Sulphate Floor Testing

3hg 2 so4 2 2h 2 o 4h hgso4 2hgo yellow this is a sensitive test and can observe even from the suspensions of barium or lead sulphates.

Sulphate floor testing.

Although the request for a test is at the discretion of the individual surveyor. We pride ourselves in offering fast efficient and reliable service. This report gives guidance on sulfate attack damage to houses from the past use of sulfate bearing hardcore and infill material. The legacy has been a continuing occurrence of damage to floor slabs and abutting walls as sulfate from the hardcore has.

A local builder would probably have no clue as to what must be done in regard to testing but then many. When mercury nitrate is added to a solution of sulphate ions a yellow precipitate of basic mercury sulphate hgso4 is formed. 1945 1970 as support for concrete floor slabs without the use of a separating damp proof membrane. Blythe building consultants have specialised in sulphate floor testing for over 25 years and have carried out over 16 000 tests.

A sample may then be taken for laboratory analysis. The process involves taking a sample of hardcore from the property and having the sample analysed by a reputable laboratory. In our region cleveland shale is the big name on the streets but in fact even in this region a property is more likely to fail from high sulphate concentrations in the in fill than it is from potential shale heave. Excavation along with laboratory testing of recovered samples of both the concrete and the fill beneath the floor.

Also the structural engineer assures me that if the work is done properely that there will be no further problems. Sulphate attack can only be confirmed after sampling the floor and subsequent laboratory analysis of those samples. 1 2 brief we have been asked to carry out a sulphate attack investigation. No drainage survey has been undertaken.

If a damp proof membrane is present it cannot be fully reinstated and any surface finishes may be affected. The property i want to buy has sulphate damage no insurance company will look at me as i cant get the sellors to do this before exchange of contracts it is a repossession property. Sulphate floor tests are usually requested by surveyors when a property is being sold or remortgaged etc. The surveyor may not see any evidence of possible damage caused by sulphate action but will still ask for a test to be carried out due to the age of the property.