Damp Proof Course- Methods and Materials Used for Damp Proofing

Damp Proof Course :

One of the Basic Requirement of a Building is that it must be free from Dampness.Dampness is nothing but presence of Moisture. Floors,Foundation,walls and roofs must be free from moisture.Otherwise it lead to reduction in strength of the structural components along with unhygienic conditions developing around.To Prevent this Damp Proof Course must be Provided,so that it prevents the entry of moisture into the structural components. So it is compulsory for every building to provide Damp Proof Course.

Fig: Damp Proof Course for Basement

Before knowing where we must provide Damp Proof Course,Let us concentrate from where moisture will inject into structural components of building.So that we can get clear idea where to provide Damp Proof Course.

Various Causes of Dampness :

1. Moisture raising up the walls from ground
2. Rain beating against external walls
3. Rain travel from wall tops
4. Condensation
5. Poor Drainage at the building site
6. Imperfect roof slope

By considering all the above factors into account we will do Damp Proofing for a building.

Effects of Dampness :

1. Dampness spotted place is a Breeding place for mosquitoes and creates unhealthy conditions
2. It leads to Patches at walls and ceiling
3. Wall Decoration will be destroyed
4. Softening and crumbling of Plaster
5. Efflorescence due to dampness leads to disintegration of bricks,stones and tiles etc.,which will in turn results in reduction in strength.
6. Timber fittings will be effected a lot
7. It will Permit for growth of Termites greatly
8. Electrical fittings will be effected and leakage of electricity and consequent danger of short circuiting can be observed
9. Dampness causes rusting and corrosion of Metal fittings
10. Floor Coverings will be damaged a lot.

By the time you are reading this,you must have come to know that Significance of Damp Proofing.So Now its time to know Methods of Damp Proofing :

Following methods are adopted to make a building Damp Proof :

• Membrane Damp Proofing
• Integral Damp Proofing
• Surface Treatment
• Cavity Wall Construction
• Guniting
• Pressure Grouting

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Membrane Damp Proofing :

This method includes the introducing of water repellent membrane or Damp Proof Course between the source of Dampness and the part of building adjacent to it.

Integral Damp Proofing:

This consists of adding certain water proofing compounds of materials to the concrete mix.This addition will make it Impermeable and no moisture is allowed through it.

Surface Treatment:

The Surface treatment consists of application of layer of water repellent substances or compounds on these surfaces through which moisture enters.Mostly Calcium and aluminium olets and stearated are much effective for Surface Treatment,

Cavity Wall Construction :

It is an effective method of Damp Prevention,in which the main wall of a building is shielded by an outer skin wall,leaving a cavity between the two.

Guniting:

This consists of depositing under pressure,an impervious layer of rich cement mortar over the exposed surfaces for water proofing or over pipes,cisterns etc.,for resisting the water pressure.

Pressure Grouting:

This consists of forcing cement grout,under pressure,into cracks,voids,fissures etc.present in the structural components of the building or in the ground.This method is quite effective in checking the seepage of raised ground water through foundations and sub-structures of a building.

Fig: Damp proof Course for Flooring

Fig:Plan Showing Drains and Damp Proof Course

Fig:Damp proof Course for Internal Wall

So by now you knew about Method of Damp Proofing.So what materials are used in Damp Proofing ? Check Below :

Materials used for Damp Proofing Course:

• Hot Bitumen
• Mastic Asphalt
• Bituminous or Asphaltic felts
• Metal Sheets
• Combination if sheets and bituminous felts
• Bricks and Stones
• Mortar
• Cement Concrete
• Plastic Sheets

Ideal Damp Proof Course Must Have Following Characteristics:

• Perfectly impervious and it should not permit any moisture Penetration
• Durable and Should have same life as that of the building
• Strong,capable and resisting Super-imposed loeads
• Flexible so that it can accommodate the structural movements without any fracture
• Materials used must not be too costly

So this is all about Damp Proof Course guys.To know about Damp Proof Course treatment in Building Stay tuned.If you have any queries Share them with me in Comments.