Author: Ibrahim

Integral treatment consists of adding certain admixtures to the concrete or mortar during the mixing process, which act as a barrier to moisture ingress under various principles when used in construction. Admixtures such as chalk, talc and filler earth have a mechanical principle of action, meaning they fill the voids in concrete or mortar, making…

Surface treatment consists of filling the pores of the material exposed to moisture by providing a thin film of water-repellent material on the surface. Surface treatments can be either external or internal. External treatment is effective in preventing dampness while internal treatment reduces it to a certain extent. Many surface treatments such as pointing, plastering,…

These are layers or membranes of water-resistant materials, such as bituminous felts, mastic asphalt, plastic sheets, cement concrete, mortar, metal sheets, slates and stones, which are attached to the building structure at all points where These damp-proof courses of suitable material where water ingress is likely or suspected should be provided at suitable locations for…

Following are the various techniques and methods commonly adopted to prevent dampness defects: Use of Damp Proofing Courses (DPC) or Damp Proofing Membranes.Waterproof or damp proof surface treatments.Integral damp proofing treatment.Cavity walls or hollow walls.Gunite or shot concrete, or shotcrete.Pressure grouting or cementation.

Before using the various techniques and methods described later, the following precautions should be taken to prevent moisture in buildings. The site should be located on high ground and well-drained soil to avoid wetting of foundations. It should be ensured that the water level is at least 3 meters above ground level or at the…

A damp building creates unhealthy living and working conditions for the occupants. The presence of damp conditions causes efflorescence on building surfaces, which may ultimately result in cracking of bricks, stones, tiles, etc. and hence loss of strength.This can cause the plaster to soften and fall off.This can cause paint bleaching and flaking, resulting in…

Various other sources or causes, which may be responsible for dampness in buildings, are mentioned below. Poor drainage of the site: If the structure is located in low-lying areas, it causes waterlogging situation when there is poor soil under the foundations. Therefore, structures that are not well-drained lead to moisture building up through the foundation.…

Whenever warm air in the atmosphere is cooled, it causes the process of condensation. Condensation causes moisture to accumulate over the entire area of ​​walls, floors, and ceilings. However, this source of moisture is found only in certain places in India, where there is a very cold climate.

All parapet walls and compound walls of buildings, which are not protected from the ingress of rain by means of a damp-proof course or by such measures at their exposed tops, are liable to damp. This dampness in buildings is serious and can result in unsanitary living conditions or structurally unsafe conditions.