StonePly Technical Bulletins
Efflorescence in Stone
One of the advantages of StonePly over solid stone is the absence of efflorescence. Efflorescence in certain solid stones is a common problem. Efflorescence is very rarely a problem with StonePly. Efflorescence is a white, powdery, blotchy or crystalline deposit on the surface of concrete, limestone, marble or masonry products. Efflorescence is due to moisture combining with calcium hydroxide in the limestone, marble or cement, and forming crystals when it reacts with the carbon dioxide in the air. Efflorescence in StonePly is not common, because water cannot enter the back of the stone (it is covered by an impervious aluminum plate). It can sometimes occur, on rare occasions, when water enters the panel, by the panel sitting in water or as dampness absorbed from the soil. Generally, efflorescence is a temporary condition. If left alone, rain will naturally remove the efflorescence from stone. Once all the salts have come to the stone’s surface naturally and been washed away by the rain, it should not reappear.
This technical bulletin is provided by StonePly. It is intended for guidance only.
Copyright 2007, StonePly Inc. All rights reserved.
