BUILDING DEFECTS

GROUP 1
 REASON FOR DEFECTS IN A BUILDING
Building defect is one of the major components of building
problems that significantly needed attention depend upon a
number of factors: the age of the affected building
components, the exact nature of the problem, the presence
or absence of human error, or some combination of all
those three.
● INADEQUATE IN DESIGN
● POOR WORKMANSHIP
● LACK OF INCORRECT MAINTENANCE
● IMPROPER USE
● POOR MAINTENANCE
● ACCIDENTS LIKE EARTHQUAKE / FIRE
● DESIGN DEFICIENCIES
● MATERIAL DEFICIENCIES
● CONSTRUCTION DEFICIENCIES
● SUBSURFACE DEFICIENCIES
Design Deficiencies
Material Deficiencies

● Problems are typically encountered

with roof systems, which due to their Common manufacturer problems with building
design complexity, pitched or flat, are materials can include
prone to leaks. ● deteriorating flashing,
● A majority of roofing problems are a ● building paper,
direct result of the improper ● waterproofing membranes,
specification of building materials, which ● asphalt roofing shingles,
can result in water penetration, intrusion ● particle board,
or other problems, ● inferior drywall
● The inadequacy of structural members, ● other wall products used in wet and/or damp
which can result in cracks and areas, such as bathrooms and laundry rooms.
deterioration of roofing components and
materials.
Construction Deficiencies Subsurface Deficiencies

● A typical example is water infiltration ● A lack of a solid foundation may result in

through some portion of the building cracked foundations or floor slabs and
structure, which may create an other damage to the building. •
environment for the growth of mold. • ● If subsurface conditions are not properly
● Other problems include cracks in compacted and prepared for adequate
foundations or walls, dry rotting of drainage, it is likely the property will
wood, electrical and mechanical experience problems such as improperly
problems, plumbing leaks, or pest settling to the ground (subsidence), the
infestation. structure moving or shifting, flooding and in
many cases more severe problems such
as landslides.
TYPES OF DEFECTS IN
A BUILDING
DAMPNESS TO BUILDING
DEFECTS DUE TO DAMPNESS

● Penetrating damp is the most common form of dampness in a buildings. Dampness occurs
as a result of water ingressing horizontally through gaps in the building [Link] damp
describes the action of the ground moisture rising up a masonry wall by capillary action.
● It potentially occurs where there is no damp proof course or where the DPC has been
damaged or bridged. Theoretically, moisture can rise up the wall to a height of a meter.
● Rising damp is most often caused by damp penetration which is then absorbed by the plaster
which is highly absorbent and due to the chemical reaction 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 [Link] and paint deteriorate and wallpapers loosens.
● Stains, from the water, salts and from mold, mar surfaces.
● Extremely, mortar may crumble and salts stains may appear on the walls.
● steel and 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 uniformly 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.
● Condensation.
● Damp proof membrane or Damp Proof course been buried by later
building activities

TREATMENT

● The cause of the dampness must first be eliminated,

by providing better drainage or fixing leaking pipes.
● We 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
 SEEPAGE IN THE CEILING BELOW ROOF SEEPAGE IN THE WALLS OF TOILET
SLAB IN THE CORNERS ALONG JUNCTION ABOVE TOILET FLOOR LEVEL
OF WALL AND SLAB.
CAUSE
CAUSE
● Since the parapet load is low, the roof slab bends to lift Leakage in water supply lines which are concealed
in the walls.
at its corners due to deflection causing crack..
● Since the parapet load is low, slab is also able to move
due to thermal contractions/expansion & shrinkage. REMEDY
● In extreme cases some pipe piece can also be found
REMEDY cracked rusted (specially when pipes have become quite
old) which should be replaced.
● By making brick or concrete cornice at the bottom of
● As a preventive measures, during the time of new
parapet wall and making drip mould in it. construction , all the water lines must be pressure tested
● By extending roof slab itself by 2” to 3” beyond the before concealing them and before accepting the work.
load bearing wall and making a drip mould at the this will save much of future maintenance
bottom .
● By taking precautions that minimum water drips
through roof and parapet wall to the outside wall
ROOF /TERRACE CONCRETE SLAB
WATER ENTERING THROUGH DOORS AND
POROUS IN GENERAL AND LOT OF
WINDOWS OF THE BUILDING
FINE HAIRLINE CRACKS BECAUSE OF
WHICH WATER SEEPS CAUSE

