Salt damp is a serious issue that can have a big impact on your quality of life and your property. This article answers some common questions you may have about the impact of salt damp and the process of inspecting salt damp issues. Read on to find out more!

What is salt damp?

Salt damp is the common name for a problem that occurs in buildings where there is lots of salt in the ground. When salt dissolves into standing water, it creates a saline solution (a mixture of salt and water). This saline solution can enter the cavities within concrete or other porous materials. As the water then evaporates, it leaves behind salt crystals on walls and ceilings. This process can result in structural damage to the wall as well as damage to the interior furnishings of your home.

How is a salt damp inspection carried out?

To check your property for salt damp, a contractor will need to carry out several tests. They may begin by using moisture probes to detect any areas within the structure with an unusually high humidity level compared to others. Doing so is particularly useful as it means they can find possible locations where there could be a risk in the future.  They may also use vacuum extraction or another method to extract any solution that has not evaporated away yet. The contractors will then conduct field testing by using chemical swabs to measure the salt levels of the sample.

How will a contractor treat salt damp?

If your property suffers from damp and is indicated as being salt-related, a contractor can inspect your property and devise a treatment plan. The plan will treat the issue at all possible entry points. This is normally done by injecting a barrier resin into the wall to prevent the salt damp from entering the building. The contractor may also explore options for reducing how much salt is in the ground surrounding the property. Lowering the salt levels can help to reduce the amount of water that enters your home. The contractor may also recommend that you have areas such as your garage or porch waterproofed to help reduce the risk posed by salt damp.

If you would like to find out more, contact a contractor today. They will be happy to explore how they can help you to deal with a suspected outbreak of salt damp in your home.

For more information on a salt damp inspection, contact a professional near you.