Detection of water in building interior surfaces uses non-volatile reagent and indicator which becomes colored if non-visible water is present

摘要

Part of the material surface is treated with non-volatile reagent. This colors an indicator, should fluid (water) be present in the material. An indicator is coated in a suitable form onto the dry, treated part of the surface. Any existing fluid is allowed to influence the reagent and indicator. This fluid acts as a solvent for the reagent. Coloration is effected. An Independent claim is included for a (moisture) detector, which integrates reagents and indicator in accordance with the foregoing principles. Preferred Features: The surface is first dried. The reagent is a base or basic salt and the indicator responds to pH. The reagent is alternatively an acid or an acid salt. The material is brick, tile, fireclay, concrete, plaster, wood, natural stone, limestone, cement clinker, metal, moisture-permeable paint, plastic or artificial material. Further methods based on the foregoing principles are able to detect water in walls and other materials