DAMP PROOFING

Presented
Presented By
By
AHSAN
AHSAN RABBANI
RABBANI
Civil
Civil Engineering
Engineering Department
Department
 INTRODUCTION
Damp is generally defined as unwanted water or moisture.
Dampness is the access and penetration of moisture content into building through
its wall, floor, roof etc.
The existence of dampness in buildings is one of the most damaging failures that
can occur in buildings.
Every building should be damp proof.
The main idea of damp-proofing is to protect buildings against the damaging action
of water and humidity that act negatively upon constructions.
Neither humans nor buildings can tolerate too little or too much of water.
Excess water in buildings is called Dampness. The root of all evil is water.
In construction, a building or structure is waterproofed with the use of membranes
and coatings.
Oil-based waterproofing is generally used for roof leakage after construction and
use only on wall like primer.
Moisture can also affect the health of occupants typically through the potential for
breeding harmful organisms.
On the other hand, moisture reduces the shrinking cracks of wood and furniture, and
up to a point, is necessary to avoid respiratory discomfort.
Thus, moisture is both a necessary constituency of our built environment and a
potential liability.
The issue, then, is not to eliminate moisture from our buildings, but to control it and
 CAUSES OF DAMPNESS IN BUILDING

1. Rising of moisture from the ground:-

All the structures are founded on soils, and the substructure is embedded into it.
If the soil is pervious, moisture constantly travels through it.
This moisture may rise up into the wall and the floor through capillary action.
Ground water rise will also result in moisture entry into the building through walls
and floor.
2. Condensation:-
Process of condensation takes place when warm humid air is cooled.
Due to condensation of atmospheric moisture water is deposited on the walls, floors,
ceilings.
This moisture may cause dampness.
3. Sources of Leakages or Dampness:-
3.1 Leakages from roofs
3.1.1 Faulty roof slopes
Leakage has direct relation to the Intensity of Rainfall in the Region & Type of Roof
adopted.
Minimum Slope of Roof: 1 in 100
Recommended Slope: 1 in 40 for Mud phuska Roofing 1 in 60 for Concrete Roofing.
 CONTD…….
3.1.2 Absence of roof slab projection
In absence of slab projection, the rain water travels along the walls & enters through
crack at junction of Roof Slab and Wall.
Roof slab to project beyond wall by 50 mm (minimum) so that waterfalls clear of the
wall.
3.1.3 Junction of Parapet walls & Roof Slab
Junction of Parapet walls & Roof Slab is a source of leakage & requires to be made
water proofs.
To stop leakage, the roof Treatment provided on Roof slab be carried out to the
Parapet Wall through the Junction of Parapet walls & Roof Slab.
A chase must be cut in the Parapet Wall at a Height of 20 cm above the roof and
the water proofing Treatment should be finished inside the chase (Junction of
Parapet walls & Roof Slab).
3.1.4 In adequate number and size of drainage outlets
The number and Size of Drainage outlets are adequate to drain off water without
stagnation.
Min. size not less than 75mm.
