2006-10-25 16:15:31 · 5 answers · asked by tsoro 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Walls are drywall (sheet-rock).
Extertior walls are wood siding
have has problems with water leaks
2006-10-25 19:07:47 · update #1
It's efflorescence, a build up of various mineral salts. The salts are in the materials from which the wall is made (usually masonry) Sufficient water must be present to cause the salts to form deposits on the interior wall.
2006-10-25 16:26:39 · answer #1 · answered by 2smart 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, if it's not the old oil paints breaking down and separating into it's components. then I might believe it's a mold problem. At any rate, call a proffesional to diagnose the chemical make-up of the substance before you take any other measures. For instance; If it is lead based paint breaking down, any chemical you use may have an adverse effect of the health of the household. As you can see, there are many different beliefs as to what this could be, go with an analisys before anything drastic happens, it could get much,much worse
2006-10-25 23:31:38 · answer #2 · answered by benzhowz 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your walls are concrete block with dirt on the outside this is called "efflorescence" and is like stalactites - mineral bearing water seeps through and evaporates, leaving white mineral deposits.
If your walls are dark paneling and the room has a fireplace the powder is probably ash.
If you run a crack house the powder is probably lost profit margin.
2006-10-25 23:22:21 · answer #3 · answered by Slake 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No hun, it sounds like termites! Dampness would be green!
2006-10-25 23:20:41 · answer #4 · answered by cherryfrank@sbcglobal.net 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get it checked out.. it could be mold...
2006-10-25 23:39:34 · answer #5 · answered by get_er_done 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