Damp (structural)

For other uses, see Damp (disambiguation).
Detail showing some of the causes of damp penetration

Structural dampness is the presence of unwanted moisture in the structure of a building, either the result of intrusion from outside or condensation from within the structure. A high proportion of damp problems in buildings are caused by ambient climate dependent factors of condensation and rain penetration.[1] Capillary penetration of fluid from the ground up through concrete or masonry is known as "rising damp" and is governed by the shape and porosity of the construction materials through which this evaporation-limited capillary penetration takes place.[2] Structural damp, regardless of the mechanisms through which it takes place, is exacerbated by higher levels of humidity.

Dampness control is fundamental to the proper functioning of any building. Controlling moisture is important to protect occupants from adverse health effects and to protect the building, its mechanical systems and its contents from physical or chemical damage.[3]

  1. ^ Trotman, Peter; Chris Sanders; Harry Harrison (2004). Understanding Dampness. Vol. BR466. Building Research Establishment. ISBN 1-86081-686-X.
  2. ^ Liu, M.; et al. (2018). "Tuning capillary penetration in porous media: Combining geometrical and evaporation effects" (PDF). International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer. 123: 239–250. doi:10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2018.02.101. S2CID 51914846.
  3. ^ Moisture Control Guidance for Building Design, Construction and Maintenance. December 2013.