Building Science (Damp/water proofing DPC in building)

 General terminology of water proofing

1. Below grade water proofing

2. Above grade water proofing

3. Flashing

4. Positive and negative side water proofing system

General methods of water proofing

1. Surface treatment

2. Integral water proofing

3. Membrane damp proofing

4. Guniting

5. Cavity wall construction

6. Thick and dense wall

DPC in buildings

Methods to make building damp proof

Horizontal DPC: It is provided in;

1. Plinth

2. Basement floor

3. Roof

4. Parapet wall covers

Vertical DPC: It is provided in;

1. Basement wall

2. Outer surface of wall of superstructure

3. Surface of parapet wall

Material used for damp proofing

1. Flexible materials like; bitumen, Polythene sheets, Lead, copper etc.

2. Semi rigid materials like mastic asphalt.

3. Rigid materials as brick, stone, cement concrete, slates, etc.

Requirements of DPC materials

1. Completely impervious

2. Durable-having longer life

3. Comparatively thin sheet-prevents disfigurement of building

4. Flexible enough to entertain settlement if any

Water proofing in basement

Generally, the moisture control in basement is done from following methods;

1. Surface drainage

2. Subsurface drainage

3. Damp proofing or water proofing on the walls and floor surfaces

Sealants

a. Sealants are the flexible materials applied in the joints or other places of any structure for the purpose of water proofing and environment control.

b. Sealants are exterior applications using high performance materials (e.g. silicones), which are typically colored and are primarily applied for water proofing .

c. As the sealant prevents the infiltration of air from/ to in or out of a building, its secondary role may be the environment control in the interior of the building.

Process of installation of sealants

Followings are the process for the successful installation of the sealant;

1. Joint design

2. Material selection

3. Substrata preparation

4. Sealant application