Updated 2024 by Andrew Mackintosh. You’ve chosen brick over timber and you’re ready to go. You’ve been searching for the perfect Brisbane property, and you think you might have found it. But there’s a problem – there are signs of brick efflorescence. How worried should you be?
What is efflorescence, and what does it look like?
Efflorescence can appear on bricks and concrete in a home as a flowery white or grey crystallized formation or a powdery deposit. It will often appear on floors, masonry, pavers, or any porous surface in a home. In addition, it can appear as blistered or bubbling paintwork or wallpaper on the interior walls, or even water-looking marks along the wall if the efflorescence is not drying completely. It is generally caused by moisture being drawn up into a facing and then drying out on the surface, causing the salt content to turn into crystals and powder when the moisture evaporates. Efflorescence can appear as a thick, spiky covering or a powdery substance depending on the salt content in the water and the degree to which the moisture evaporates.
Is efflorescence a problem?
Efflorescence can be a severe threat to the integrity of a building. It can cause mould in the interior of the walls and threaten the integrity of bricks and mortar with the constant moisture breaking down the bricks. In addition, health issues can result from constant moisture in the air, mould spores, and reduced insulation efficiency etc.
However, it is also often a sign that there may be an underlying issue that can cause damage or need a costly repair and be a visual warning sign of expensive problems.
Learn more about spotting issues at an open home.
What causes brick efflorescence and concrete efflorescence in buildings?
The most common causes of brick and concrete efflorescence are rising dampness up through the residence walls, the failure of the tanking barriers behind walls, or the incorrect installation or failure of the vapour barriers under concrete floors. In new builds, some standards must be inspected as the build progresses. However, there can be other causes in older houses that are not as obvious.
- Plant boxes constructed against a wall can bypass the tanking barriers and vapour barriers by being higher or damaging them by constantly having moisture through the planter soil against the bricks and grout.
- The rendering of exterior brickwork without correct procedure or adequate vapour barriers can allow moisture introduction to a previously protected surface.
- Renovations with DIY additions that do not adhere to building codes for moisture.
- Replacing flooring and not installing the proper protections.
Weep holes help with the ventilation of your home and prevent moisture, but it can cause damp issues if they are compromised.
Your pre-purchase building inspector should do a thorough building inspection to ensure that any brick efflorescence isn’t a red flag of underlying problems. Thorough inspections matter. Learn more about our inspections.
Will your building inspector raise it as an issue?
Andrew of Action Property Inspections has over 30 years of experience. He will immediately be able to identify efflorescence in the interior or exterior of a residence and identify the most likely reason. From removing a planter box against the house to recognising the signs of significant faults and failures of tanking barriers and vapour barriers, Action Property Inspections takes photos and provides a comprehensive report, including inspections for efflorescence.
Learn about potential external issues for your new home.
Book an Inspection on your New Brick Home Now