Dampness, causes and its effect

            Dampness, causes and its effect

Dampness 

Water is the most essential element required in the construction of a building whereas water or moisture is the most harmful element for causing damage to a building. Absorption of water by the materials (bricks, mortar, stone and concrete) is one of the chief cause of dampness.
 According to Wikipedia, 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. 

 Causes of dampness

1.  Porous bricks used in the construction is a permanent source of dampness in wall as attract moisture if there is no DPC of good quality.
2.  Bad material used in construction are also the source of dampness.
3.  The another source of moisture is the depletion of damp proof course. 
4.  Motor joint not set properly and uniformly are the source of attraction of moisture.
5.  Leaking of water supply pipe allowing water to enter the walls.
6.  Defective roof leakage is the major source of water entering the walls and make it damp.
7.  Growth of vegetation in the wall indicates presence of moisture or water without which it could not grow.
8.  Construction of earthen bank by the side of a building.
9.  Presence of salt in the plaster is indicate the presence of dampness.

 Effect of dampness

1.  Unhygienic condition inside the building of the different materials due to disintegration of materials like bricks, stone, timber etc.
2.  Effluorescence. 
3.  Damage of furniture.  
4.  Corrosion of metal. 
5.  Plastic getting soft and crumbling.
6.  Damage of electric installation and short circuiting. 
7.  Deterioration of floor covering infestation of termite.
8.  Flaking, blistering and bleaching of paint.