A
Anonymous
Guest
Hi E,
There is a heck of a lot of data from BRE over the last 50+ years, and also a lot from the Australians and Italians. Much of this is not research data but field data. I think it is reasonable to accept that those involved in the above are not idiots, but are thinking scientists, engineers and building professionals. It is also very difficult to create rd in the lab - one just cannot re-create aged, old mortars.
My own field data other than from samples sent in indicates that RD is not uncommon BUT severe RD is, ie, where it is causing visible dampness/spoiling! (we are, of course, talking about older properties) Take a nice piece of Victorian lime mortar and stick it partially in water and see what happens.
Why RD occurs in some properties and not in others is still a bit of a mystery. For example, this house has 'dry' bickwork below the physical, but one just down the road is absolutely sopping below the physical dpc.
A friend of mine in the village owns the old forge (1700's?) - we drilled and sampled his walls and he had 'classic' rd with one heck of a salt problem to go with it - and there was a distinct visible problem.
Interesting though.
Regards
There is a heck of a lot of data from BRE over the last 50+ years, and also a lot from the Australians and Italians. Much of this is not research data but field data. I think it is reasonable to accept that those involved in the above are not idiots, but are thinking scientists, engineers and building professionals. It is also very difficult to create rd in the lab - one just cannot re-create aged, old mortars.
My own field data other than from samples sent in indicates that RD is not uncommon BUT severe RD is, ie, where it is causing visible dampness/spoiling! (we are, of course, talking about older properties) Take a nice piece of Victorian lime mortar and stick it partially in water and see what happens.
Why RD occurs in some properties and not in others is still a bit of a mystery. For example, this house has 'dry' bickwork below the physical, but one just down the road is absolutely sopping below the physical dpc.
A friend of mine in the village owns the old forge (1700's?) - we drilled and sampled his walls and he had 'classic' rd with one heck of a salt problem to go with it - and there was a distinct visible problem.
Interesting though.
Regards