Salt damage
Inform Guide: Masonry Decay, published on 1 November 2005 by Historic Scotland, states: ‘Damage can occur from a variety of sources, including the laying of salt on pavements or roads close to buildings during winter to prevent ice from forming. As salt is soluble and stone porous, it can be washed into the stone by rain and ground water. As the water evaporates, this can lead to the salt re-crystallising inside the stone. When the salt crystals outgrow the available space in the stone’s pores, they exert pressure. This leads to a breakdown of the stone, often resulting in a loose powdery surface with a white appearance. To help prevent this from happening it is best to keep the application of winter salt, and other possible contaminants, well away from the stone courses near the ground.’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
The sad story of Derby Hippodrome
An historic building left to decay.
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.
Women's Contributions to the Built Environment.
Calls for the delayed Circular Economy Strategy
Over 50 leading businesses, trade associations and professional bodies, including CIAT, and UKGBC sign open letter.
The future workforce: culture change and skill
Under the spotlight at UK Construction Week London.
A landmark moment for postmodern heritage.
A safe energy transition – ECA launches a new Charter
Practical policy actions to speed up low carbon adoption while maintaining installation safety and competency.
Frank Duffy: Researcher and Practitioner
Reflections on achievements and relevance to the wider research and practice communities.
The 2026 Compliance Landscape: Fire doors
Why 'Business as Usual' is a Liability.
Cutting construction carbon footprint by caring for soil
Is construction neglecting one of the planet’s most powerful carbon stores and one of our greatest natural climate allies.
ARCHITECTURE: How's it progressing?
Archiblogger posing questions of a historical and contextual nature.
The roofscape of Hampstead Garden Suburb
Residents, architects and roofers need to understand detailing.
Homes, landlords. tenants and the new housing standards
What will it all mean?