Speedy Carbide Testing

Intrusive confirmation of results using speedy carbide testing equipment

We carry out speedy carbide testing in order to help conclude the cause of damp following inconclusive results or when previous findings have been conflicting. There are various reasons for a moisture meter to show high readings on the surface where the readings are taken from the wall finishes, which may include rising damp, penetrating damp, damp from vapour barrier, condensation and moisture from a leak or spill etc. This is why a survey including this type of testing must be carried in conjunction with an external survey of the affected area to inspect for ground levels and any other source of ingress moisture such as leaking pipe work, rainwater goods and roof condition. The cause can also be determined from visual signs of damp internally and moisture patterns. These varying causes of damp require varying treatments ranging widely in the amount of disruption and cost implementations so the cause must be diagnosed correctly. Whilst in most cases the meter testing of walls and skirting boards and the recording of moisture patterns, together with internal and external visual surveys would bring you to the correct conclusion, the use of a speedy tester would aid in this.

For instance: One of the main confusions comes when damp is caused by moisture/condensation from the wall to floor junction, which is often misconstrued with rising damp due to causing similar moisture patterns, visual signs of damp and not being affected by any external issues. This misdiagnosis could lead to a company recommending the installation of a full damp proof course when only a wall to floor seal is required – leading to highly disruptive works at a much higher cost that is not necessary.

The speedy test involves drilling into the mortar beds behind the plaster/finishes and measuring the wet weight of the mortar to determine whether rising damp is actually present. The test works by mixing an accurately weighed sample of mortar with a measured amount of calcium carbide within a specialist pressure vessel, following the test any moisture held within the mortar (from rising or penetrating damp) will react and cause a build up of pressure.