Efflorescence can quietly ruin the look of your home. Those white, powdery salt patches on walls and floors spoil the beauty and also hint at moisture problems. Think of them like sweat on your skin: moisture escaping and leaving behind a residue.
If not addressed, efflorescence can ruin the appearance of your home and lead to lasting damage. If you see these signs, you should act fast.
This guide will explain what efflorescence is, why it happens, and how you can prevent and remove it. Keep reading to learn how you can protect your home with smart waterproofing solutions!
Contents
What is Efflorescence? Is It Common in India?
Efflorescence is the white salt deposit you see on concrete, bricks, or masonry surfaces. It forms when water carries salts through porous building materials and then evaporates. This process leaves salt crystals behind.
In India, it is typical to see efflorescence during and following the monsoon season. The heavy rains increase moisture levels, and water penetrates building materials easily. Over time, this repeated wetting and drying causes salts to accumulate on walls, terraces, and even floors.
If untreated, the salt deposits lead to plaster peeling, paint damage, and structural weakening. That is why we want you to understand how to spot the early signs of efflorescence and take steps to protect your home.
6 Stages How Efflorescence Occurs
Efflorescence happens when moisture meets salts inside your building materials:
- Water entry: Rain, groundwater, leaks, or poor drainage let water into walls and floors.
- Salt in materials: Cement, bricks, sand, and soil contain natural salts.
- Moisture movement: Water dissolves these salts and brings them to the surface.
Our blog on 5 Signs of Groundwater Seepage & How to Solve Them breaks down the top 5 signs to watch for and offers practical solutions to stop seepage before it worsens. Protect your home and your family’s health by staying informed and acting quickly.
- Evaporation: When water evaporates, salts remain as white powder.
- Construction issues: High water use in mixing, poor curing, and porous materials increase risk.
- Climate: India’s humidity, heavy rains, and temperature changes make it worse.
How to Prevent Efflorescence?
Waterproofing: The Best Defense
Stopping water from entering your walls is the main way to avoid efflorescence. Go for basement waterproofing to create a barrier against moisture.
7 Other Useful Steps to Prevent Efflorescence
- Waterproof the foundations, sub-structure or raft slab.
- Use low-alkali cement and clean, washed aggregates to reduce salt.
- Cure concrete properly to make it less porous.
- Ensure water used in the concrete is completely free of salts.
- Fix drainage so water moves away from your home.
- Install gutters and downspouts to stop water splashing on walls.
- Make sure to frequently inspect for any cracks or damage and fix them promptly.
Did you know that not all waterproof paints are the same? Different rooms face different moisture challenges, from humid bathrooms to sun-exposed terraces. Our blog on Room-by-Room Guide on Choosing the Right Waterproof Paint helps you select the best waterproof paint for every space in your home.
How to Quickly Remove Efflorescence?
- Dry brushing: Use a stiff brush to remove loose salt.
- Water washing: Rinse gently with clean water. Avoid high-pressure sprays.
- Mild detergent: For tough spots, scrub with mild detergent solution.
- Chemical treatment: Use a diluted acid (like 5% muriatic acid) carefully:
- Wear gloves and goggles.
- Test on a small spot first.
- Apply, scrub lightly, rinse well.
- Neutralize: Use baking soda solution after acid treatment.
- Dry: Let the surface dry fully before repainting or sealing.
Sunanda Global’s Waterproofing Solutions for Efflorescence
Sunanda Global is a trusted waterproofing company offering products that protect homes from moisture and efflorescence.
Here are two of our top products to prevent/cure efflorescence:
1) POLYALK WP
Applications:
- Waterproofing roof slabs, including flat, sloping, and domes, to prevent water seepage that leads to salt deposits and efflorescence.
- Protective coating for sub-structures and walls, both inside and outside, to block moisture entry and reduce efflorescence risk.
Features:
- Forms an impermeable co-matrix film when mixed with cement, effectively stopping water and salts from penetrating surfaces.
- Can be applied in damp and moist conditions, including terraces and exteriors during monsoon, providing continuous protection against moisture-driven efflorescence.
2) SUNEPOXY WB
Applications:
- Waterproof coating for damp or wet surfaces prone to salt damage, such as basements and bathrooms
- Protects high-humidity areas from moisture penetration and salt crystallization
Features:
- Smooth, chemical-resistant barrier that blocks water and salts
- Can be applied on damp substrates, saving time and preventing moisture-related efflorescence
If you want to learn how epoxy coatings can help protect your floors, walls, and more from issues like efflorescence, check out our detailed blog on What Are Epoxy Coatings?
Why Choose Sunanda Global for Waterproofing Solutions?
Selecting Sunanda Global as your waterproofing company means your home receives reliable protection. Our expert waterproofing contractors in Noida and other cities use quality products that preserve your home’s beauty and keep your family safe.
Good waterproofing means fewer repairs, a stronger house, and peace of mind. Impress your neighbours and guests with a home that looks cared for and lasts longer.
Explore more of Sunanda’s products and services today! Protect your home with solutions designed for Indian weather and construction needs.
