What is Dampness In Construction?

Structural dampness is the presence of unwanted moisture

in the structure of a building, either the result of intrusion
from outside or condensation from within the structure. A
high proportion of damp problems in buildings are caused
by ambient climate dependent factors of condensation and
rain penetration.
6.1 DAMPNESS:
THE EXCESS ENTRY OR PENETRATION OF MOISTURE INSIDE A
BUILDING THROUGH ITS,
• FLOORS
• WALLS
• ROOFS
IS CALLED DAMPNESS.
EFFECTS OF DAMPNESS:
FOLLOWING ARE THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF DAMPNESS IN BUILDING.

 BUILDING BECOME ESTHETICALLY POOR.

 IT CAUSE CORROSION OF METALS USED IN BUILDING.

 PLASTER PEELS OFF.

 EFFLORESCENE OCCURS AND BRICKS
DISTENGURATE AND TURN IN TO POWDER.

 PAINT BLISTERED AND BLEACHED AND

THE SURFACE DISTINGURED.

 HOLES AND PITS ARE FORMED IN

TOPPING OF FLOORS.

 UN HYGENIC CONDITION IN
BUILDING.
 6.2 Causes of dampness
Followings are the causes of dampness in the
building.
• Rain penetration
• Level of the site
• Drain ability of the soil
• Climatic conditions
• Defective materials
• Defective constructions
• Moisture which originates in the building itself.
• Defective orientation
• Moisture entrapped during construction
 Rain Penetration ;
• Heavy rain
• Continuous mild showers

 Level of site ;
• Elevation of the building site has also effect on dampness
• Structures on higher ground can be drained off easily
• Low laying area cannot be easily drained off

 Drain ability of soil ;

• Gravel and sandy soil allow water to
pass through very easily
• Clayey soil retain moisture and cause
dampness
 Climatic Conditions;
• Caused due to condensation of the moisture present in the
atmosphere under cold climate

 Defective Orientation;
• Walls subjected to constant splashes of rain or getting less
direction sun rays due to defective orientation is liable to
dampness.

 Moisture entrapped during construction;

• During construction wall are being in wet condition . These may persist
moisture for a log period after the construction is over due to the use of
salty water which cause dampness
 Defective Material ;
• Caused by the soakage of moisture by the defective materials like porous
bricks, soft stones

 Defective Construction;
• Joints between parapet
• Roof coping
• iron fixtures

 Moisture which originates in the building

itself;
• Leakage in sewers
Or in down water pipes
 Methods of Preventing Dampness
(6.3)
1. Preventing Damp Proof Course (DPC)

2. Surface of Treatment

3. Integral water-proof construction

4. Special devices
 Preventing Damp Proof Course

Damp proof courses are barriers installed during construction to

prevent moisture from rising through walls and floors..

Materials

1.Bitumen 2.Plastic Sheets of

Membranes

3.Metal Sheets 4.Slate

5.Rubberized Asphalt 6.Cementitious Coatings

Surface Treatment
Surface treatments involve applying waterproof
coatings or sealants to vulnerable areas such as
walls, roofs, and foundations. This creates a
protective barrier against water penetration
and helps prevent dampness.
MATERIAL
1.Waterproof Paints and Coatings 2.Elastomeric
Coatings

3.Silicone Sealants 4. Polyurethane

Sealants

5.Bitumen-based Products
Integral Waterproof Construction
Integral waterproofing involves incorporating
waterproofing agents directly into building
materials such as concrete or mortar. This method
ensures that the entire structure is inherently
resistant to water infiltration.
MATERIAL
1. Admixtures

2. Polymers

3. Silicone-based Compounds

4. Crystalline Waterproofing Agents

5. Fly Ash
 Special Devices
Dampness can be prevented to a large extent by
using special devices which are given below
1. By constructing the external walls of
sufficient thickness
2. By using the bricks of good quality for
constructing the external walls
3. By building the walls in rich cement
mortar
4. By fixing down-water pipes in sufficient
number so that water may not leak
through the junction of wall and roof
6.4What is Damp Proofing
Material
Damp proofing material is a substance
applied to prevent moisture from passing
into the interior spaces. It's commonly used
in building construction to ensure the
longevity and structural integrity of
buildings.
 Types of Damp Proofing Materials

Bituminous Coating Plastic Sheets Chemical Damp

Proofing
Offers excellent water
Provide a physical barrier Uses chemicals to create a
resistance and durability.
against moisture. waterproof layer.
6.4.1 Requirements of a
Good Damp Proofing
Material

1 Waterproof 2 Durable
Must effectively repel water and Should have long-lasting protective
moisture. properties.

3 Easy Application
Simple and efficient to apply for construction purposes.
 Benefits of Using a Good Damp
Proofing Material
Mold Prevention
Structural Integrity
Helps in preventing the growth of
Preserves the strength and stability
mold and mildew.
of buildings.

Energy Efficiency
Contributes to maintaining a comfortable environment and reducing energy
consumption.
PRINCIPLES PERTAINING TO THE USE
OF DAMP- PROOFING MATERIALS
• The following principles should be observed while using the materials
as damp-proofing course;
• There should be minimum number of construction joints.
• They should cover full thickness of the wall.
• In case of joint of damp-proof courses at junctions of the walls, flexible
materials should be used.
• At corners or inter-sections of walls, the material forming D.P.C. should
be properly be overlapped.
• The layer of damp-proofing material should be uniform in thickness and
perfectly be horizontal.
• The D.P.C should not be carried across the door
and verandas opening when it is laid at plinth
level.
• Lead sheets should only be laid in lime mortar.
• The surface of concrete or mortar layer should be
allowed to dry before laying bituminous coating.