J D I N S T I T U T E O F FA S H I O N T E C H N O L O G Y, N A G P U R

Damp-Proofing
PRESENTER: SAUBIA RAHMAN, 3 R D
SEM
INTERIOR DESIGN
S UB J E CT: B M M C
DAMPNESS
What is it?

Dampness refers to the presence of excessive moisture or water in a

particular environment, such as a building or an outdoor area. It is the
presence of hygroscopic or gravitational moisture.
It, therefore, reduces strength of the walls and leads to unhygienic and
unwanted conditions.
CAUSES of dampness

• Condensation: This happens when warm, moisture-laden air comes into contact with cooler surfaces, causing the water vapor in the air to
condense into liquid water. Condensation commonly occurs on windows, walls, and other surfaces.

• Penetrating damp: This occurs when water from outside infiltrates into the interior of a building through gaps, cracks, or porous materials
such as masonry or concrete. Penetrating damp can be caused by leaking roofs, faulty gutters, or cracks in walls.

• Rising damp: Rising damp occurs when groundwater or moisture from the soil is drawn upward through porous building materials like
bricks, mortar, or concrete by capillary action. Due to the surface tension of water, moisture rises along a small capillary located in the walls,
hence the name capillary moisture. Capillary action means an increase in moisture in the capillaries as opposed to gravity.
 CAUSES of
dampness

What causes
Condensation?

• Excess moisture: Moisture gets into the air in our homes through everyday activities like
cooking, washing, showering and drying clothes.

• Poorly heated homes: Warm air can hold a greater amount of moisture than cooler air.
This means that the temperature of the air in your home and of the impermeable surfaces
has an impact on the amounts of condensation. Also, dramatic increases or decreases in
temperature can also increase condensation. It is therefore important to consistently heat
your home, increasing the average temperature of surfaces.

• Poor ventilation: A home with poor ventilation is prone to condensation and mould
growth. If the home is lacking in ventilation, this warm air will deposit moisture on the
coldest surface available – this is commonly windows or outside walls.
 CAUSES of
dampness

What causes
Penetrating Damp?

• Plumbing issues: Leaks from faulty or inadequate pipes are a major cause of damp within
a property. Even the smallest of leaks can eventually lead to penetrating damp and wet rot.

• Inadequate gutters: Gutters that are too small, blocked and over-flowing and broken
downpipes often deposit excess water onto external walls. This continuous stream of
water running down your outside wall massively increases your chance of damp getting
in.

• Increased groundwater levels: As a general rule, houses were never built with their
ground floors at or below the outside ground level. However, over time ground levels can
get higher. This puts more pressure on the low-level substrate with increased moisture
levels.
 CAUSES of
dampness

What causes
Rising Damp?

• No DPC: Most buildings have a barrier to prevent water travelling up from the ground
and into the walls - this is called a damp proof course (DPC). DPCs are made of water-
resistant materials such as plastic membranes, bitumen or slate. In older buildings, where
no DPC exists or it has failed over time, you may have an issue with rising damp.

• Capillary action: The movement of moisture from within the ground up into the
brickwork and render via smalls pores in the building material. The capillary action
occurs because of the cohesive forces between water molecules and the adhesive forces
between water molecules and the surface of the material. When a porous material comes
into contact with water, the water molecules are attracted to the material's surface and
begin to move upward against the force of gravity. This movement is facilitated by the
small channels and pores within the material, which act as capillaries.
CAUSES of
dampness
Dampness and its
Consequences
• Mold and mildew growth: Damp
environments provide favourable conditions
for mold and mildew to thrive.
• Structural damage: Prolonged exposure to
dampness can weaken structural components.
• Health hazards: Damp and mouldy
environments can exacerbate respiratory issues
and may cause other health problems.
• Unpleasant odours: Dampness often produces
musty odours that can be unpleasant and
difficult to eliminate.
DAMP PROOFING

• Damp proofing refers to a set of techniques and treatments used in construction to prevent moisture from entering buildings and causing
issues such as rising damp, mold growth, and structural damage.

• Damp proofing methods are applied to various parts of a building, including walls, floors, and foundations, to create a barrier that repels
moisture or prevents its capillary rise.

• Damp proofing is essential for maintaining the structural integrity and longevity of buildings, as well as ensuring a healthy indoor
environment free from mold and damp-related issues.

• The selection of damp proofing methods depends on factors such as the building's construction, the severity of dampness, and budgetary
considerations. `
METHODS OF DAMP PROOFING
 METHODS of damp-proofing

Damp-Proof Course (DPC)

• A DPC is a barrier inserted into the structure of a building to prevent moisture from rising through walls or floors.

• Groundwater can naturally be drawn up through the small holes within your property’s mortar and result in rising damp issues; the damp proof course
prevents this from occurring by stopping the water only a short distance from the ground.

