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British Damp Proofing are one of Lincolnshire’s leading damp specialists. We have helped countless clients across the country to restore, treat and protect their properties from damp.
Salt damage is one of the most common and disruptive damp issues that properties can encounter.
At British Damp Proofing, we offer a comprehensive solution for properties facing building salt damage. With our specialist assistance, you can see to it that any issues are tackled promptly, and that the property is completely protected from any further damage. We also offer a 20 year guarantee with all of our work for peace of mind.
What is building salt damage?
Salts are naturally present in all building materials. Salts are also commonly present in the brickwork of old chimney breasts (as a byproduct of combustion, when they are used as working fires).
It’s also important to note that salts are hygroscopic (meaning they absorb water). So, if salt crystals are exposed to water, they will absorb the moisture.
In buildings, salt damage is caused when the salts that are present in porous building materials are allowed to absorb moisture. When the moisture evaporates, salt crystals form.
Over time, these salt crystals expand and put pressure on the building material, causing ongoing deterioration.
You can identify salt damage by its characteristic efflorescence. This is when the salt crystals can be seen on your building materials, as a white crust or powder.
Salt damage occurs when excessive moisture is taken in, and allowed to react to soluble salts. Common causes of this type of damp damage include:
- Water ingress from roof voids/chimneys
- Faulty gutters overflowing onto brickwork
- Roof leaks
- Poor drainage
- High external ground levels
- Internal pipework leaks
- Rising damp
Where does salt damage most commonly occur?
While salt damage can develop on any porous building material, it most commonly occurs on:
- Chimneys
- Roof voids
- Basements
- Foundations
- Wall plaster or paint
Older buildings are at an even higher risk of salt crystallisation in masonry/brickwork. This is because they are typically made from more porous construction materials, and they have been exposed to the elements for longer.
Salt damage treatment and prevention
Salt damage treatment involves finding the sources of moisture and eliminating them. By enlisting a damp proofing specialist, you can ensure salt damage is fully treated, and receive specialist guidance about the most effective ways to prevent any further issues. In fact, at British Damp Proofing, all of our works are covered by a 20 year guarantee.
To learn more about our comprehensive salt damage services, or to enlist our team to repair your property, British Damp Proofing is on hand to help.
Salt Damage FAQs
Who We Work With
We have established an industry reputation for quality, professionalism and reliability. We are the go to Damp Proofing Contractors for some of the largest names in the UK in sectors including Construction, Local Councils, Healthcare and Housing Associations. Here are a selection of our clients below;
