Effects Of Dampness

Basics in Building Construction 4(2+2)

Lesson 04 : Damp Proofing : Methods And Materials

Effects Of Dampness

Prolonged dampness in a building can cause various defects in the building. Apart from creating unhealthy living conditions, dampness also affects the structure.

  • Dampness gives rise to breeding of mosquitoes and create unhealthy living conditions.
  • Travel of moisture through walls and ceiling may cause unsightly patches.
  • Moisture travel through walls may cause softening and crumbling of plaster, especially lime plaster.
  • The wall decoration and painting is damaged.
  • Continuous presence of moisture in the walls may cause efflorescence resulting in disintegration of bricks, stones, tiles, etc., and consequent reduction in strength.
  • The flooring gets loosened because of reduction in the adhesion when moisture enters through the floor.
  • Timber fittings, such as doors, windows, almarahs, wardrobes etc., coming in contact with damp walls, damp floors may get deteriorated because of warping, buckling, dry-rotting of timber.
  • Electrical fittings get deteriorated, giving rise to leakage of electricity and consequent danger of short circuiting.
  • Floor coverings are damaged. On damp floors, one cannot use floor coverings.
  • Dampness promotes and accelerates growth of termites
  • Dampness along with warmth and darkness breeds germs of dangerous diseases such as tuberculosis, neuralgia, rheumatism etc. Occupants may even be asthmatic.
  • Moisture causes rusting and corrosion of metal fittings attached to walls, floors and ceiling.
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Last modified: Wednesday, 29 February 2012, 5:18 AM