Preventing Efflorescence

When it comes to concrete, there are a few steps that can be taken to help in preventing efflorescence. Proper drainage away from a slab will limit moisture moving up from the subgrade. This also includes eliminating any unnecessary sources of water such as downspouts that dump water underneath a slab.

Concrete sealers can also prevent efflorescence from reoccurring. Although regular film forming sealers will stop water from seeping down into the pores, they still allow moisture from the subgrade to pass through. This can create and trap efflorescence between the sealer and the concrete.

Penetrating sealers are the best defense against efflorescence. These silicone-based sealers work by penetrating the surface and reacting with free lime to form calcium silicate. It’s like filling the capillaries and pores with cement to block the migration of water. If the water can’t get to the surface, then salts can’t be left behind.

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