Exploring salt reaction on buildings along coastal area in Lagos State, Nigeria - A review

Over the years studies have revealed that location and environmental impact are important factors to be considered in building materials selection. These have become major criteria in selection of appropriate building materials especially in the coastal regions of the world. In Nigeria, Lagos State has a close proximity with the Atlantic Ocean and the saline air present in this Ocean have been discovered to cause physical and chemical damages to the nature of the building materials used in this area. Hence, in order to curb these effects, understanding the impact of this saline air on building materials and the way towards improving the resistance of buildings within this area to salt reaction is necessary. This study present the result gotten from the review of literature on the effect of salt on buildings in coastal areas and the possible ways of ensuring a reduction of the negative effect of this salt reaction with building materials. Findings revealed that salt attack on concrete and steel reinforcements leads to structural failure in buildings. Also, moisture penetration leads to blistering, chalking, and peeling of paints, which leads to constant re-painting of buildings. Cracking of walls, deterioration of floorboards and wood degradation are some of the effect of salt on buildings within the coastal areas.