A preliminary investigation into airborne salinity adjacent to and within the envelope of Australian houses

Corrosion of metal components within the building envelope depends primarily on the levels of wetness and pollutants (in Australia the prime pollutant is sea salt) at the components' surface. This paper addresses the levels of airborne salinity within the envelope of a number of Australian buildings. Airborne salinity was measured using the salt candle technique. Salinity levels in the immediate vicinity of, adjacent to, and within the building envelope of six buildings were measured over periods up to one year. The factors affecting the rate of salt deposition are outlined. It is shown that the salt deposition is highly dependent on the distance from the coast. The effect of building structure in reducing airborne salinity levels is estimated. Estimates of corrosion rates in wall cavities resulting from the measured salinity levels are presented.