White powder coming from ceramic foor tiles - What is it?

Joined
13 Mar 2006
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
Country
United Kingdom
Specifically at the back end of house where it leads onto patio doors. Any ideas anyone? Notice the powder on patio door edging.
 
When water migrates through masonary walls, it picks up minerals that are soluble in water on it's way through.

When the water gets to the surface of the wall, then it evaporates and leaves those dissolved minerals behind as a white salt. We call that white powdery stain "efflourescence", and Google should be able to find plenty of info about it for you.

It's also an indication that water is migrating through the wall behind those ceramic tiles. It could very well be condensation that's formed frost in the wall over the course of the winter that's started melting now.

Normally, efflorescence is not harmful to masonary walls.
 

If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.

Select the supplier or trade you require, enter your location to begin your search.


Are you a trade or supplier? You can create your listing free at DIYnot Local

 
Back
Top