Efflorescence On Wood In Attic

We live in a 1950 s two story home located in an area with low humidity warm summers very cold winters.

Efflorescence on wood in attic.

In order to tell if it is white mold or efflorescence mist the affected area with water. When the moisture carrying the salts reaches the surface the air causes the moisture to evaporate which then leaves a white crystalline type of powdery material or a. When water seeps through concrete brick or stone it can leave behind salt deposits. Efflorescence is odorless while mold growth often produces a musty odor.

Mold on the other hand grows on organic materials such as wood. Efflorescence is often described as dissolvable salts in moisture that are transported through porous materials such as concrete brick block and stone through capillary action. It often looks like mold but really it s caused by salt deposits. If you find a white mold like substance on sheet rock or wood you can certainly rule out efflorescence.

Efflorescence will only occur on concrete brick or other masonry structures. There is no efflorescence on the brick above or below the attic. Before insulating our attic i would like to know if i should be concerned about a heavy white efflorescence on the bricks of the chimney in our attic. Efflorescence on the other hand is almost always white or yellow.

Rafters in the attic floor joists in the basement or. White mold is commonly found growing on wood surfaces. If it s efflorescence the salt with dissolve away. When the water evaporates what remains is a white crystalline substance that resembles mold.

Another indication though imperfect is the presence of a mold smell. Efflorescence is a salt deposit left behind when moisture makes its way through concrete.