2. Will water-proofing cure efflorescence?

Waterproofing materials are designed to inhibit efflorescence by preventing rainwater from entering the wall. However, they have no effect on efflorescence caused by construction moisture. Efflorescence is a normal construction “phenomenon”. Once the building is waterproofed we can expect a certain amount of efflorescence caused by residual construction moisture. Once that efflorescence is removed we expect no new efflorescence. In other words no new water is allowed to enter the walls.

Waterproofing materials are designed to prevent the formation of efflorescence caused by rainfall. They are not designed to “hold in” efflorescence caused by construction moisture as this “holding in” could cause pressure buildup in the wall, causing spalling of the surface.