The "Leak"
When we see a damp patch on our ceiling, we usually assume that it was caused by a leaking pipe, or maybe the roof.
So you get a professional to survey your home, or maybe you do it yourself, and you just cannot find the issue. Maybe you were informed that it is a leak from your roof? Or maybe a leaking chimney?
The problem that you’re currently facing could be caused by hygroscopic salts.
What are hygroscopic salts and how do they cause damp?
Hygroscopic salts affect the brickwork or mortar, being introduced by rain and leaks. These salts attract moisture from the air. Even when the chimney has been dealt with and is completely dry, the contaminated brickwork attracts moisture and will seem damp.
That is when you notice that your plaster has been saturated.
Best solutions for treating salt contamination on internal walls
When we discover that the ‘leak’ is caused by Hygroscopic salts, JR Build will start by removing the contaminated plaster from the wall and ceiling to at least 150mm from the last area of staining. Then we leave the structure to completely dry.
The drying out period is usually 25mm of depth per month, but can be less based on their porosity, the environment, time of the year and available ventilation.
Once it is dried, we would install a plaster that is resistant to hygroscopic salts and use breathable paints on top of it.
Identifying the damp patches
How can you spot it?
There are a few signs that your leak could be something else:
- Damp appears when the room is more humid
- The ‘leak’ isn’t affected by weather
- There is white powder appearing on the affected area
- The ‘leak’ keeps returning
How can you check it yourself?
- Use plastic or kitchen foil, cover the affected area, seal the edges and check back on it later. If the area remains wet, its most likely water ingress. However, if the area has dried, it must be caused by hygroscopic salts.
- You can also run a dehumidifier in your room, if hygroscopic salts are present, the affected area should dry up as there is less moisture in the air for the salts to attract.
- But to be certain, it’s best to get it tested by a surveyor using a salt analysis kit.
Companies offering surveys for salt related dampness in properties
JR Build is the trusted sister company of JR Roofing, providing high-quality building and property improvement services across Lancashire.
If you’re experiencing persistent damp patches, including those caused by hygroscopic salts, the experienced team can carry out a professional damp survey to identify the cause and recommend the most effective damp proofing solution, helping to protect your property for the long term.
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