Department of Technical Education

Andhra Pradesh
Name of the Staff : P.Uma mahesh
Designation : Lecturer
Branch : Civil Engineering
Institute : Govt Polytechnic, Srikakulam
Year/Semester : IV Semester
Subject : Construction Practice
Subject Code : C406
Topic : Classification Buildings &Foundations
Duration : 50 min
Sub -Topic : Causes, effects and prevention of
dampness
Teaching Aids : PPT, animations
Revised by : GVVL Satyanarayana
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 Objectives

Upon the completion of this topic, you will be able to

under stand

• Causes and effects of dampness

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 Recap

In the previous class, we discussed

• The procedure of constructing a Spread

Footing

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 Dampness

• Dampness is the presence of moisture in

different component parts of building .

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 Causes of Dampness

• General cause :The dampness in the

building is caused due to faulty construction, bad
design and low standard material.

• Moisture rising up the walls from ground:

Moisture from wet ground may rise well above
ground level on account of capillary action

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 Causes of Dampness

• Rain water movement from wall

Penetration of rain water through unprotected
tops of walls, parapets, etc.,

• Condensation
In certain climatic conditions humidity in air
reaches its saturation point and forms moisture
on ground and walls

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 Causes of Dampness
• Defective construction:
If the joints in construction, leaked pipes, gaps in
wooden frame fixings are not constructed
properly may cause percolation of water

• Poor drainage at building site:

If suitable drainage facilities are not provided
at building site water percolates in to the sub-
structure of the building, leading to capillary
rise through basement walls.
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 Causes of Dampness (contd)

• Inadequate roof slope:

There is possibility of water stagnation on roofs, if
sufficient slope is not provided which leads seeping
of water through slab and walls.

• Orientation of building:
Due to lack of orientation sun rays will not reach inside
of the building which will create damp conditions

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Effects of Dampness

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 Effects of Dampness

• Dampness gives rise to breeding of mosquitoes and

create unhealthy conditions

• Travel of moisture through walls and ceiling

may cause unsightly patches

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 Effects of Dampness

• Moisture travel may cause softening and

crumbling of plaster, specially lime plaster

• The wall decoration (i.e painting etc) is damaged

which is very difficult and costly to repair

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 Effects of Dampness

• Moisture in walls may cause efflorescence resulting

in disintegration of bricks and stones

• The flooring gets loosened because of

reduction in the adhesion when moisture enters
through floor

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 Effects of Dampness

• Timber fittings coming in contact with damp

walls, floors get deteriorated because of
warping , buckling, rots, etc…

• Electrical fittings get deteriorated, giving rise to

short circuiting

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Effects of Dampness

• Dampness promotes and accelerates Growth

of termites

• Moisture causes rusting and corrosion of

metal fittings attached to walls, floors and
ceilings

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 Summary

In this class, wed discussed

- Causes of dampness
- Effects of dampness

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 Quiz

1.Dampness in buildings caused due to

a) Faulty construction

b) Bad design

c) Poor materials

d) All the above

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Frequently asked questions

1. What are the causes of dampness

2. State the effects of dampness

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