Category: 6. Damp Proofing

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.

The subsoil or land on which a building is constructed may be composed of clay that provides easy access to water for building moisture through the foundation. Generally, foundation damping occurs when building structures are built on water-logged low-lying areas, where clay or peat subsoils are commonly found, through which damping easily occurs by capillary…

Poor construction or poor workmanshipUse of poor materials in constructionThese reasons lead to easy access for moisture to enter the building from various points, such as moisture rising from the ground and rain ingress from walls, ceilings, and floors. Moisture entering the building from foundations and roofs travels in different directions further under the effects…