● Chajjas not provided over doors and windows Stilts not

CAUSE
provided at the bottom of door on the outside Floor not
Concrete not cast properly and sloping away from external door
● There is gap between door /window frames and jambs
mixing and compacting not done
● Glazed windows are opened inside the room instead of
uniformly and properly.
outside

REMEDY REMEDY
Apply waterproofing coating over the ● Provide chajjas over doors and windows Gaps between
concrete slab. doors/windows frame and jambs should be properly
sealed through sealant.
● Rubber gasket/beading should be provided on edge of
door/ window shutters if you want a perfect leak proof
door/ window.
DEFECTIVE PLASTER RENDERING

Mostly the defective plaster rendering occurs on

the external walls, column and ceiling. Defective
rendering are normally caused by biological attacks
arising from penetrating rain, evaporation,
condensation, air pollution, dehydration and
thermal stress. The mould or harmful growth,
insect, animals, and traffic vibration also will
contribution causes of defective plaster rendering.

a) Cracking in Plastering This is because of breaking away the section of the plaster. Penetration of rain to
the external surface of structural, have allowing admittance of rain to the back of the intact plaster coat. So,
any weakness in the bond between plaster and background or between renders coats will make the further
defect.
b) Holes in Plaster wall Holes usually occur because of user or human made such as hanging family
picture, shelves or other decorative item to the wall. the is easily to be filled in with a tad of sparkling
compound.
c) Plaster falling off from ceiling Often the vibration of people going up and down by the stair for many
years is cause to plaster falling off from ceiling. The vibration will travel through the plaster and cause hairlines
cracks between the wooh lath, and plaster.
d) Shrinkage Cracking When strong mixes of render are used on weak or bad prepared background have
due to shrinkage cracking. if the crack only in the topcoat, it caused the excessive cement in the finish coat or
excessive thickness or if the renders is too wet
 REMEDY
CAUSE
Mainly cracks occur due to bad workmanship or
● Loss of bond between coats
expansion and shrinkage in the plaster during drying.
● Surface cracking
Below are few tips to prevent cracks:
● Friable powdery surfaces
● Water damage ● Ensure the addition of water in mortar done is
● Movement of structure by skilled mason and not by unskilled labour to
● Non suitable of renders and plasters ensure desired workability in terms of handling
● Chemical attacks and application.
● Efflorescence ● It can be avoided by proper curing of the
● Lime Bloom plaster in order to slow down any rapid drying.
● Popping or Pitting
Taking care of workmanship and material quality
issues will help in preventing cracks.
UNSTABLE FOUNDATIONS
If there is presence of difficulty in the foundation, it will defect all of the building structure. Some of the affects of foundation
problem are building collapsing, crack on the floor and the wall, the wall leading and many others. Another unstable factor is
the movement of the soil because of presents of the water flow. Besides that, the faulty design of foundation also will cause it
to overload. Apart from that, the using of material for the foundation is not being followed as the standard and requirement
being agreed.

CAUSE
● Movement of the soil There is one major cause in the movement of
soil that is the presences of water flow. Especially for the hill slope
area, the probability of landslide occurrence is higher particularly while
heavy downpour.
● Faulty Design Design is important thing before the building is
constructed. Design will ensure the foundation is suitable for supporting
the building. If the design fails to full
● fill the requirement standard, it will cause the building to collapse.
Overloaded The maximum load of building will be stated by the
architect. The building will collapse if the load is not suitable with the
foundation. The foundation must be stable enough and suitable to
support the building and its total load. (Dead and Living Load)
● Material Material also will affect the stability of the foundation. The
material used will affect the strength of the concrete. It is also being a
must to ensure that the foundation will last long and have longer life
expectancy.
● . Natural Disaster Another factor is natural disaster that is unexpected.
It also happened because of human negligence.
EROSION OF MORTAR JOINTS
Mortar joint is function to the masonry block or brick wall.
This is because of there is strong and durable materials.
Mortar joint is considering deterioration when have the sign
such as:

