Conditions Required
Three conditions are required to produce efflorescence:
- Water soluble salts have to be present
- Water must be present in sufficient quantities and for sufficient time to dissolve the salts
- The form of construction must allow the salt-bearing solutions to reach the surface
There is always one common factor as visible efflorescence cannot occur unless water is able to penetrate the brickwork either during or after construction. Investigation into the source of this water and methods of eliminating or diverting it from the affected areas is essential. It may also help to obtain a brick of low soluble salt content as marked with an 'L' and to keep the brickwork as dry as possible during construction. It is advisable to check if efflorescence could be a problem at all by consulting your brick supplier.