In the Southwest, we started springtime in early February. During that time, there were reports of severe snowfall in the Northeast and about how Punxsutawney Phil decided to just stay in his warm den. Arizona was chilly, hitting temps in the low ’50s—brrr. So, for the rest of the nation, winter stuck it out as long as possible. But now that it is April, we all are enjoying our spring or spring-like weather. Springtime is the season of flowers, Mother Nature’s first smile, warming the land and our hearts. Ah yes, springtime …
For us EIFS and stucco professionals, springtime can wreak havoc on our cement based claddings. You see, we have our own spring flower of sorts, a blooming in the cement we call efflorescence. Now you all know me as a proper pronunciation kind of guy (no EFES) and the word efflorescence falls into one of my target word categories. It isn’t effervescence, that’s what cleans dentures, nor is it emmeresence, efference, or emmnnmm … essints, all non-words. Efflorescence is the surface presence of soluble salts contained within cement, lime, sand and water. These salts can be carried to the surface via moisture to the outside or dry area, and be left behind as a powdery film once the moisture evaporates. Efflorescence also comes in a variety of colors; white, yellow, green and tan.