i. They have eroded more than 1/4" from the face of the unit
or beyond the depth of the original joint. ii. Cracks are visible
within the mortar
iii. The bond between brick and mortar is broken or the
mortar is soft or crumbling
iv. Any portion of mortar joint is missing
CAUSE
● Spalling of the mortar and brick will occur due to the
expansive nature of frozen water. This happens when
excessive moisture enters the wall.
● Any building that are built without adequate expansion joints
will be the cause for this problem.
● The cracking occurs due to movement, or from thermal
expansion. Besides, uneven settlement in building’s
foundation also can produce to cracking.
● Probably the mortar is unstable to be as resistant as it
should be to severe weathering such as the use of high
cement content mortars can result in loss of bond between
brick and mortar.
 RCC CONSTRUCTION
INSUFFICIENT STEEL REINFORCEMENT
CORROSION OF THE REINFORCEMENT

Corrosion of steel bars is due to oxygen and moisture. when Due to the insufficient amount
ordinary steel is used to in concrete, it automatically protected of steel present in the concrete
from corrosion by means of: element it will not perform to
1. cover of concrete and alkalinity of concrete. the design and if overstressed,
2. steel in corroding expands and can double its volume. suffer from carbonation or
3. layers and lumps can flake off. other damages and will not
4. as most reinforcement is embedded in concrete, this have sufficient factor of safety
expansion can push off the surrounding concrete.

REMEDY
POOR FIXING OF BETWEEN STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS
● Cure the concrete moist or sealed, beginning very
early.
● Avoid extremes of temperature. ● lack of stitch bars between
● Protect the concrete in service from moisture and precast units in in-situ joints.
temperature changes wherever feasible, as by ● continuity re bars not passing
backfilling, shading, or coating. through all connecting hoops.
● connecting hoops and tie-rods
bent over where they did not line
up
● ties and precast panels not
pulled out to make in-situ
connections with in-situ
elements
VERTICAL CRACKS AT JUNCTION OF R.C.C. DIAGONAL CRACKS IN WALL OVER
COLUMN AND MASONRY R.C.C. LINTELS
CAUSE CAUSE
● Differential movement
between R.C.C. column and Due to drying shrinkage of lintels
masonry due to thermal and sudden deflection of lintels
expansion/contraction after removal of shuttering
shrinkage.
● Differential settlement of
R.C.C. column because of
its different foundation

REMEDY
● A groove in plaster should be made at the junction of
R.C.C. column and brick wall so that crack remains
hidden in the groove and doesn’t look unsightly.
● Alternatively, chicken wire mesh should be provided in
plaster at the junction of R.C.C. column and brick walls.

REMEDY

● Use precast lintels as far as possible for small openings.

● Construct brick wall over lintel after it has undergone
considerable shrinkage.
● Construct brick wall over lintel after shuttering below it is
removed so that it doesn't undergo sudden deflection
with the construction of brick wall over it.
 VERTICAL CRACKS IN THE SIDE WALLS AT
HORIZONTAL CRACKS BETWEEN BRICK THE CORNERS OF A LONG BUILDING.
PARAPET WALL AND ROOF SLAB
CAUSE
CAUSE ● The cracks are due to thermal expansion
sometimes aggravated by moisture of
differential thermal expansion long brick wall and would be noticed in
and contraction and differential hot weather.
drying shrinkage of R.C.C. ● There will be more chances of such
slab &brick wall. Due to cracks occurring in building constructed
thermal expansion and arching in cold weather
of slab ,it is not free to expand
.this situation mainly occurs in
case of non projecting slab. REMEDY
● As far as possible long stretches of walls should be intercepted
REMEDY by cross walls and expansion joint should be given at suitable
intervals.
● Bricks should be allowed to undergo initial moisture expansion
● Make parapet wall a little inside of before use.
the edge of slab so that crack won't
be visible
● Providing a groove in plaster at the
junction of parapet wall and slab so
that crack forms in the groove and
doesn’t look unsightly put chicken
wire mesh in the plaster at the
junction of parapet wall and slab
● . Provide adequate insulation cover
over roof slab so that its thermal
movements are minimized
 CRACK
Cracks in building are a common occurrence and it is important to understand the causes and the measures to be taken
for their prevention. Tensile stress are produced due to restraint to contraction movements. If these stresses exceed the
tensile or shear strength of the material cracks develop. In a tropical country like India, there is a large variation of
atmospheric temperature and humidity, hence it would necessary to avoid materials which expand or contract considerably
due to thermal and moisture movements. And design of the structure is so that to minimize restraint to contraction or
expansion of the material