No. of drain pipes depend upon shape of terrace, location of drainage points and
spacing of drain pipe.
The spacing between outlet pipes should not be more than 6m.
 CONTD…….
3.1.5 Spreading of water on roofs due to overflowing from water tanks
This may happen due to missing of Float Valves.
Defective or broken float valves, which result overflowing of water tanks.
3.1.6 Bad Quality of Concrete used in RCC Roof Slab
Most of leakages can be eliminated if the quality of concrete of Roof Slab is
ensured.
A well compacted and cured roof slab is itself Water Proof.
Close supervision at the time of construction can eliminate leakages due to faulty
construction.
RCC Roof Slabs exposed to Sun lead to large number of hair cracks. These hair
cracks are the sources of leakages.
3.1.7 Stagnation of water
Stagnation at the outlets is either due to wrong slopes of the roof or due to choking
of rain water pipes.
Stagnation also takes place due to depressions on the roof or level of inlet.
Terrace area is required to be sloped towards the outlets so that water flows freely.
Rain water outlet pipes should be provided with gratings at the mouth and they
should be regularly cleaned along with cleaning of roof to prevent from chocking.
 CONTD…….
3.1.8 Poor Quality or Improper Methods adopted in Laying Lime Concrete roofing
Reason:
Non availability of skilled labor.
Time consuming.
High labor cost.
inexperienced contractors & supervisors.
3.1.9 Leakages from External Walls
Reason:
Loosely filled brick joint.
Use of poor quality Bricks.
Improper Curing, poor Workmanship.
Hairline cracks on surface.
Remedy:
Use of good quality bricks with joints properly filled up.
use of 15mm thick plaster in 1:6.
Where quality of bricks is poor, use cement mortar 1:4 in two layers.
Use coarse sand in external plaster.
A number of hair cracks. These hair cracks are the sources of leakages.
 CONTD…….
3.1.10 Dampness due to Leaking Waste Water & Soil Pipes
Reason:
Cracks in pipes.
Leaking Joints.
Remedy:
The inspection of pipes for signs of cracks before fixing.
Openings around the pipes in walls are filled up with PCC 1:3:6.
Plumbing services be planned in such a way that can be maintained easily.
3.1.11 Chajja Wall Junctions
Reason:
A possible source of dampness in a building is the junction between the wall and
chajja .
This is due to wrong slope of chajja.
This dampness leads to growth of Fungus at the chajja wall junction.
Remedy:
Chajja should be given a slope of 1 in 30 with a drip course at the end so that water
may not travel back.
 CONTD…….
3.1.12 Balconies
Balconies should be given a slope of 1 in 100 so that rain water is drained out.
The minimum size of the outlets should not be less than 50mm dia.
Step of 20 mm at the junction of Balcony with room be provided to stop back
traveling of rain water.
All outlets are planned in such a way so as to connect them with Rain Water Pipes.
3.1.13 Floor Traps
For preventing passage of foul gas, traps with water seal are invariably used at
every fixture.
For effective drainage, the slope should not be less than 1 in 100.
Junction of the trap and the waste pipe which is embedded in the floor is a possible
source of leakages.
The joints should be thoroughly tested for leakages before doing the flooring.

