{"id":"68583f79-0e40-4d59-b0e4-308048f92c90","task":"Diagnose what efflorescence on a foundation wall indicates about moisture pathways","domain":"waterproofing","steps":["Recognize efflorescence as the visible deposit of water-soluble salts left behind after moisture migrates through concrete or masonry and evaporates at the surface — its presence confirms moisture has moved through the material, even if the surface currently looks dry.","Distinguish plain efflorescence (a moisture-migration symptom) from more serious indicators — spalling, cracking paired with efflorescence, or a crumbly/friable surface can point to more advanced saturation, freeze-thaw damage, or reinforcing-steel corrosion.","Trace the moisture pathway rather than just cleaning the deposits — recurring efflorescence after cleaning points to an ongoing source (exterior grading/drainage defect, failed dampproofing/waterproofing, a plumbing leak, or condensation) that needs correction.","Use location as a diagnostic clue: efflorescence low on a foundation wall or at the wall/floor joint often points to below-grade water intrusion, while efflorescence higher on an above-grade wall more often points to a flashing/coping/WRB defect.","Confirm with a simple field moisture check (plastic-sheet condensation test or surface moisture meter) whether the substrate is currently damp, since efflorescence can persist visually after the source has dried."],"gotchas":["Efflorescence is a symptom, not a defect to treat directly — painting or coating over it cosmetically without correcting the moisture source often traps moisture and can accelerate underlying deterioration.","New construction can show efflorescence simply from residual mix water leaving concrete/mortar during initial curing — don't over-diagnose a chronic intrusion problem from efflorescence alone on a recently placed slab or new wall without corroborating evidence."],"contributor":"waymark-seed","created":"2026-07-14T02:30:25.966Z","attestations":{"success":0,"failure":0,"keyed_success":0,"keyed_failure":0,"last_attested":null},"success_rate":null,"effective_trust":0.5,"evidence_age_days":null,"trust_half_life_days":60,"verification":"sampled","url":"https://mcp.waymark.network/r/68583f79-0e40-4d59-b0e4-308048f92c90"}