CRACK TYPES
STRUCTURAL CRACKS-
These occur due to incorrect design, faulty construction or overloading.
NON-STRUCTURAL CRACKS-
NON STRUCTURAL CRACKS
These are mostly due to internally induced stresses in building materials.

CLASSIFICATION OF CRACK BASED ON WIDTH

Type Width

Thin < 1 mm
Medium 1-2 mM
Wide > 2 mm
COMMON SIGHT OF CRACK DRY SHRINKAGE

Vertical Straight Uniform Drying shrinkage is defined as the

Horizontal Toothed throughout contracting of a hardened concrete
Diagonal Stepped Narrow at one mixture due to capillary water, this causes
Map pattern end and gradually an increase in tensile stress which may
Random widening at the lead to cracking and warping. FACTOR
other CAUSING DRYING SHRINKAGE
Cement and water content, Maximum
size, grading and quality of aggregates,
Main causes of occurrence of cracks in
Presence of excessive fine in aggregates,
buildings are as follows: DRYING
Chemical composition of cement,
SHRINKAGE THERMAL MOVEMENT ELASTIC
DEFORMATION CREEP CHEMICAL Temperature of fresh concrete and
REACTION FOUNDATION MOVEMENT AND relative humidity of surroundings.
SETTLEMENT OF SOIL. GROWTH OF
VEGETATION.
THERMAL MOVEMENT
CREEP
Creep is the tendency of a solid material
All materials more or less expand on
to move slowly or deform permanently
heating and contract on cooling . The
under the influence of mechanical
thermal movement depends on a number
stresses. It can occur as a result of long
of factors such as temperature variations,
term exposure to high levels of stress that
dimensions, coefficient of thermal
are still below the yield strength of the
expansion and some other physical
material. Factor affecting creep:-
properties of materials.. It is mainly the
Influence of aggregate. Relative
external walls especially thin walls
humidity. Size of member. Applied
exposed to direct solar radiation. It can
stresses Effects of creep:- Increasing
be avoided by introducing expansion
the deflection in larger span beams.
joint, control joints and slip joints.
Buckling of slander columns Buckling of
cladding in tall buildings

ELASTIC DEFORMATION
The temporary change in length, volume
or shape produced in a elastic substance
by a stress Structural components of a
building undergo elastic deformation due
to dead load and the live loads. When
the walls are unevenly loaded with wide
variations in stresses in different parts,
excessive shear stress is developed
which causes cracking in walls.
CHEMICAL REACTION
Certain chemical reactions in building materials results in
appreciable increase in volume of materials. The materials
taking part in reaction also become weak and lose strength
. Common instances of chemical reaction are:- Sulphate
attack on cement products. Carbonation of reinforcement
and brickwork, and Alkali-aggregate reaction

FOUNDATION MOVEMENT AND SOIL

SETTLEMENT
Shear cracks in buildings occur when
there is large differential settlement of
foundation due to one of the following
causes: Unequal bearing pressure under
different parts of the structure, Bearing
pressure being in excess of bearing
strength of the soil, Low factor of safety
in the design of foundations, Local
variations in the nature of supporting soil,
which remained undetected and could not
be taken care of in the foundation design
at the construction.
 GROWTH OF VEGETATION

Roots of a tree generally spread horizontally on all sides to the extent of height of the tree above the ground and when
trees are located in the vicinity of a wall, these should be viewed with suspicion They can cause cracks in walls due to
expansive action of roots growing under the foundation.