 
 EFFECTS OF DAMPNESS IN BUILDING

Following are the ill effects of entry of dampness.

Dampness gives rise to breeding of mosquitoes and create unhealthy living
conditions.
The wall decoration( i.e. painting, plastering etc.) is damaged and
removed, which is very difficult and costly to repair.
Continuous presence of moisture in the walls may cause efflorescence
resulting in disintegration of bricks, stones, tiles etc. and consequent reduction
in strength.
Timber fittings such as doors, windows, almirahs etc coming in contact with
damp walls get deteriorated.
Electrical fittings get deteriorated, giving rise to leakage of electricity and
consequent danger of short circuiting.
Moisture causes rusting and corrosion of metal fittings attached to walls,
floors and ceilings.
Reduce the life of structures
Causes spots on the floors and walls.
 WATER PROOFING TYPES

1. Cementitious waterproofing
It is often used in the internal wet areas such as toilets.
Most of the time the type of cementitious waterproofing is semi-flexible.
Advantages of cement based repair materials are cost effectiveness, ease of
application, generally non toxic, can be applied in wet condition, physical and
chemical properties of cement based materials are almost similar to concrete.
2. Liquid waterproofing membrane
It is a thin coating which consists of usually a primer coat and two coats of top coats.
It offer more flexibility than the cementitious types of waterproofing.
3. Bituminous coating
It is made of bitumen based materials and it is not suitable for expose to sunlight.
It become very brittle and fragile when long exposure to the sunlight.
The flexibility of the finished products always depend on the solid content of the
polymer added to the bitumen.
Polyurethane liquid membrane is also use for the flat roof area and exposed to
weathering but it is expensive.
It can offer higher flexibility.
Polyurethane is very sensitive to moisture content present, therefore before
application, one has to be very careful evaluating the moisture content of the
concrete slab.
 WATER PROOFING COMPOUNDS
1. Bitumen and bituminous material
These are still considered as very effective systems for Waterproofing.
These are used either as hot applied or cold applied.
Generally provided waterproofing treatment for old roofs showing sign of leakage.
Primer coat is applied with brush over dry clean surface and allowed to dry for 24
hours. Second coat is applied next day and final coat is applied third day. It is finally
covered with 2 cm thick coarse sand or gravel.
The main advantages of these systems are low cost, Labor intensive, Easy
application and fast degradation under exposed conditions.
2. Integral waterproofing compound
Used to reduce the water absorption and the porosity/permeability.
Also increase cohesion and surface finish.
Basically they are Permeability reducers, Water repellents or Polymer modifiers.
3. Sealants
Used to seal the joints provided.
New generation sealants are based on poly-sulphides, polyurethane, and silicon.
These are required to provide a seal against ingress or seepage in addition to other
properties like movement accommodation etc.
The main advantages of these systems are Low cost, Cheap Labor, Easy
application in structures like expansion, construction etc.
4.POLYMER MODIFIED CEMENTITIOUS MEMBRANES
Water soluble polymer in conjunction with cement makes good water proofing systems.
They have good adhesion, low water permeability, and compatibility with respect to concrete.
They have very good bond with concrete surfaces and are breathable systems.
It can offer higher flexibility.
In addition these systems are fairly flexible and can bridge small cracks.
5.SILICON COATINGS
These are colorless water repellent solutions, which are mainly used to protect masonry
structures.
These coatings are mainly used as damp proofing masonry and concrete structures.
The advantages of these coatings are: - Low cost, Easy and fast rate of application, can be
applied to a wide verity of sub states (masonry, tiles, concrete etc).
The disadvantages of these coatings are: - poor crack bridging characteristics & incapable of
withstanding hydrostatic pressure.
6.CRYSTALLINE CAPILLARY WATERPROOFING SYSTEM
These system compose of Portland cement, quartz aggregates & special chemicals, which in
the presence of moisture, chemical react with free lime to produce insoluble crystals.
This crystalline growth reduces porosity by blocking capillaries & filling hairline, non structural
cracks (upto 0.25 mm) caused by shrinkage or expansion.
Membrane waterproofing system form a surface barrier but these systems in presence of water
continue to produce crystals & a lasting impervious to water.
Advantages: Penetrates concrete, seals capillary tracts, and contains no chloride, Single part
system hence easy application.
Suitable for external & internal applications, Resists negative water pressure.
 RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN WATERPROOFING COMPOUNDS
A number of new products with different combination have come to the
market in the recent past, to overcome the disadvantages of normal bitumen
based products.
Salient features and recommended areas of applications are given below:
SL PRODUCT SALIENT FEATURES RECOMMENDED AREA
 
NO. OF APPLICATION
1. Polymer modified i) More flexible and elastic. i) Water proofing of roof
bitumen coatings ii) Their elastic recovering is high and slabs, foundation,
are best suited for cooler climates. basements, floors, and
iii) Better resistance to fracture over underground structures,
a wide range of temperature and storage tanks, pipelines
moisture variations. etc.
iv) Cracks under weathering action. ii) Heavy duty roof
v) Black in colour and therefore not coating new or old
pleasing in appearance construction.
iii) Waterproofing of
domes shells.

2. Polymer Modified i) Treated or reinforced felt Roofs and basements

bitumen felts. sandwiched between polymer require protection on top
modified bitumen layers. with grit/sand from
ii) Behaves like a continuous ultraviolet rays of sun.
membrane
 CONTD…….

SL PRODUCT SALIENT FEATURES RECOMMENDED AREA

NO. OF APPLICATION
3. Prefabricated i) Polymeric bitumen reinforced with Terraces, water tanks
elastic non woven plastic fabric. swimming pools.
membrane. ii) Provided with a thin polyurethane
film on outer surface.
iii) Life 5-15 years. High crack
resistant and heat resistant.

