Should you worry about efflorescence?

If there's a lot on your chimney, YES. Remember, white staining on your chimney could be a sign of a more serious problem. That's why if you start seeing white salt deposits on the brick exterior, you should contact a professional to diagnose the problem and fix it.

What to do about chimney efflorescence (That White Stuff)

Q: Does efflorescence cause more damage to the chimney structure?

It is comparable to most other natural stone products but more expensive than poured concrete or concrete pavers.

In this 3-minute read, you’ll find everything you need to know about that white stuff you might be seeing on your chimney, also called chimney efflorescence.

To know what to do about it, it’s important to understand what causes that white staining on your masonry or brick chimney.

Starting to see some white stains on the outside of your chimney? It might be chimney efflorescence and it can sometimes be a sign of a more serious issue.

So what causes chimney efflorescence? And what can you as a homeowner do to prevent or fix it?

What Causes Chimney Efflorescence?

Efflorescence is the fluffy or fuzzy looking stuff you sometimes see on a masonry structure. It forms on your chimney when moisture combines with soluble salts (like sodium potassium) in the brick or mortar. When that mixture reaches the surface and evaporates, it leaves a salt residue on the surface. Those powdery salt deposits are called efflorescence.

For chimney efflorescence to form, three things need to happen:

The brick and mortar in your chimney needs to contain a large amount of soluble salts.
Excess moisture needs to get into your chimney to create a soluble solution.
That solution needs to reach the surface, leaving behind the crystalline deposits.

But how does moisture get into your chimney anyway? Let’s see.

Various Ways Moisture Enters the Chimney System

Here are several ways moisture can enter your chimney leading to efflorescence salt deposits (and even structural damage with time!)

Deteriorated mortar joints.
Cracks in the brick
A damaged or poorly installed chimney crown
No chimney cap
Poorly installed flashing around your chimney
Damaged chimney liner
No chimney flue liner

A lot of these chimney leakage problems can be caused by improper chimney construction. That’s why it’s so important to hire a professional to get regular chimney inspections and chimney repairs!

If you’re in the Garland, Texas area, give us a call at A&X Masonry. Get your free quote today!

Damages Caused by Chimney Efflorescence Stains

Chimney efflorescence and the white staining it causes don’t actually cause any serious problems. But it can be a symptom of a more serious problem—moisture going where it shouldn’t go. With time, all that extra moisture will cause problems like these:

The chimney structure can deteriorate prematurely
If not repaired, the chimney could start to lean or even completely collapse
Moisture can cause the flue lining to deteriorate faster
Moisture can leak into other parts of your home’s structure—walls, floors, beams
Excess moisture can lead to problems with mold and mildew

Since these are serious problems that can affect more than just your chimney, it’s best to not let them go for long.

So what can you do to prevent or repair chimney efflorescence and the serious problems that might cause it?

Repair and Prevention Tips

It’s best to follow these tips sooner rather than later. Preventative action will help you avoid more expensive repairs down the road.

Get your chimney inspected regularly. The NFPA 211 (National Fire Protection Association) suggests: “Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary.” Make it a point to call a chimney sweep for a yearly chimney inspection and cleaning. They’ll be able to keep it in good working order and spot any problems early on.
Contact a chimney sweep or masonry company to make needed repairs. Make sure you hire someone with experience in brick chimney repair.
Clean the efflorescence off the chimney exterior. If it’s just a few small stains, you can start with a dry scrub brush. But if you’re dealing with more stubborn stains and residue, you can try a masonry cleaner. Make your own with vinegar and water. Or purchase a ready-made efflorescence cleaning solution. It’s formulated with different compounds that remove white staining from chimney bricks.
If you’re planning a new fireplace or chimney project, work with your chimney contractor to choose quality masonry products. These will have fewer soluble salts, be denser and less permeable, and can even contain substances that neutralize soluble salts.

Frequently Asked Questions

When are masonry chimneys the most at risk for efflorescence?

When they’re not built correctly. Regardless of the climate, a poorly built chimney will allow more moisture to get places where it shouldn’t be. Also, those who live in wet climates with frequent freeze / thaw cycles are at a greater risk. The freeze / thaw cycles can cause masonry chimneys to deteriorate faster.

Does efflorescence cause more damage to the chimney structure?

Efflorescence itself doesn’t cause much damage to the chimney’s masonry structure. However, the moisture that mixes with the salt can cause premature deterioration of the masonry structure.

Should you worry about chimney efflorescence?

The best way to know is to get a professional certified chimney sweep or masonry contractor to inspect the fireplace, inside of the chimney, chimney crown and chimney cap. They can tell you for sure if there is a more serious issue that is causing the efflorescence.

How to remove white powder from bricks on my chimney?

To clean white powder from your chimney bricks, it’s best to start with a dry brush. If the stains persist, you can try some water and a brush or a light masonry cleaning solution, preferably one that is made for cleaning efflorescence.