For many years, I had no idea what a damage contractor even was. However, all that changed when a pan of hot oil caught fire in my kitchen and set fire to my house. Half of the property was completely destroyed by the fire but thankfully, my family made it out OK. Once the fire service had finished doing what they needed to do, I called in a team of damage contractors who helped to clean up the property and to demolish the parts which could not be saved. I have since rebuilt the house on the same plot of land.
Salt damp is a condition where salts and moisture damage the paint, foundation and walls of your building. The phenomenon is commonly experienced by people who live in areas with soils that have a high salt concentration. Read the excerpt below to learn more about salt damp, including how to prevent and deal with salt damp in your home.
How Does Salt Damp Occur?
There are two stages of salt damp. It begins when the walls and foundation absorb moisture from the ground through capillary action. The phenomenon is referred to as rising damp. The second phase is known as salt attack. As the moisture rises, water evaporates, leaving salt crystals on the walls. Masonry works will begin to fret and crack once the salt crystals increase. Initially, you will notice small holes on your masonry work. If you do not address the problem, the walls will begin to disintegrate. Timber walls will rot while nails and steel bars will rust. Eventually, your house will become weak, and it may fall apart.
How Do You Prevent Salt Damp?
Below are a few ways to prevent salt damp:
How Do You Treat Salt Damp?
Ask a professional to conduct an extensive salt damp inspection. The activity will help identify the scope of the damage and help him or her determine a suitable treatment strategy.
Silicone damp injection is the easiest way to treat salt damp. The professional will drill holes into your walls and foundation. He or she will then inject siloxane damp-proofing liquid into these holes. Over time, the solution will form a waterproof membrane to prevent rising damp.
If your walls have considerable damage, the professional may recommend undersetting. He or she will remove damaged masonry and install a plastic sheet damp course under the walls. Poultice plaster will help draw moisture from the walls. Remove the poultice and conduct renovation works once the walls dry off.
Salt damp could significantly affect the structural integrity of your property. Besides, it will reduce the appeal and value of your home. Prevent salt damp by installing a damp-proof course and ensuring proper drainage. Silicone damp injection and undersetting are suitable methods to treat soil damp.
For more information on salt damp treatment, contact a local damage contractor.
Share17 July 2020