4. Polymer i) Performance is good. To prevent dampness

Emulsions/ ii) Allows concrete to breathe without and efflorescence and
membranes allowing diffusion of Oxygen, CO2, for water proofing of
water based rainwater etc. from outside. terraces, walls, chhajjas
coatings iii) These are transparent after and all other concrete
drying. surfaces.
iv) Excellent adhesion to all types of
building materials such as Concrete
stone, brick and timber.
v) Resistance to high temperature
variations, ultra-violet rays etc.
vi) Solvent based polymer water
proofing compounds applied on dry
surface by spray only.
 CONTD…….
SL PRODUCT SALIENT FEATURES RECOMMENDED AREA OF
NO. APPLICATION

5. Alkali proof i) Gives water proofing and thermal Terrace garden.

synthetic felt insulation on walls.
ii) Life 40 years.
6. Silicon based Colourless water repellent, limited life, Vertical walls, specially
emulsions poor bridging capacity, do not withstand stone facades.
hydrostatic pressure.
7. Epoxy based i) Very good adhesion and bonding i) Used as water proofing,
coatings properties. protective coatings for
ii) Costly, limited resistance when internal application.
exposed to sunlight. ii) Useful for coating in
iii) Cannot be use for external walls. water tanks, surface floors,
iv) Cannot withstand expansion/ swimming pools, treatment
contraction plants.

8. Cementitious i) Available in two packs part-A Cement Terraces walls, water tanks
Polymer and chemical additives Part-B Polymer effluent, treatment plants,
Waterproofing emulsion. lagoons etc.
compound ii) Suitable for application on surfaces
having macropores also.
iii) Can be applied on wet surface.
iv) Resistant to aggressive environment
and abrasion.
v) Can be applied by brush on dry & wet
surfaces.
 CRYSTAL SEALER
DESCRIPTION
A cement based waterproofing compound that chemically reacts with moist cement
based substrates.
Crystal Sealer forms insoluble crystals in the capillary tracts of the substrate
permanently waterproofing the surface yet still allowing the surface to breathe.
USES
Waterproofing of cement based surfaces, i.e., cement block, cement render and
concrete floors.
Walls and floors of domestic, commercial and civil constructions, foundation walls,
structural floors and walls of industrial buildings, concrete block walls in warehouses
and domestic constructions, swimming pools, storage tanks, tunnels and dams,
waterproof barrier between base floor slabs and concrete toppings.
FEATURES
Crystal Sealer penetrates into and becomes a permanent integral part of the
surface, therefore it cannot peel or blister off as do normal coatings.
Crystal Sealer will not tear or puncture and does not have to be protected from back
fill.
Crystal Sealer being a cement based material has an expansion and contraction the
same as the cement surface to which it is applied.
COVERAGE
0.8-1.1 kg per m2/coat (2 coats required)
PERFORMANCE DATA
Resists chemicals e.g. chlorine, ethylene glycol, petrol and diesel oil.
Protects-reinforcing bars from corrosion.
Strength–Increases concrete strength by up to 20%.
SPECIFICATION
The waterproofing compound shall be a cement based compound that seals cement
based surfaces by crystallization and can withstand up to a 100 meter head of water
such as Crystal Sealer manufactured by Construction Chemicals and shall be applied
strictly in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.
SURFACE PREPARATION
Apply to Portland cement based surfaces that are free from dirt, dust, grease, oil,
efflorescence and other contaminants.
Clean out and patch cracks larger than 0.25 mm thick.
Mechanically roughen smooth surfaces.
Use caustic soda solution to clean grease and oil contaminated surfaces.
Badly contaminated areas may require sand blasting to provide a positive key.
Gloves and eye protection must be used when using acids and cleaning agents.
The concrete/cement surface to be coated must be thoroughly saturated prior to
coating (this will enable crystal growth back into the wall and allow the crystal sealer to
hydrate/cure correctly).
Concrete three days old will only require surface wetting.
MIXING
Mix only the amount that can be applied in 10-15 minutes.
Add 5 kg Water Proofing Compound to 1.5 liters of water and mix to a thick paste.
Mix thoroughly and add remaining water to bring the mixture to the desired
consistency.
The final powder water ratio will be approximately 5 kg powder to 2 liters of water.
Note the final powder water ratio so that future batches can be made the same.
Discard unused material after 20 minutes and do not add additional water after the
second mix.
APPLICATION
Crystal Sealer must only be applied to green or thoroughly wet cement based
substrates.
Apply with a stiff brush or broom working the mixture well into the voids.
To prevent segregation and ensure a uniform mixture stir the crystal sealer solution
frequently during the application and dip brush deep into the mixture so that a thick coat
can be applied.
Apply a second coat while the first is still green or tacky
OVERCOATING
Overcoating is not recommended as the CRYSTAL SEALER will need to breath, but
can be render coated by neutralizing the surface by scrubbing with clean water.
Allow to cure 21 days then prime with PRIMAX prior to render application.
SET TIME
20-30 minutes depending on temperature. Back fill 24 hours after application.
CURING
Protect the surface from rain or frost until it has cured.
Water cure the treated surface by mist spraying with water 3-4 times daily for 3 days
to hasten crystal growth.
PRECAUTION
Crystal Sealer is alkaline so gloves must be worn.
Wash splashes immediately off skin and eyes with clean water.
FEATURES
Crystals can grow up to 0.4 meters into the concrete in the presence of water.
Crystals grow approx. 1cm depth/week.
SHELF LIFE
12 Months.
REQUIREMENTS OF AN IDEAL DAMP PROOFING MATERIAL

