What Is Dampness | Sources of Dampness in Building | Effects of Dampness in Building | Causes of Dampness

What Is Dampness?

Sources of Dampness in Building

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  1. Rise of moisture from the ground due to capillary action
  2. The action of rainwater
  3. Penetration of rainwater from top of the building
  4. Condensation due to atmospheric moisture
  5. Miscellaneous sources or causes like poor drainage of a building site, the imperfect orientation of a building, defective construction, etc.
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Use of Defective Materials

  1. Contact with vegetation
  2. Contact with banked earth
  3. Defective roofs and gutters
  4. Defective window sills
  5. Defective parapet wall
  6. Rising moisture due to capillary action, through walls and floors
  7. The splashing of water on wall surfaces.
  8. Leakage of the site which may result in waterlogging, and ultimately, it may result in dampness in a building.
  9. Improper drainage of roof and leakage through roof & roof joints.
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Effects of Dampness in Building

  1. A damp building creates unhealthy conditions for occupants and also gives rise to the breeding of mosquitoes.
  2. Corrosion of metals used in the construction of the building may take place.
  3. The unsightly patches are formed on the ceilings and walls surfaces.
  4. The decay of timber takes place rapidly due to dry-rot in a damp atmosphere.
  5. It results in 1:1 softening and crumbling of plaster.
  6. It promotes the growth of termites.
  7. The walls may cause efflorescence, which may result in the disintegration of stones, bricks, tiles, etc. and the strength of the wall is then reduced.
  8. The materials used as floor coverings are seriously damaged.
  9. The electric fittings deteriorate, and it may lead to a danger of short-circuiting.
  10. Unhealthy living for the occupants prevails in a damp building.
  11. Efflorescence on building surfaces takes place, causing the disintegration of the bricks, stones, tiles, etc. and thus useful life of a building is being lost.
  12. It causes bleaching of paint, which results in the formation of coloured patches on wall and ceiling surfaces.
  13. It results in softening and crumbling of plaster.
  14. Timber, when it comes in contact with water, gets deteriorated due to warping, buckling, and rolling.
  15. Dampness promotes the growth of termites.
  16. The surface of the wall is affected patches. Are seen on walls. The point false off, and colours get faded.
  17. The building elements made up of timer distorted in their dimensions. The timber may decay.
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Causes of Dampness

  • Rising of moisture from the ground 
  • Action of rain
  • Exposed tops of walls
  • Condensation
  • Miscellaneous
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1. Rising of Moisture from the Ground

2. Action of Rain

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3. Exposed Tops of Walls

4. Condensation

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5. Miscellaneous

Dampness in Building

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Sources of Dampness

  1. Rising of moisture from the ground: The subsoil moisture, present below the ground level, rises through the foundation beds due to capillary action.
  2. From the external walls: If the faces of walls are subject to heavy showers of rain, or if they are not being protected properly, the water will percolate in and causes dampness.
  3. Top of walls: Parapet and compound walls also become a source of dampness as the rain water descends down the wall and causes dampness.
  4. Condensation: When warm humid air is cooled, conden­sation takes place. Due to condensation, moisture is deposited on the walls, floors and ceilings and causes dampness.
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Causes of Damp

Effects of Dampness

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Dampness Meaning

Causes of Dampness

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  • Excess moisture. Moisture gets into the air in our homes through everyday activities like cooking, washing, showering and drying clothes.
  • Poorly heated homes.
  • Poor ventilation.
  • No DPC.
  • Inadequate DPC.
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What Is Dampness?

Causes of Dampness in Building

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What Is Dampness in Building?

What Are the Causes of Dampness in Building?

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  1. Leaks: Water leaks from roofs, plumbing systems, windows, or other building components can introduce moisture into the building, leading to dampness.
  2. Condensation: Condensation occurs when warm, moist air comes into contact with cooler surfaces, causing water droplets to form. Inadequate ventilation and insulation can contribute to condensation on walls, windows, or ceilings.
  3. Rising damp: Rising dampness happens when groundwater travels upwards through porous materials like masonry or concrete, resulting in moisture penetration in walls, floors, or foundations. This can occur due to the absence of a damp-proof course or failure in an existing damp-proofing system.
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What Is Damp?

Causes and Effects of Dampness

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Is the Main Source Causing Dampness in Badly Designed Kitchens?

Types of Dampness in Building

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  • Condensation (most common) – moisture in the air.
  • Penetrating dampness – rain getting in through gaps in the brickwork, roof, window frames, and around doors.
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What Are the Effects of Dampness?

What Is Dampness in Building Construction?

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  • What Is Inverted Beam | Advantages of Inverted Beam | Purpose of Inverted Beam
  • What Is Superstructures | Difference Between Load-Bearing and Framed Structures
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