Saltpetre treatment

What is saltpetre?

Saltpetre, also known as stone salt, is a mineral deposit that generally appears on the surface of walls in the form of a whitish layer. Unsightly, saltpetre is the result of a chemical reaction between the mineral salts present in building materials and the moisture from rising water by capillary action. Saltpetre is generally present in damp, poorly sealed or old buildings.
If no preventive or curative treatment is applied, saltpetre will appear or continue to spread indefinitely, causing numerous problems:

• Danger to health
• Aesthetic deterioration and weakening of the structure and masonry

This is why professionals in the building sector use appropriate treatments to insulate and protect against saltpetre.

Saltpetre treatments from Groupe Berkem

To effectively combat the appearance or spread of saltpetre, Groupe Berkem offers a range of products for the long-term treatment of walls and floors against rising damp and capillary action.

Treatments to combat rising damp effectively

Xilix Blockaqua is a range of products specially designed to combat rising damp on walls by creating a continuous, permanently watertight barrier. These professional formulas are based on silane/siloxane resins and are applied directly to the inside of building materials.

• Xilix Blockaqua: This is a ready-to-use formula
• Xilix Blockaqua cream: This is a highly concentrated water-repellent cream that is ready to use straight away. This solution is recommended for sites with a high salt and moisture content.
• Xilix Blockaqua C : This is a concentrated resin formula which must be diluted with water before use.

All these products are effective, whatever the nature and thickness of the walls. (breeze block, limestone, brick, rubble). This range of products effectively combats the appearance of saltpetre.

Complementary saltpetre treatments from Groupe Berkem

Groupe Berkem also offers complementary treatments to protect walls against the appearance of saltpetre. These products are applied to the surface of the walls, not to the core of the structure.

• Xilix Blockaqua Salt : It is a highly penetrating product suitable for salt treatments. This product consolidates the substrate, provides a water-repellent effect and blocks all types of salt.
• Xilix Blockaqua Hydro : This product protects walls against splashes of water, oil and organic substances. This silane/siloxane resin-based product is applied to the surface of the wall. It does not alter the colour of the wall and allows the substrate to breathe.

These products provide extra protection against saltpetre. For optimum protection, we recommend using Blockaqua products in combination.