Dampness in Buildings is a common problem that can affect almost any type of building. The dampness can cause many problems, including damage to the building’s architecture, health problems for the occupants, and even structural instability. It is critical to understand the causes of dampness and to understand prevention methods of dampness in any type of building.
In this article, we will discuss the causes of dampness in buildings and the prevention methods.
Causes of Dampness in the Buildings
There are several causes for dampness in the buildings. According to John Straube, a building science engineer, “Moisture is the main enemy of a building, it can cause structural deterioration, health problems for occupants and undermine energy efficiency.
Understanding the infiltration of moisture in the building is key to effectively controlling it”.
The following are the causes of dampness in the buildings.
- Defects in Building Design
- Weather Conditions
- Condensation
- Poor Ventilation
- Rising Damp
- Penetrating Damp
Defects in Building Design
A defective building design can lead to dampness in a building, this can occur due to insufficient ventilation, lack of insulation, leak in drainage systems, & use of substandard building materials during the construction phase. To avoid faulty design, we must hire a professional architect to design the building and for execution, it should be done under the supervision of a qualified engineer.
Weather Conditions
Weather conditions also play a major role in the life cycle of any building, it can also cause dampness in the buildings. Extreme weather conditions such as high humidity, heavy rains.
Rainwater can penetrate the wall or roof through cracks and gaps, and cause dampness. High humidity can accumulate moisture in the air, which can penetrate the building, causing the production growth of mold and mildew.
Condensation
Condensation is another major cause of dampness. Condensation occurs when warm and moist air interacts with cold surfaces, the water vapor in the air turns into liquid form and causes dampness in the buildings.
Poor Ventilation
If the building is poorly ventilated, the moisture can accumulate and remain stagnant, it is important to understand that, moisture from cooking, bathing or even breathing can buildup in the air and settle on the surface of walls, when there is no proper air inflow and sunlight, the mould and mildew might grow, causing health problems to the residents.
Apart from health issues, it can also cost money in the form of costly building repairs.
Rising Damp
Rising damp is another common problem in buildings. It can occur in both new and old buildings. But commonly found in old buildings due to inadequate damp-proof measures.
The process of rising damp occurs due to the capillary action of water. The water moves through the tiny gaps in the building’s structure leading to a number of problems, such as damage to the plaster & Paint, growth of mold and Mildew, and rotting timber.
Symptoms of rising damp may include peeling wallpaper or paint, visible tidemark on the wall, or a must smell. In severe cases, it can damage building structures, such as wall cracking and weakening the structural elements.
Penetrating damp
Penetrating damp is a kind of moisture problem that happens when water penetrates the wall or roof of a building from above. It can be caused by multiple factors such as damaged or missing roof tiles, absence of damaged waterproofing treatment, or leaks in the plumbing fixtures. Penetrating damp can be more visible during the rainy season. When the water penetration becomes more prominent.
The penetrating dampness indicating features might include stained patches on ceiling or walls, damp smell in the building, or peeling of paint or plaster, it can cause enormous damage to the structure such as corrosion of metal or rotting of timber.
Effects of Dampness in Residential or Commercial Building may include;
- Decreased Property Value: The existence of dampness may decrease the Property value as it will be considered as a liability that may require costly repairs.
- Decreased Quality of Living: dampness has a negative impact on the quality of living and makes living uncomfortable, in case of commercial buildings, it decreases employee productivity and has an impact on the mental and emotional well-being of the occupants.
- Business Interruption: dampness causes various business interruptions as well, which may include being closed off for building maintenance, repairs and cleaning or restoration of affected areas.
- Increase in Maintenance Costs: the overall impact of dampness is much higher on building maintenance, it reduces the structure life cycle, causing corrosion in the structural steel elements, and rooting of wooden members, then increases the maintenance costs and might lead to potential safety hazards.
- Potential Health risks: there are many potential health risks associated with dampness for instance, dampness may cause respiratory problems, such as asthma, cough, as well different kinds of allergies, skin irritation and some physiological effects like depression and anxiety as well.
“The control of moisture is fundamental to healthy, durable, energy-efficient buildings.” – Building Science Corporation.
Effective Ways to Prevent Dampness in Buildings
There are a few effective ways to prevent dampness in buildings and maintain a safe healthy living environment, here are some strategies to prevent dampness in buildings.
- Improve ventilation in the buildings
- Sealing Leaks and Cracks
- Proper Insulation of Building
- Maintain Drainage system
- Control Humidity Levels
Improve ventilation in the buildings:
One of the major reasons for dampness in buildings is poor ventilation systems, which can lead to increased humidity levels inside the premises of the building. To improve ventilation systems and control dampness, consider the following:
- Install exhaust fans in critical areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas where moisture is accumulated.
- Provide windows for fresh air & sunlight.
- Maintain HVAC systems to ensure proper ventilation.
Sealing Leaks & Cracks
Another common cause of dampness is water infiltration through leaks and cracks on different building components. To prevent water insertion, consider the following;
- Seal any leaks or cracks in the walls, roof or windows.
- Apply waterproofing treatments to structural elements such as foundations, basement walls, roofs.
- Make sure proper doesn’t accumulate near the foundations or basements.
Proper Insulation of Building
Insulation can help to reduce the dampness in the buildings by controlling the temperature and condensation. Consider the following steps to effectively control dampness;
- Install vapor barriers in areas prone to moisture, such as the kitchen and bathrooms.
- Build cavity walls to provide a barrier & prevent moisture from penetrating in the walls.
- Consider using spray foam insulation to provide an airtight solution in areas such as roofs, and walls before the finishing product application.
- Provide a DPC layer if constructing a new building.
Maintain Drainage system
Proper drainage system is essential for any type of building. It helps to keep the water away from critical structural elements such as foundations. Consider the following to maintain the drainage system;
- Install sump pumps to drain the water from basements
- Make sure gutters and manholes are clean and function properly.
- Carry out regular inspections of drain systems by professional maintenance companies to ensure the safety of buildings.
Control Humidity Levels
Controlling humidity levels is crucial to prevent dampness from entering the building. Consider the following steps to maintain the humidity levels;
- Monitor humidity levels consistently
- Make sure exhaust fans are working properly in the bathrooms and kitchen to remove excessive moisture.
- Avoid overwatering indoor plants.
- Ensure the HVAC filters are clean and working properly.
In conclusion, dampness in buildings is a serious problem that can cause a variety of negative impacts on the building. However, if we adopt the above-mentioned strategies, we can maintain a safe, healthy and functional living while protecting our investment.
