Concrete Repairs in Silos and Other Reinforced Concrete Structures Using 1 PCI Technology
April 5, 2017
Silicones in Construction Chemistry – What Are They For and What Do They Do?
August 11, 2020
Do you have a problem with salt efflorescence in your building?
There is a solution:
MINERALIT RESTAURO renovation plasters
KABE paints
- Salt efflorescence, Introduction
Salt efflorescence: The most significant threat to building structures is water, which is omnipresent around every construction, appearing in various forms (such as rain, snow, fog, or groundwater) and the soluble salts it contains. Water penetrating walls or foundations is not chemically neutral. In addition to aggressive substances that may be leached from the ground, this water contains certain amounts of dissolved chlorides, sulfates, and nitrates. These substances, due to ineffective insulation, infiltrate the embedded elements of the building. Subsequently, moisture is drawn upward through the pores (capillaries) of the material, transporting these salts to higher sections of the structure. This process leads to visible dampness, salt efflorescence, discoloration, peeling paint coatings, and flaking plaster. If left unaddressed, it can result in the deterioration of the masonry itself.
Effective counteraction and renovation of damp and salt-contaminated walls is a fairly complex process, requiring the elimination of the source of moisture, drying the walls, and, most importantly, removing harmful salts from them. A proven solution for extracting salts from walls is the use of specially developed MINERALIT RESTAURO renovation plasters, certified by WTA for their ability to accumulate harmful salts. Which might be the key to fight with salt efflorescence.
2. Key Causes of Wall Moisture
- The influence of groundwater penetrating the walls due to the absence or damage of horizontal and vertical insulation.
- Moisture from inflowing water.
- The effect of rainwater (both direct and indirect).
- Flooding caused by installation failures.
- Moisture condensation resulting from improper wall thermal insulation, often combined with poor room ventilation.
This situation can also be exacerbated by the use of inappropriate materials in previous repairs, changes in the use of the building, variations in groundwater levels, and similar factors.