• An effective damp proofing material should have the following properties :-

o It should be impervious.
o It should be strong and durable, and should be capable of
withstanding both dead as well as live loads without damage.
o It should be dimensionally stable.
o It should be free from deliquescent salts like sulphates,
chlorides and nitrates.
 TYPES OF DPC

PHYSICAL DPC
A Physical Damp-Proof Course (DPC) is a construction element or barrier
incorporated into a building's structure to prevent moisture from rising through walls
or floors. It serves as a barrier against capillary action, which can draw moisture
upward through porous building materials. Physical DPCs are typically made of
durable and impermeable materials that resist water penetration. It can be classified
as:

• Horizontal DPC: This is typically installed at the base of a wall to prevent rising
damp. It can be made of materials such as bitumen felt, polyethylene sheets, or
rigid materials like slate or engineering bricks.

• Vertical DPC: Installed in cavity walls to prevent lateral damp penetration from
one leaf of the wall to another. Materials used for vertical DPCs include metal
strips, plastic sheets, or even mortared courses of engineering bricks.
Horizontal DPC Vertical DPC
 TYPES OF DPC

CHEMICAL DPC

A Chemical Damp-Proof Course (DPC) is a method used to prevent moisture from

rising through walls or floors in buildings. Unlike physical DPCs, which are barriers
inserted into the building's structure, chemical DPCs involve the application of
water-repellent chemicals to the surfaces of walls or injected into the masonry to
create a barrier against moisture penetration.

Injection DPC: A chemical DPC is injected into the mortar joints or drill holes in the
masonry to create a barrier against rising damp. Common chemical DPC materials
include siliconates, silanes, and siloxanes. The chemicals diffuses into the
surrounding masonry, creating a barrier against rising damp i. e. chemicals penetrate
the pores of the masonry and react with moisture to form a water-repellent barrier.
Injection DPC
 TYPES OF DPC

INTEGRAL DPC
Integral Damp-Proofing Course (DPC) is a method of damp-proofing that involves
adding water-repellent additives directly into building materials during their
manufacture or mixing. These additives create a barrier within the material itself,
making it resistant to moisture penetration. Integral DPC is primarily used in
concrete, mortar, or plaster to prevent rising damp in buildings. It can be classified
as:

• Integral Water Repellents: These are added directly to the concrete mix during
construction to make the concrete itself resistant to moisture penetration. Integral
DPCs can include admixtures such as hydrophobic chemicals or waterproofing
agents.

• Additive DPCs: Additives can also be mixed with mortar or plaster to enhance
their water-resistance properties, acting as an integral DPC within the wall
structure.
Integral DPC
 METHODS of damp-proofing

Cavity wall

• A Cavity Wall Damp-Proof Course (DPC) is a horizontal barrier incorporated within the cavity of a cavity wall construction to prevent
moisture from transferring from the outer leaf to the inner leaf of the wall. Cavity walls consist of two separate layers or "leaves" of masonry
with an air gap or cavity between them.

• The cavity wall DPC serves as a physical barrier against rising damp and lateral moisture penetration. It prevents water from entering the inner
leaf of the wall, protecting the building's interior from dampness and associated issues such as mold growth and structural damage.

• The cavity wall DPC is typically installed near the base of the cavity, above ground level. It is positioned to intercept any moisture that may
enter the outer leaf of the wall and prevent it from transferring to the inner leaf.

• Cavity walls are designed to allow moisture that does enter the cavity, such as rainwater or condensation, to evaporate and escape to the
exterior. The materials used in cavity wall construction, such as porous bricks or blockwork, are breathable and allow for the passage of
moisture vapor.
Cavity wall
 METHODS of damp-proofing

Guniting

• It also refers to as Shot Concrete. Gunite, also known as shotcrete, can indeed be used for damp proofing, particularly in certain construction
contexts.

• Gunite is applied by spraying a mixture of cement, sand, and water onto surfaces at high velocity. This spraying action ensures a seamless and
uniform application, without the need for joints or seams that could potentially allow water to penetrate.

• The compact nature of gunite, combined with its cementitious composition, makes it highly resistant to water penetration, effectively
preventing leaks and dampness.

• In some cases, gunite may be applied over structural reinforcement such as mesh or rebar, providing additional strength and durability to the
waterproofing layer. This reinforced gunite layer can withstand structural movement and settlement while maintaining its waterproofing
integrity.
Guniting (Shot Concrete)
TERMITE
PROTECTION
Termite Protection
What is it?

Termite protection refers to the measures taken to prevent or mitigate

termite infestations in buildings, structures, and wooden materials.
Termites are small, social insects that feed on cellulose-based
materials such as wood and can cause significant damage to homes
and other structures if left unchecked. Termite protection strategies
aim to deter termites from accessing buildings and to eliminate
existing colonies if they are present.
 Necessity of Termite Protection
Termite protection is considered necessary for several reasons:
• Structural Damage: Termites feed on wood and other cellulose-based materials, which are commonly used in building construction. Without
termite protection, these insects can cause significant structural damage to homes, buildings, and other structures over time.

