Brick and mortar erosion is commonly found and varies in severity and intensity. It can be a mild case of white staining on brickwork to a severe case of mortar erosion in which bricks become loose. It is called Efflorescence for staining and Krypto Efflorescence when it actually causes erosion. It is caused by forces of crystallising salts coming from rising dampness.

Krypto Efflorescence is a symptom of rising dampness and the cause is always excessive water in and around dwelling. Frequently brickwork will erode below a damp proof course and sometimes when damp proof course is defective it will creep above it.

The only cure is the reduction of dampness at this will require careful inspection to determine the source of excessive water and improvement in ventilation.

In severe cases, partial rebuilding of brickwork is required and repair of damp proofing sometimes is achieved with chemical injections.

If you have efflorescence you have a problem because it should not be happening.