JacobPM
March 3rd, 2010, 10:44 AM
Customer Question: My basement walls have a white powdery dust on them, what is this and should I be concerned?
Answer:
The "white powdery dust" on your basement walls is called Efflorescence. It's harmless.
Efflorescence is the mineral remains left behind after water evaporates from a surface...in this case, your basement walls. It's an indication that moisture is coming into contact with that surface and it's simply moving from a liquid to a gas form at that point - which separates what it's carrying (minerals) from the water, and you get the powder.
Other types of powder can also form if there is shim coating on the walls, a paint or stucco, or if there has been flood damage to the inside of the home.
Answer:
The "white powdery dust" on your basement walls is called Efflorescence. It's harmless.
Efflorescence is the mineral remains left behind after water evaporates from a surface...in this case, your basement walls. It's an indication that moisture is coming into contact with that surface and it's simply moving from a liquid to a gas form at that point - which separates what it's carrying (minerals) from the water, and you get the powder.
Other types of powder can also form if there is shim coating on the walls, a paint or stucco, or if there has been flood damage to the inside of the home.