GENERAL MEASURE FOR AVOIDANCE OF NATURAL

VEGETATION

Do not let trees grow too close to buildings, compounds walls,

etc. If any saplings of trees start growing in fissures of walls
etc. remove them at the earliest opportunity. If some large
trees exist close to a building and these are not causing any
problem, as far as possible, do not disturb these trees if soil
under the foundation happens to be shrinkable clay. If from
any site intended for new construction, vegetation including
trees have been removed and the soil is shrinkable clay, do not
commence construction activity on that soil until it undergone
expansion and stabilized after absorbing moisture in at least
one rainy season.
GENERAL MEASURES FOR PROTECTION OF CRACKS..

The measures for prevention of cracks could be broadly grouped under the following main sub heads :-
a) Selection of materials:- Good quality of building materials according to the specification if used that will minimize the cracks in
the building.
b)Specifications for mortar and concrete:- The ratio of the mortar and concrete should be according to the prescribed design. Care
should be taken that the coarse aggregate, fine aggregate should be free from silt suspended impurities and the mix should be
homogeneous, well mixed and contain no excessive of water.
c) Drawing and Design of the building:- While doing the construction work care should be taken that foundation of the building
should not be laid on loose /muddy soil. The mortar, M S steel reinforcement should be according to the design.
) Good Construction practices:- It is necessary that work proceed uniformly in all part of building. The workmanship should be
according to the prescribed norms and best practice in the building construction.
e)Weather Effect:- e)Weather Effect:- The construction work should be avoided in very hot and dry weather, and during very low
temperature also. In general quality of water, sand ,Bajri , mixing of mortar ,quantity of water in mix , socking of bricks and
workmanship have great effect on construction work. If possible the subsequent items of construction should be done after the
drying of work previously done

CRACKS IN WALL
Cracks in masonry walls- Cracks in walls generally get localized at weak sections, such as door and window openings or staircase
walls. In external walls of buildings, shrinkage cracks generally run downward from window sill to plinth level an from window sill on
an upper story to the lintel of a lower story.
Preventive measures- Shrinkage cracks in masonry could be minimized by avoiding use of rich cement mortar in masonry and by
delaying plaster work till masonry has dried after proper curing and has undergone most of its initial shrinkage. Masonry work done
with composite cement-lime-sand mortar ([Link], [Link] or [Link]), which are weak, will have lesser tendency to develop cracks
because shrinkage in individual masonry units gets accomodated to a great extent in the mortar itself.
SAGGING OF ROOF
Roof as usually exposed to the element, particularly to the extremes of temperature
degree and change, solar radiation, and wind action. Roofs have special risk due to the
design of the building itself such as services passing through the roof covering, and
internal gutters. The consequence small defective of roof will may be greater effect of
similar defect in a wall or other element. Roof defect are divided into structural faults and
defect in the waterproofing material. The majority of roof defect that occurs is distortion
of either the roof or of the wall at roof level Normally, structural defect can be identified
from the visual inspection. For the defect of waterproofing material, it will provide the
building to be durable under wide range of exposure condition. The pitch roof sagging
result is from the slating or tilling that has dished appearance, and the ridge may also
have sagged. This defect is more commonly found in older pitched and tiled or slate
roof. While there are many different types of roofing defects,
most are known to be causes by:
a) Improper installation The installation of roof will need a number of skilled workers.
If the roof is not installed properly, it wills yield to roof defect such as roof leakage
and sagging. The causes of roof defect are because the worker maybe not have a
license, or certificate apart from having a low level of experience.,
b) Poor workmanship Quality of workmanship is needed such as to maintain the
roof or construction of roof. The life expectancy will be reduced due to the poor
workmanships which is can both bring to loss for both the dealer and the buyer.
c) Defective materials Materials themselves also may be the factors to the roof
defect. The material too, may be not suitable to weather condition. Sometimes, it
is not installed correctly also due to sagging and deformation.
ILL FITTING OF WINDOWS

