Efflorescence in timber log.

[Wolfpack1988]

Happy Midsummer in the cottages! Quick question in the middle of the celebration.
Salt deposit from timber. How? Why? Is it dangerous? Humidity is sky-high just in the area with salt but bone dry around.
Admin can move if I've placed it wrong.

 

[Claes Sörmland]

Has someone stored salt that leaked out and came into contact with the timber?

The salt attracts moisture from the air because it is hygroscopic, maybe it is calcium chloride?

 

[Anders243]

I don't know much about timber, but I would definitely advise against relying on a contact moisture meter inserted into salt. Salt conducts electricity very well and can make the results very misleading towards the "moist" side. The meter will interpret the higher conductivity due to the salt's conductivity as a lot of water. (Dry wood conducts poorly)

 

[Wolfpack1988]

I don't know much about timber, but I would definitely advise against relying on a contact moisture meter inserted into salt.
Salt conducts electricity very well and can make the results very misleading towards the "moist" side. The meter will interpret the higher conductivity due to the salt's conductive ability as lots of water. (Dry wood conducts poorly)

Smart! I hadn't thought of that at all actually! Many thanks!