After The Floodwaters Have Gone

How Do You Know If You Have a Salt Damp Problem?

by Elaine Barnett

When a new structure is first built, it is essential to include a robust damp-proof course at the lowest level to keep moisture at bay and to preserve the integrity of the building. A builder will often complete this work effectively, but sometimes issues arise or, for one reason or another, the damp proof course is breached. What happens in this case, and if you're worried, how do you know that you have a problem?

Rising Damp

Large areas of Australia get a considerable amount of rainfall each year. Therefore, the soil beneath the average home is quite moist and, when combined with porous masonry, presents a significant problem. Without a damp proof course, the moisture will automatically soak into the masonry and move upwards through the structure. This creates a condition known as "rising damp," but the situation is even worse due to the high salt content within the soil itself.

Major Problems Ahead

If unchecked, the damp and salt content will continue to rise through the wall, especially if the wall's outside surface has been coated to prevent evaporation. The salt will begin to attack the masonry through crystallisation, and this will eventually cause the masonry to break down completely. If left to run its course, this can have a catastrophic effect on the structural integrity of the building.

Signs of an Issue

You may not notice that anything is wrong until the situation has become quite advanced. You may then see that:

  • plaster on the outside of the wall begins to soften
  • paint starts to peel
  • timber attachments may begin to rot or become attractive to an army of foraging termites
  • steel reinforcement may rust, potentially leading to a collapse
  • mould appears, leading to a pervasive, damp smell

Inspection Time

Bring in a technician as soon as possible to inspect for the presence of salt and rising damp. If they find something untoward, they will then advise a course of action.

Putting the Matter Straight

To begin with, you should try and remove as much "unwanted" water from around your property. This may involve some new landscaping or additional drainage so that you can keep water as far away from the building as possible. Builders may then need to remove some of the damaged masonry by underpinning the building and before they can install a new and waterproof damp course to stop any recurrence of the issue.

For more information or to get a salt damp inspection, contact a local damage contractor.

Share