Efflorescence Chimney Attic

Efflorescence occurs when moisture moves through concrete or other masonry.

Efflorescence chimney attic.

The minerals themselves do no harm. If efflorescence is visible on your chimney it s safe to assume that there is more going on than staining. This allows rain water to seep into the brick or stone walls. As water moves through the wall it dissolves salt particles naturally present in the masonry along the way.

When the moisture evaporates minerals that had been dissolved in the water are left behind as a visible sign of the evaporation. Cleaning efflorescence although rarely harmful efflorescence can still be unsightly on a chimney. Most of the time the rain will wash it away but sometimes it is necessary to remove tougher stains. Premature deterioration of the masonry structure is occurring.

There are two possible sources of the moisture. Older furnaces required more chimney area due to their high rate of heat loss through the chimney and lower efficiency. The moisture picks up minerals carries them to the surface of the masonry and leaves them behind in the form of tiny crystals on the surface as the moisture evaporates. With today s high efficiency furnaces most of the heat goes into your home not the chimney producing a much cooler exhaust and leaving the chimney filled with cold air.

It has a white or greyish tint and consists of salt deposits left behind when water evaporates. The efflorescence is formed when the chimney structure cracks has not been properly sealed or is missing a cap or other sealant. The efflorescence is evidence that your chimney is regularly wet. You can simply brush them away.

Efflorescence is a crystalline deposit of salts that can form when water is present in or on brick concrete stone stucco or other building surfaces.