• Financial Impact: Repairing termite damage can be expensive, especially if the infestation has gone unnoticed for an extended period. Termite
protection measures, such as preventive treatments and regular inspections, can help avoid these financial burdens by reducing the risk of
infestation and minimizing potential damage.

• Property Value: Termite infestations can diminish the value of a property. Prospective buyers are often wary of purchasing homes with a
history of termite problems or structures that lack adequate termite protection measures. Implementing termite protection can help maintain or
increase the value of the property by safeguarding it against infestations and damage.

• Health Concerns: While termites themselves do not pose direct health risks to humans, their presence can contribute to indoor air quality
issues. Termite damage may create openings in walls and ceilings, providing entry points for allergens, dust, and mold. Additionally, the
chemicals used in some termite control methods can pose health risks if not applied properly.
 Termite resistant
Building materials

Termite-resistant building materials are those that are less susceptible to termite damage or infestation compared to traditional materials like untreated
wood. Incorporating termite-resistant materials into construction can help reduce the risk of termite infestations and minimize damage to buildings.
Here are some examples of termite-resistant building materials:
• Pressure-Treated Wood
• Composite Materials
• Concrete
• Cellular PVC
• Termite-resistant Insulation
• Glass

By incorporating termite-resistant building materials into construction, property owners can help protect their buildings against termite infestations
and minimize the need for chemical treatments or repairs.
 Anti-termite Treatments
• Pre-construction treatment: Preconstruction anti-termite treatment involves applying protective measures to the soil and building materials
before construction begins to prevent or mitigate termite infestations in buildings.

• Post-construction treatment: Post-construction termite treatment involves applying protective measures to existing buildings and
structures to prevent or mitigate termite infestations. This is typically done after construction is completed or when termite activity is
detected in an existing structure.

PRE-CONSTRUCTION TREATMENT POST-CONSTRUCTION TREATMENT

Types of Pre-construction Anti-termite Treatments

• Soil Treatment: One of the primary methods of preconstruction anti-termite treatment is soil treatment with liquid termiticides. This treatment
creates a chemical barrier in the soil around the building's perimeter, preventing termites from approaching and infesting the structure. The steps
involved in soil treatment may include:
o Soil inspection: Before treatment, the soil is inspected for signs of termite activity and conducive conditions such as moisture.
o Trenching: Trenches are dug around the perimeter of the building foundation to expose the soil.
o Application of termiticides: Liquid termiticides are applied to the soil in the trenches, creating a continuous chemical barrier.
o Backfilling: After the termiticides are applied, the trenches are backfilled with treated soil.

• Chemical Barriers: In addition to soil treatment, chemical barriers may be applied to other areas of the building site to further protect against
termite infestations. This may include treating areas where utility conduits penetrate the foundation or applying termiticides to building materials
before installation.

• Physical Barriers: Installing physical barriers such as metal mesh, plastic or metal termite shields, or concrete slabs beneath and around the
building's foundation can help prevent termites from accessing the structure during construction.
Types of Preconstruction Anti-termite Treatments

Soil Treatment Chemical Treatment Physical Treatment

 Soil Treatment

Physical Treatment

Chemical Treatment
Types of Post-construction Anti-termite Treatments

• Chemical Treatments:
o Liquid Termiticides: Liquid termiticides can be applied around the perimeter of the building, along foundation walls, and in areas where
termites are active. This creates a chemical barrier that repels or kills termites upon contact.
o Termite Baits: Termite bait systems consist of bait stations placed strategically around the building perimeter. These bait stations contain
cellulose material laced with slow-acting toxicants. Termites feed on the bait and transfer the toxicant back to the colony, eventually
eliminating it.

• Wood Treatments: Wooden structural elements that are susceptible to termite infestation can be treated with borate-based preservatives or other
wood protectants. These treatments deter termites from infesting or feeding on the wood.

• Foam Treatments: Foam formulations of termiticides can be injected into termite galleries, voids, or other inaccessible areas within the building
structure. The foam expands to fill the space, delivering the termiticide directly to the target area.

• Dust Treatments: Insecticidal dusts can be applied to voids, cracks, and other termite entry points within the building. The dust adheres to termite
bodies, transferring the insecticide back to the colony when termites groom each other.
Several chemicals are commonly used in termite protection to prevent or mitigate termite infestations in buildings and structures. These
chemicals are typically applied as liquid formulations, baits, or treated building materials. Here are some of the most commonly used
chemicals in termite protection:
• Termiticides (Chlorpyrifos, Fipronil, Imidacloprid, Bifenthrin)
• Baits (Hexaflumuron, Diflubenzuron)
• Wood Preservatives (Borates, Copper-based Compounds)
• Foam and Dust Formulations (Fipronil Foam, Insecticidal Dusts)

Post-construction Termite Protection Chemical Treatment