• Impervious

• Durable, Ideal for the entire building life.

• Steady

• Resist any load safely.

• Flexible

• Dimensionally stable

• Cheap

• Salt free
 GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF WATER PROOFING COURSE (OR DPC)

Damp proofing course may be vertical or horizontal.

Horizontal DPC should cover the full thickness of the wall.
The horizontal DPC should be laid continuously at junctions and
corners.
Mortar bed below DPC should be leveled, even and no projections
to avoid damage of DPC.
Each DPC should be placed in correct relation to other DPC so as
to ensure a complete and continuous barrier to the passage of
water floors, walls or roof.
DPC should not be kept exposed on the wall surface to avoid
damage.
A cement concrete fillet of 75mm radius should be provided at the
junction when the horizontal DPC continues vertically on the wall.
 METHODS OF WATER PROOFING
Damp Proofing of an external wall

If the level of the ground floor is at the same level as the ground surface,
the damp proofing course and the damp proofing membrane should be
continuous and stepped vertically as shown in the figure.
It should be flexible and at the junction it should be fillet at 75 mm radius
as shown.
Damp Proofing of an internal wall

Iftwo floors are at different levels, divided by an internal wall, the

damp proofing course on the internal wall should be at the level of
the lower floor.
The basic principal of stepping it with the damp proofing
membrane on the floor must also be applied.
An additional vertical damp proofing membrane must be applied
to prevent moisture from entering through the staggered floor
 Damp Proofing through air drain

This method is used to prevent moisture from entering the walls through
the adjacent ground.
A hollow chamber of air is constructed parallel to the external wall. the
width may be 200-300 mm.
The chamber is closed on the top by RCC or stone top with grated
openings at regular intervals.
The vertical and horizontal damp proofing courses may be provided as
shown.
Damp Proofing of Parapet Walls

Provision of coping on top of the wall surface, prevents the entry of

damp from the top surface of the wall.
Coping may be provided by means of:
•stone
•PCC
•Metal flashing
•Molded RCC parapet.
All forms of coping must be sloped in order to prevent water stagnating
on the top surface.
Damp Proofing by Cavity Wall

Two parallel
walls separated
by air gap except
at wall ties which
are of impervious
material.
The method of
damp proofing is
similar to normal
single leaf-walls,
except that the
two leafs of the
cavity walls have
separate damp
proof courses.