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WHAT IS SALT DAMP?

Understanding This Common South Australian Problem:
If you’ve noticed crumbling mortar, bubbling paint, or deteriorating walls in your home, you might be dealing with salt damp—a widespread issue in South Australia. But what exactly is salt damp, and why is it so common here? Let’s break it down.

What Is Salt Damp?

Salt damp refers to a combination of two problems: rising damp and salt attack. These issues often occur together and can cause significant damage to masonry buildings over time.

  • Rising Damp: This is the upward movement of moisture from the ground into the walls of your home. Masonry materials like bricks and stone act like sponges, drawing moisture through tiny pores via capillary action.

  • Salt Attack: As moisture rises, it carries soluble salts from the ground into your walls. When the moisture evaporates, the salts crystallize, expanding and damaging the masonry over time.

Why Is Salt Damp So Common in South Australia?

South Australia has high ground salt levels and many older homes that lack adequate damp-proof courses (barriers designed to block rising moisture). These factors make the region particularly susceptible to salt damp.
The problem is worsened by our climate, as periods of high humidity or rain accelerate the process of moisture absorption and evaporation in masonry walls.

What Are the Signs of Salt Damp?

Signs of salt damp

Salt damp can be subtle at first, but it becomes more visible as the damage progresses. Common signs include:

  • Fretting mortar joints: Mortar between bricks crumbles or weakens.

  • Bubbling or peeling paint and plaster: Moisture causes the paint to blister and plaster to degrade.

  • Structural deterioration: Over time, the salt crystals weaken the masonry, leading to serious damage.

Even if you don’t see visible salt deposits, your home could still be affected. Rain often washes away surface salts, leaving the underlying problem undetected.

Why Should Salt Damp Be Treated?

If left untreated, salt damp can:

  • Weaken the structural integrity of your walls.

  • Cause ongoing cosmetic issues like peeling paint and crumbling plaster.

  • Lower the value of your property.

Early detection and treatment are key to preventing costly repairs in the future.

How Is Salt Damp Treated?

At Artisan Stone Restorations, we specialise in professional salt damp treatments designed to protect South Australian homes:

  • Damp-Proof Systems: We inject a hydrophobic barrier into the mortar to block rising moisture and salts.

  • Masonry Repairs: Damaged materials are repaired or replaced to restore your walls to their original strength.

  • Prevention Advice: We provide tips to prevent salt damp from recurring, ensuring your home stays protected.

Get Expert Help for Salt Damp in South Australia

Salt damp is a common problem, but it doesn’t have to compromise your home. With over 30 years of experience, Artisan Stone Restorations is your trusted partner for salt damp treatment.


Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote:
📞 08 7509 3101
✉️ info@artisanstonerestorations.com

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