Salt Deposits on Walls
White, powdery, or crystalline deposits appearing on the surface of internal or external walls.
What Is Causing This?
- 1Soluble salts carried to the surface by moisture evaporation (efflorescence)
- 2Rising or penetrating damp bringing salts from the masonry
- 3New brickwork drying out after construction
How Urgent Is This?
This is a cosmetic issue. It is not causing damage and can be addressed in your own time.
What Needs to Be Done
A damp specialist will brush off the salts, identify and fix the moisture source, and replaster with salt-inhibiting renovation plaster if the contamination is severe.
How Much Will It Cost?
National average estimate
Labour: £577 – £1,887 | Materials: £370 – £1,475
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Prices are estimates based on typical UK rates. Actual costs depend on the specific issue, accessibility, and your location. All quotes from tradespeople on Tradesfolk are completely free.
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Ask a QuestionPlanning Permission Guidance
Some fixes for this problem may require planning permission or building regulations approval. Check if your project needs permission:
How to Prevent This
Do not paint over salt deposits as they will push through again. Fix the damp source first. Brush off salts with a dry brush rather than washing, which can drive them back in.
Related Problems
Other Damp Proofing Specialist Problems
Damp and discolouration on ground floor walls, typically up to about one metre from the floor, with a tide mark.
A persistent damp area at the base of an internal wall, often with peeling paint or a musty smell.
A horizontal line of discolouration or salt deposits running along the base of ground floor walls.
A persistent damp, musty, or earthy smell throughout the house or in specific rooms.