Rust Spots On Basement Concrete Walls

The brown stains are probably from creosote or soot washing out of the chimney interior flue and leaking into the attic through the chimney wall.

Rust spots on basement concrete walls. If water has a high iron or mineral content or if the water is carrying leaves or dirt it can leave behind iron or rust colored stains or dark spots on the concrete. Minor rust stains may be dissolved by rust removing chemicals. Brown stains leaking out of any chimney photo above right whether masonry or metal may indicate a dangerous condition prompt inspection is needed. In some cases priming is not required.

Using a pressure washer rinse the natural rust remover off the concrete and enjoy a rust free patio. Brown stains on a chimney wall may also show up indoors or outside photo above right. The most common way to remove discoloration caused by water is to use a heated pressure washer or acid rinse. We find these stains on concrete block or cinder block chimneys as well and occasionally on stone chimneys.

Decorative concrete stains can work with the rust stains you have to create variegated designs that resemble stone. The dos and don ts of waterproofing basement walls troubleshoot the causes and find the solutions to wet basement walls the sooner the better to maintain the integrity of your home. The goof off outdoor rust and iron stain remover dissolve rust stains on contact. To clean a concrete patio of regular grime or to eliminate a rust stain pour the acidic product over the rust and allow it to sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the acid to penetrate and dissolve the rust.

When used as directed rust aid is safe around pets and plants. Use it on rust stained concrete and tools also works on calcium and lime stains. When groundwater consistently infiltrates the porous concrete walls through capillary action wall stains and related problems can occur. You can re treat the area as needed for stubborn stains.

Spray on and stains disappear. The white and gray stains shown on the poured concrete basement wall at left are due to water and moisture seeping through the wall at concrete form ties that were not adequately sealed on the wall exterior after initial construction. Therefore the first step to correct any type of basement wall stain problem is to provide adequate foundation drainage in order to minimize the water infiltration.