Efflorescence

Most every new paver application has Efflorescence. It can appear as a white stain-see picture below, or a white powder on the top of the paver. Simply said it is a natural occurrence of curing concrete. Technically, curing concrete contains Calcium Oxide and when mixed with water this forms Calcium Hydroxide and when mixed with air becomes Calcium Carbonate, AKA Efflorescence. On a new application it is termed Primary Efflorescence and when it continues we call it Secondary Efflorescence.

The Paver Doctors advises to let Efflorescence run its course on new applications. Sometime within a year from installation, through a process called weather, Efflorescence production will be exhausted. At that time after a cleaning to remove the remaining residue is done you will be free of Efflorescence! 

In specific situations, Efflorescence may need to be removed. With many acids readily available to consumers, I would only suggest one for homeowner use. It contains 16% Solfamic acid which will not damage concrete if used incorrectly. You can find it at Hedberg Landscape and Masonry Supplies (3 Metro locations) and sold under the SRW Products brand.

In some instances Secondary Efflorescence can reappear for longer periods than a year. Cleaning and then sealing the pavers will help two fold. First it will reduce the amount of water entering the paver and also create a resistance forcing any Secondary Efflorescence Blooms to the sides and bottoms of the paver.

Efflorescence is an issue of appearance and will not affect the integrity of the paver. Feel free to call on The Paver Doctor to assess this or any issues related to your Pavers! We specialize in paver Repair-Restoration-Sealing.