Designers and site supervisors should understand the common complaints and defects related to window installation and how
to prevent them. The occurrence of defects in windows is usually caused by poor design, use of inferior or non-compatible materials,
poor workmanship during fabrication and installation or mishandling. The following are some common defects in aluminium frame win
installation:

DEFECTS POSSIBLE CAUSE RECOMMENDATION

(A) Functionality
Water seepage through • To review the design to ensure suitable
• Poor workmanship during fabrications
window frame drainage paths exist with sufficient
and installation of frames and gaskets
• Poor detailing of top frame ventilation and internal air seals in the
window frames
• To shield the window from direct rainfall
through better design
• To fabricate and assemble as many
components as possible in factory
• To use mechanical tools to achieve the
required fabrication tolerances
• To ensure the use of gaskets with
compatible profile
• To ensure no physical damages to the
frames and gaskets
• To carry out field watertightness test
 DEFECTS POSSIBLE CAUSE RECOMMENDATION
(A) Functionality
Water seepage through joints • Poor tolerances of wall openings • To shield the window from direct rainfall
between window frame and wall • Poor workmanship during grouting/ through better design
sealing of gaps • To use precast walls for better
dimensional tolerances and finishing
• To ensure the size of the gap between
wall and the frame conform to the
specified tolerances
• To ensure correct usage of grout and
sealant to seal the gaps, depending on
the gap sizes
• To ensure proper application and
compacting of grout or sealant
• To carry out field watertightness test

Difficulty in opening and closing of • Misalignment of frames and glass • To verify the alignment and plumb of the
glass panel (for casement window) panels outer frames and inner panels
• Improper installation of friction stays and • To check the physical conditions of
pivot hinges friction stays
• Improper protection resulting in debris • To lubricate the pivot hinges
ingress to friction stay track • To clear track off all debris

Difficulty in sliding of inner panel • Improper alignment of frames and inner • To verify the alignment of the outer frames
(for sliding window) panels • Damages to rollers and sliding and inner panels • To protect the sliding tracks
tracks during installation. Dirt or debris must be
cleared prior to installation of inner panels • To
restrict the usage of the sliding windows prior
to handing over
 DEFECTS POSSIBLE CAUSE RECOMMENDATION
(B) Alignment & Evenness
• Improper setting out of wall openings • To check that the setting out of wall
1. Misalignment opening conform to specifications
• Improper alignment and plumb of
window frame during installation • To verify the alignment and plumb of
window frame during installation

(C) Joints & Gaps

Untidy joints between window • Poor workmanship during • To protect the frame with suitable tapes
frame and wall installation during application of sealant or during
painting

2. Gaps at window frame corner • Poor workmanship during • To carry out cutting and assembly of
fabrication and installation • frames using mechanical tools • To protect
Mishandling during delivery and the frames d
storage

(D) Materials & Damages

1. Stained glazing • Inadequate protection during • To protect the glazing properly.

delivery, storage and installation Protection should remain intact until all
works are completed

• Poor workmanship during • To inspect the quality of finishes

2. Poor frame finish
fabrication • Poor rectification works before delivery and prior to installation
• Any rectification works should be
carried out effectively
INSECT OR TERMITE ATTACKS

Preventative construction designs: By providing internal and external barriers to termite entry structures can be protected from
damage. Internal preventative measures within the plinth consist of well-rammed clean earth filling, staggered sand layers and a
continuous concrete slab expanding over the entire plinth area as shown in Fig. 3. External preventative measures, designed in the
form of concrete grooves and interlocking apron floors around the periphery, are shown. In addition to these methods an anti termite
metal cap is recommended to prevent termite scaling service pipes as shown
Natural durability of wood: There are a variety of parameters which affect the natural ability of
wood to resist termite attacks. Among the most relevant

