Damp patch and Efflorescence

[liquidxtal]

Hi,

I'm having problems with a damp patch on an interior wall. The bricks on the exterior of the wall have a white crystalline deposit on them. I have been recommended to treat the external wall with Thompson's water sealant. Should I try and remove the white deposit before I coat with the water sealant or will the application of the sealant be all that is required?

Thank you

 

[JohnD]

Find the leak or drip causing the damp and repair it.

Once the wall has fully dried, you can take a look at the efflorescence.

Some photos will help a lot.

 

[KenGMac]

As johnD above, one prime suspect will be a leaky rain water gutter, next time it rains pop out and have a look

Ken

 

[^woody^]

Thompson's is a water repellent, it does nothing for salt deposits

 

[mrrusty]

Surface seals, seal water in so walls can't dry to atmosphere. Unless it is raining, relative humidity is usually <100% hence moving air over a wall will dry it.

 

[liquidxtal]

Hi

Thanks for the above replies and please forgive me for my late reply – computer troubles!

All of the replies offered sound advice especially the posts by JohnD and KenGMac. Woody and mrrusty – good logic. Thanks all, will report back as to how successful I have been.

Barry