Whether it’s your own house or the rented house, the leakages and seepages are the common problems that are faced by most of the residents. Some of the examples of moisture sources are plumbing leaks, condensation, roof leaks, defective drainage, spillage, ground moisture, rising dampness, uncapped chimney, etc.you may observe and wonder how the water is rising in a straw, through the sap of trees, through a cloth towel or the way the oil travels up a wick in oil lamps in your daily life. Yes. It is because of the capillary action that takes place. It is the process of the liquid flowing in the narrow spaces even against the gravitational force. In this article, we will be also covering common questions like What causes wall dampness ? What are the different factors that causes dampness in building ? Which method of damp proofing resist the capillary action of water? Which method of damp proofing resist the capillary action of water?
When the building materials like bricks, stones, concrete, or plaster come into contact with moisture or dampness, the water adheres to the pores of the material’s capillaries. This may rise to around 1m above its source. The narrower the bore of the capillary tubes is, the higher the water rises. It happens when the adhesion to the wall is stronger than the cohesive forces between the liquid molecules, and the height of the water rise due to the capillary action is limited by the surface tension and the gravity. Rising dampness in the concrete and masonry is also a result of the capillary action.
RISING DAMPNESS – LEAKAGES AND SEEPAGES:-
The capillary action or the rising dampness causes superficial damage to the internal walls and structural damages to timber and masonry. This happens at the ground level when there is an upward movement of moisture from the ground. The visual inspection of the wall exhibits specific changes like tide marks on the walls, crumbling of plaster, decaying of wooden structures close to the base wall, etc., which indicates the water seepage. If the moisture content rises, then the water leaks on the walls through cracks or gaps.
HOW THE RISING DAMPNESS OCCURS:-
This rising dampness is often misdiagnosed in the existing buildings due to incorrect visual evidence. The rising dampness occurs when there is an upward movement of water through the permeable building materials. This water dissolves and carries the soluble salts (calcium sulfate) along and deposits on the walls or the evaporated surface. If the evaporation of the salt is restricted by a paint finish, then the salts are deposited as crystals, and hence the efflorescence occurs. If the evaporation occurs within the porous building material, then the expanding salt creates fractures and flaking on the wall surface.
EFFECTS OF RISING DAMPNESS:-
The rising dampness affects the base walls, and if the moisture level rises, it destroys the property.
1. It leads to the growth of fungus and molds along the wall surface.
2. The built-in base materials like timber gets infected and decayed by rot or woodworms.
3. Under these damp conditions, the materials and the building lose their structural strength.
4. If the mold grows within the porous materials fitted to the walls like wallpaper or the carpets, it damages the finishes and creates an unaesthetic look.
5. The decay of organisms also pose a health risk/hazard to the occupants like causing allergies, respiratory problems, itchy eyes, etc.
6. During evaporation of the moisture, the deposition of the soluble salt occurs on the walls and weakens the structure.
7. The peeling of paint or the flaking of the wall happens.
2. The built-in base materials like timber gets infected and decayed by rot or woodworms.
3. Under these damp conditions, the materials and the building lose their structural strength.
4. If the mold grows within the porous materials fitted to the walls like wallpaper or the carpets, it damages the finishes and creates an unaesthetic look.
5. The decay of organisms also pose a health risk/hazard to the occupants like causing allergies, respiratory problems, itchy eyes, etc.
6. During evaporation of the moisture, the deposition of the soluble salt occurs on the walls and weakens the structure.
7. The peeling of paint or the flaking of the wall happens.