Nature of termite damage to buildings: These outer layers are left to provide shelter to the
termites within the wood. However, there are considerable differences in detail among the
various groups of termites. In time, these galleries to form large cavities . If these indications
are ignored, the presence of termites may continue to be unsuspected until the structure is
subject to external stresses like an earthquake, strong winds,etc . termites have fixed nests,
with populations numbering in the millions, from which the workers move out in search of food
and to which they return with their spoil Distances of up to a hundred yards may be travelled
by the small workers with their loads of wood Thus, the rapidity and scale of their attack on
new buildings is much more spectacular than that of drywood [Link]
foundations and walls to maintain the moist soil environment between nest and food. These
tubes can travel over steel, resistant wood, or other surfaces which the termites cannot
penetrate. When timber is in direct contact with the ground, the termites prefer to approach it
from below through tunnels in the soil without any outward signs of entry. A wall of mud bricks
or masonry with mud mortar provides a direct and unsuspected route to timber in the roof.
Termites are capable of burrowing through the soft mud building materials. A typical indication
of subterranean termite infestation is the presence of soil or a mixture of sand and chewed
wood in the excavated timber.
Chemical control of termites:
Timber may be protected from attack by the introduction of an adequate amount of poisonous chemical or repellent. In order for
treatment to be effective, the chemical must: (a) remain in the timber over a long period of time, (b) penetrate to a considerable depth
within the wood, (c) be non corrosive to the wood itself, (d) not increase the flammability of the treated wood and (d) be sufficiently
toxic to prevent insect attack while remaining non-toxic

Control of termites by construction methods:

Where available treated wood, or naturally resistant wood, should be used to reduce termite activity. However, these can last for
several years as the natural resins and synthetic chemicals will wear down and timber will be susceptible to termite attack.
Alternatively, a chemical treatment could be used or a species specific approach could be adopted where biological controls could be
put in place to reduce termite activity. While chemical treatments using Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are effective in
controlling termite damage,. POPs are a group of industrial chemicals, mostly halogenated hydrocarbons, which tend to
bio-accumulate in fatty tissues and can, individually or interactively, result in a variety of health effects such as tissue, organ and
reproduction related deficiencies .

In view of the extensive and serious damage caused to buildings by termites in the tropics, it is necessary to take all relevant
precautions in the design and building specifications to incorporate anti- termite constructional measures in all future buildings. The
results of the study indicated that termites can enter buildings through a variety of pathways. If unprotected the floors, walls and
roofs of structures offer easy entry to termites. By combining chemical, physical and natural termite prevention strategies a structure
can be made resistant to termite attacks. Once a code of practice is developed and enforced, term minimal levels. This will allow for
more homeowner freedom and an increase in disposable income. ite damage to buildings and crops in these areas can be reduced
to
 PEELING PAINT
● Peeling Paint Peeling usually occurs on building facades, mainly on plastered walls,
columns and other areas which are exposed to excessive rain and great dampness .
Some buildings that are located near the sea may face a much higher risk once the
signs of peeling paint are visible on the exterior walls. Peeling paint is always the
result of poor surface preparation. The majority of peeling paint problems occurs on
surfaces exposed to the rain, sun, and the variation degree of temperature. Walls that
have involved can be an unsightly mess in a home or building.
● If paint peels from an interior wall, the reason for the peeling paint is mostly often due
to an improper preparation of the surface before painting. Apart from that, the moisture
surrounding the wall also seeps in through from the wall to the paint surface.
● Repair and restore peeling paint is simply other types of flaking where the amount of
paint film remove is greater. Flaking is the lifting of small-to-large sections of the paint
and is due to poor adhesion and to the brittleness of the paint. It happens when new
plastered or skimmed walls or ceiling are not given enough time to completely dry
before painting. The temptation is to start painting as soon as the plasterer has left the
building but plaster takes longer to completely dry. The heating on full blast to try to
speed up the drying process also result to peeling paint. This is because the sudden
rise in temperature can cause different problems. Another reasons that peeling paint
occurs is that when the initial coat of paint on the new plaster is bog standard silk
applied undiluted directly to the plaster. For the bathroom ceiling cases, it has been
freshly painted on the new plaster which has never had a chance to dry. This is
because the bathroom is in constant use and then the shower is being used before
the paint is completely dry.
SPALLING OF CONCRETE (CONCRETE CANCER)

Spalling of concrete is commonly called concrete cancer. This

occurs when the steel reinforcing rods within the concrete are
affected by moisture, or a salt environment, which causes the steel
to rust which then expands and pushes off the surface

CAUSES

The problem occurs because the steel reinforcing has insufficient

“cover” which allows either moisture or salt laden air to affect the
steel reinforcing.

