structural damage. How can salt blooms be distinguished from fungi and mold? There is an easy way.
Salt efflorescence on the walls in the home
Mold and efflorescence on the walls is a fairly common problem that occurs in many apartments and houses. It most often appears in the winter, and its development is favored by high humidity and insufficient air circulation. The presence of fungi and mold not only reduces the aesthetics of interiors, but also leads to serious health consequences.
Salt efflorescence can also appear on walls. These are mineral formations that arise as a result of salt crystallization. They appear on damp walls as a result of the dissolved salts contained in the mortar and masonry rising to the surface. After the water evaporates, unsightly salt efflorescence is formed, which is often mistaken for mold. They are most often white, but they can also be green, orange, red or even dark gray. They can also have different forms, for example colored deposits, crusts or crystals.
Moisture favors the development of salt blooms. The problem is often caused by groundwater seeping through the walls. Although salt efflorescence is easily mistaken for mold, it is not dangerous to our health. However, this problem cannot be underestimated. Salt efflorescence not only spoils the aesthetics, but can also have a negative effect on the construction of the building. They can lead to permanent damage to the facade, so it is worth taking measures to remove them and prevent their occurrence.
How can salt bloom be distinguished from molds and fungi?
There are two ways to distinguish salt blooms from molds and fungi. You can scrape some of the blooms off the wall and then water them with room temperature water. If it dissolves, it is a salt efflorescence. If a slurry forms, it is mold. The second way is to wipe the efflorescence with a small amount of bleach. If it changes color, it is most likely mold.
How to remove salt efflorescence from walls?
Removing salt efflorescence from walls is not an easy task. The fight must begin by eliminating the cause of their formation. The work begins by removing the source of moisture (perhaps by repairing damaged insulation elements such as roofs or gutters to prevent water from entering the building structure). Experts advise to wait until the surface of the brickwork dries, but you can also use specialized products to neutralize salts and remove efflorescence. However, it should be remembered that these have a superficial effect and cannot completely eliminate the problem.
To remove salt efflorescence, first dry the wall. Unfortunately, this process takes a long time, but it can be accelerated by using heaters. Subsequently, it is a good idea to paint the wall with remedial plaster to prevent efflorescence. Before proceeding, the old plaster should be removed and the exposed wall thoroughly cleaned. Finally, the surface can be painted with silicate paint or covered with mineral decorative plaster.
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