CONSTRUCTION DEFECTS

AND
THEIR REMEDIES

By :APARAJITA GOYAL

DEFECTS AND CRACKS

There are various defects in a building which may be
caused due to dampness , applied forces and change in
size
Cracks may develop if the building material used is of
low quality
Cracks can be divided into 2 categories
1 . Structural cracks
2 . Non Structural cracks
Cracks due to moisture changes
Cracks due to temperature variation
Cracks due to elastic deformation and creep
Cracks due to effect of chemical reaction
Cracks due to movement of ground
Cracks due to vegetation

CRACKS DUE TO DAMPNESS

Penetrating damp is the most common form of dampness
in buildings. Dampness occurs as a result of water
ingressing horizontally through gaps in the building
structure.
Rising damp describes the action of ground moisture
rising up a masonry wall by capillary action.
It potentially occurs where there is no damp-proof course
(DPC) or where the DPC has been damaged or bridged.
Theoretically, moisture can rise up the wall to a height of a
metre and it will often leave a characteristic horizontal 'tide
mark'. The historic city hall in Bamberg stands in the river
Regnitz and its bridge remains dry without any chemical ,
mechanical or electronical damp-proof course
"Rising Damp" is most often caused by damp penetration
which is then absorbed by the plaster which is highly
absorbant and due to the chemical reactions taking place
inside the wall

SYMPTOMS
Dampness tends to cause secondary damage to a
building.
The unwanted moisture enables the growth of various
fungi in wood, causing rot.
Plaster and paint deteriorate and wallpaper loosens.
Stains, from the water, salts and from mold, mar
surfaces.
Externally, mortar may crumble and salt stains may
appear on the walls.
Steel & iron fasteners rust.
It may also cause respiratory illness in occupants.
In extreme cases, mortar or plaster may fall away from
the affected wall.
The cracks developed as even and uniformely spread
throughout

IDENTIFICATION OF DAMP
PROBLEMS
Roof defects such as faulty flashing, cracked or missing
slates or tiles.
Faults in the brickwork or masonry such as missing or
cracked pointing. Porous bricks or stones.
Missing or defective mastic around windows and doors.
Blocked weep holes.
Missing or defective trays in cavity walls.
Solid, that is non-cavity walls
Condensation.
Damp proof membrane or Damp Proof course been
buried by later building activities

TREATMENT
It is suspected that the problem is condensation, then a
room should be sealed off with a left running for the
recommended time and then further instrument tests
made.
If the dampness has disappeared, then condensation is
very likely the problem.
Insulation of cold surfaces and/or the elimination of water
vapour at source are the answers.
The cause of the dampness must first be eliminated, by
providing better drainage or fixing leaking pipes. You can
also install a physical or chemical DPC.
Then, any affected plaster or mortar must be removed,
and the wall treated, before replacing the plaster and
repainting.
Proper DPC must be provided and all the joints must be
properly sealed

DEFECT DUE TO LEAKING PIPE

DEFECTS CAUSED DUE TO

APPLIED FORCES