A two-stage approach to damp investigation in a three bedroom residential building in Kumasi, Ghana

Abstract

Buildings are composites of different materials and forms of construction and each has its own specific performance characteristics. Despite the lasting qualities of buildings, they are all susceptible to natural and man-made mechanisms of deterioration, one of which is dampness. This study employed a holistic approach to dampness investigation involving a two stage protocol which sought to identify and document areas in the walls of a three bedroom residential facility severely affected by dampness. The results from the visual inspection showed that blistering of paint, flaking of mortar, cracks, mould growth and surface efflorescence were symptoms identified on the walls of the building. Also, the results from the moisture content measurements (non-destructive tests) showed that though the walls located in all the four orientations experienced dampness, it was very pronounced in the walls located in the western, eastern and southern directions. The results further showed that with the exception of rising dampness, no other source(s) of dampness existed. Further detailed destructive tests are recommended for the confirmation of the source of dampness present and this will help to put in place appropriate intervention mechanisms to address the problem. This study should provide the necessary platform for construction professionals in Ghana and other tropical countries with similar geological settings like Ghana to educate themselves on this common but dangerous problem.