What is the “white stuff” on my brick after construction?
It is a substance called “efflorescence” which is a deposit of soluble salts and bases, usually white in color that sometimes appears on the surfaces of masonry or concrete construction. Although it may be an aesthetic concern, efflorescence will not affect structural performance. Often efflorescence is apparent just after the structure is completed. If the efflorescence is essentially uniform throughout the exterior facade, it indicates normal water loss from the materials and the building. Some identify this occurrence as “early age” efflorescence or “new building bloom.” If unattended, the salts will eventually be removed by rain water. If the deposit is heavy and essentially shows as white streaks immediately below mortar joints or covering localized areas of the masonry, it indicates that water has entered or is entering the wall at a higher elevation. These salts are called leachates, preferred to “lime spots,” “lime runs” and “lime deposits;” and are sometimes identified as “lat
