The Assessment and Diagnosis of Rising Damp in Masonry Walls in Kampala Region Buildings with Recommended Treatment Methods
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Date
2022-03-16Author
Oryema, Patience
Sentongo, Walter Kizito
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Dampness is defined as an excessive quantity of moisture contained in building materials and
components that causes adverse movements or deterioration and results in unacceptable internal
environmental conditions (Briffet, 1994; Halim, 2012; Parrett, 2004). A building is considered to
be damp when the moisture becomes visible through discoloration and staining of finishes,
deposition of hygroscopic salts in form of efflorescence, flaking of painted walls and mold growth
on surfaces. (Department of the Environment. London, the stationary office, 1998). Dampness
tends to cause many problems to a building with dire health, environmental, social and economic
implications. It causes rapid deterioration of building materials and components, may lead to
structural problems, degrade finishes, and results in deterioration in furniture, fixtures, and fittings
(Briffett, 1994). All these problems lead to increased maintenance costs and devaluation of the
buildings’ economic worth. Recent studies have also shown that dump-affected living areas
contribute to respiratory illness in occupants. According to a study carried out in 1997 by the World
Health Organization, people who live in damp homes are twice as likely to suffer from asthma
when compared to those who live in homes without damp problems.