How to protect your home from Dampness?

Dampness in the house is a major problem faced by most of the people as it damages the structure and also leads to the growth of molds and bacteria. It also leads to the danger of electric short circuits in the house. Due to carelessness or lack of knowledge during construction, Dampness gets a chance to intrude into the house and makes the structure and creates environment both unhealthy. Here are some measures which can keep you and your dream home safe from dampness.

1. A layer of Damp Proof Course (DPC) of at least 100mm thick should be provided on the walls at Plinth level.
2. All the outer walls should be covered with vertical DPC from ground to floor level.
3. A layer of Bitumen felts should be laid under the floor in the area where water level is very high.
4. There should be no cracks or voids on the outer walls. In case any crack or void is found it should be immediately filled with rich cement mortar so that rain water cannot penetrate through it.
5. The external face of the wall should be cement pointed.
6. During construction care should be taken at the joints of the chajja and balcony, as they are very susceptible to rain water penetration.
7. Adequate slope should be given to the balcony and chhaja so that water can drain off quickly.
8. The top surface of the chhajja should be plastered and proper drip course should be done.
9. Similarly joints of the parapet should be attended with care. The junction of rain water pipes and any expansion joints should be finished smooth.
10. The slope of the roof should not be less than 1 in 100 in order to facilitate rain water to drain off quickly.
11. Within the house, the water supply fittings and sanitary fittings should be tight and leak proof