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Stucco Erossion
Sulfate Attack
Erosion, for the lack of a better word in this context is when stucco, block or a cement product dissolves away.
This is caused by sulfate attack. Sulfate attack is the break down of cement from sulfates. Sulfates are salts (alkali). When these salts are activated by water they act as an acid.
If you need help or have questions contact T.G.A Painting. Our owner was a stucco contractor for 30 years and toroughly understands this problem.
The white in the pictures is efflorescence which is salt. See the efflorescence page for more information. Efflorescence concentrates the salts at the surface.
The sulfates do not break down paint or synthetic finish. So a blister or bubble may form where the paint or finish is holding the broken down powder that was the solid stucco or block.
This is why water in stucco and block walls is bad. It is also why sulfate attack happens towards the bottom of walls, on retaining walls and planters where water can be absorbed from the earth. Especially where there is a constant water source. Such as near pool equipment or irrigated vegetation.
Arizona clay soil tends to contain salts that block walls will absorb.
This is yet another situation where most professionals do not understand the best way to mitigate this problem and many have ideas that make it worse.
