What is the damage called when efflorescence leads to strong osmotic pressures and causes material to break apart?

Study for the Florida InterNACHI State Exam. Dive into detailed questions with explanations and hints. Prepare thoroughly and confidently tackle the exam to advance your home inspection knowledge and career.

When efflorescence occurs, it creates a buildup of soluble salts within the material. As water evaporates from the surface, these salts can become concentrated, generating osmotic pressures that may lead to the disintegration of the material. This phenomenon is specifically known as spalling.

Spalling is characterized by portions of the material breaking away in chunks or layers, typically due to the internal pressure created by the salts and the subsequent moisture changes. This process can weaken the integrity of structures, where the outer layers start to flake off or break apart.

Understanding spalling as a result of efflorescence provides insight into managing and mitigating issues in masonry and concrete work, as it directly affects the durability and lifespan of building materials.

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