DAMP PROOFING

Presented By
AHSAN RABBANI
Civil Engg. Dept.
REC Raipur

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 its
movements.

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

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

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
NO.

PRODUCT

SALIENT FEATURES

RECOMMENDED AREA
OF APPLICATION

1.

Polymer modified i) More flexible and elastic.

bitumen coatings ii) Their elastic recovering is high and
are best suited for cooler climates.
iii) Better resistance to fracture over
a wide range of temperature and
moisture variations.
iv) Cracks under weathering action.
v) Black in colour and therefore not
pleasing in appearance

i) Water proofing of roof

slabs,
foundation,
basements, floors, and
underground structures,
storage tanks, pipelines
etc.
ii) Heavy duty roof
coating new or old
construction.
iii) Waterproofing of
domes shells.

2.

Polymer Modified i) Treated or reinforced felt

bitumen
felts. sandwiched
between
polymer
modified bitumen layers.
ii) Behaves like a continuous
membrane

Roofs and basements

require protection on top
with
grit/sand
from
ultraviolet rays of sun.

CONTD.
SL
NO.

PRODUCT

SALIENT FEATURES

RECOMMENDED AREA
OF APPLICATION

3.

Prefabricated
elastic
membrane.

i) Polymeric bitumen reinforced with Terraces, water tanks

non woven plastic fabric.
swimming pools.
ii) Provided with a thin polyurethane
film on outer surface.
iii) Life 5-15 years. High crack
resistant and heat resistant.

4.

Polymer
Emulsions/
membranes
water
based
coatings

i) Performance is good.
ii) Allows concrete to breathe without
allowing diffusion of Oxygen, CO2,
rainwater etc. from outside.
iii) These are transparent after
drying.
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.

To prevent dampness
and efflorescence and
for water proofing of
terraces, walls, chhajjas
and all other concrete
surfaces.

CONTD.
SL
NO.

PRODUCT

SALIENT FEATURES

RECOMMENDED AREA OF
APPLICATION

5.

Alkali
synthetic felt

6.

Silicon
emulsions

based Colourless water repellent, limited life, Vertical walls,

poor bridging capacity, do not withstand stone facades.
hydrostatic pressure.

7.

Epoxy
coatings

based i) Very good adhesion and bonding

properties.
ii) Costly, limited resistance when
exposed to sunlight.
iii) Cannot be use for external walls.
iv)
Cannot
withstand
expansion/
contraction

8.

Cementitious
Polymer
Waterproofing
compound

proof i) Gives water proofing and thermal Terrace garden.

insulation on walls.
ii) Life 40 years.
specially

i) Used as water proofing,

protective
coatings
for
internal application.
ii) Useful for coating in
water tanks, surface floors,
swimming pools, treatment
plants.

i) Available in two packs part-A Cement Terraces walls, water tanks

and chemical additives Part-B Polymer effluent, treatment plants,
emulsion.
lagoons etc.
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.

PERFORMANCE DATA

Resists chemicals e.g. chlorine, ethylene glycol, petrol and diesel oil.
Protects-reinforcing bars from corrosion.
StrengthIncreases 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

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

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

If two 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

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.