REMEDY

• The new mesh which has been fitted is also bolted and fixed to the
affected concrete slab above to provide adequate fixing.

• This confirms the mesh is only fitted to provide some bonding

agent for the later rendering to the underside of the slab.
FUNGUS STAIN & HARMFUL GROWTH
Causes

a) Water leakage - Water leakage will happen by the plumbing that is not installed
properly. Some time water leakage also comes from the toilet. Besides that, the
gutter of roof also can cause the mold that will attach itself to the wall.

b) Moisture - Moisture of the wall can cause the faster growth of the mold. The
moisture is affected due to the improper material that was used for this
environment where this building receives less of sunlight.

c) Humidity - Higher humidity can cause the growth of mold faster. Plus, the
residence was surrounded by abundant of big trees and reduces of direct sunlight
through the building. Thus the degree of humidity around the building is high.

How to avoid
1. The room should have good natural light. Open the day curtains and curtains.
2. In the kitchen and bathroom, ventilation must be open without fail.
3. Humidity in the house should not be more than 35%. It is better to keep the door
open to the bathroom, so that all rooms always have the same humidity.
4. Once a month, floors and walls should be cleaned with an antifungal solution.
5. Do not allow the room to subcool and do not hang wet clothes in the room.
6. It is recommended that the water pipe and cranes be repaired in time.
7. For repair it is better to use materials that are resistant to water.
8. When installing furniture sets near the walls, leave a small gap for free air
circulation.
Defective Rainwater Goods
Problems associated with the defective rainwater goods include sagging or
missing eaves, gutters, corroded or broken downpipes, and leaking rainwater
heads. Other problems include undersized gutters or downpipes which cause
an overflow of water during heavy rain, and improper disposal of water at
ground level. Due to inadequate painting, iron rainwater goods can rust and
fracture. Lack of proper wall fixings, particularly by projecting lead ears or lugs
can cause instability to the downpipes. If routine building inspections and
maintenance have been neglected, rainwater goods can be easily exposed to
all sorts of defects.

Decayed Floorboards
Widely used in many heritage buildings including churches, schools,
residences and railway stations, some timber floorboards have been subjected
to surface abuses and subsequently deteriorated: leading to structural and
public safety problems.

causes are pest attacks, careless lifting of weakened boards by occupants,

electricians or plumbers; lack of natural preservatives ; and corroded nails.
EFFLORESCENCE
Efflorescence is the migration of a salt to the surface of a porous material, where it forms a
coating. The essential process involves the dissolving of an internally held salt in water, or
occasionally in another solvent. The water, with the salt now held in solution, migrates to the
surface, then evaporates, leaving a coating of the salt.
Causes -
1. Water present in the mortar bed
2. Soluble salt present. These salt can come from the manufacturing process of Portland
cement

Preventation
Site surface drainage, concrete not exceeding 4” slump, well-graded mix, well consolidated, welly cured-- these are some factors which
can reduce the amount of bleed water and pores in which moisture moves, and thus reduce efflorescence significantly.
The next important step is replacing Portland cement with fly ash. Fly ash brings some benefits which help reducing efflorescence. It
reduces free lime and salts. Moreover, it requires less water and denser paste that prevent moisture from moving inside to outside.
Curing is also an important factor here. We know moisture moves more slowly in denser concrete. If concrete is kept cured or moist for
a longer period like a few days, more capillaries and pores fill partially or fully, hence, form a denser concrete and reduce efflorescence.
Besides all these measures, someone may consider the followings too-
1. Using polymer fortified thin-set mortars.
2. Using calcium aluminate cement-based grout
● If possible, slopping the area to evacuate water from the surface.
CRACK DAMPNESS WATER SEEPAGE
FUNGUS STAIN GROWTH OF VEGETATION PEELING OF PAINT
CRACKING OF WALL CONCRETE CANCER CONCRETE CANCER
STRUCTURAL CRACKS
DAMPNESS ON WALL ON CEILING EFFLORESCENCE
THANK YOU