Mold and Efflorescence

There is sometimes confusion over what is mold and what is efflorescence. Efflorescence are mineral deposits that come through masonry such as brick, stone, and cement. The deposits are bought to the surface of the masonry because of water infiltration into the brick or cement and then subsequent evaporation. Often the powdery substance has a mold like appearance. Efflorescence is not mold and should not be confused with mold. Efflorescence has a power like appearance where mold does not. Efflorescence forms on inorganic material such as cement where molds grow in most cases on organic containing materials. Mold can not grow on an untreated block wall, there is no food source for the organism. Eefflorescence is almost always white in color while mold can take on a variety of different colors. Home Inspectors in New Jersey