Wet-attached natural stone floors and walls can develop a unique issue during installation, where the stone blocks appear to have "watermarks." As the mortar dries and hardens, these watermarks may shrink or even disappear temporarily. However, over time—especially in areas with frequent rain or high humidity—the moisture from the surrounding environment, such as from the wall base or floor, can seep into the stone through its microscopic capillaries. This causes the watermarks to expand, merge between the joints, and eventually lead to discoloration, loss of shine, and the formation of white crystalline deposits along the seams. This unsightly condition is known as the "alkali efflorescence" or "pan-alkali" phenomenon.
Cause Analysis
Natural stones, such as granite and marble, have relatively coarse crystal structures and contain numerous tiny capillary pores that are invisible to the naked eye. These pores allow for some degree of water absorption. For example, granite typically absorbs 0.2% to 1.7%, while marble absorbs 0.5% to 2.0%. Although this level of absorption is low, it's still enough for water to penetrate through the capillaries. This characteristic, combined with the presence of these small channels, creates a pathway for water, alkalis, and salts from the bonding material to enter the stone, leading to efflorescence.
The primary source of alkalis and salts comes from the binding material used during installation. Calcium hydroxide, which forms in the mortar, can be carried by excess mixing water and migrate through the stone’s capillaries. The more water used in the mix, the more calcium hydroxide is transported to the surface. When the water evaporates, the calcium hydroxide remains behind, contributing to the formation of white deposits on the stone surface. Water acts as both a solvent and a carrier for these substances, making them more likely to accumulate over time.
Main Causes of Water Penetration into Stone Panels:
- Seams are often filled with cement-based mortar, which has poor waterproofing properties.
- Surface water can directly penetrate the stone panel.
- Excessive water is sometimes used during installation, allowing it to seep into the stone and dissolve alkalis and salts, leading to pan-alkali formation.
Prevention and Remediation
Once alkali efflorescence appears on natural stone surfaces, it indicates that soluble alkalis or salts have already penetrated the stone through its capillaries. At this stage, removal is difficult and often only partial. Therefore, the best approach is prevention. However, if the problem has already occurred, the following steps should be taken:
- Immediately apply a full waterproof coating to the joints and surface of the stone panels to prevent further water intrusion and stop the spread of the pan-alkali effect.
- Use commercially available stone alkali cleaning agents. These are usually clear, transparent liquids made from non-ionic surfactants and solvents. They can help remove some surface stains but should be tested on a small area first to ensure compatibility with the stone type before full application.
By taking these measures early, the damage caused by alkali efflorescence can be minimized, preserving the beauty and longevity of your natural stone surfaces.
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