DEFECTS AND REMEDIES

BUILDING ,CONSTRUCTION AND MATERIALS

 INTRODUCTION

Defects occur in various forms and to different extents in all types of buildings, irrespective of age.
The followings all contribute to the occurrence of defects in buildings:
 The large varieties of building materials used that may not be well congruent with one another;
 Construction techniques that may not be defect proof,
 Inconsistent or sub-standard workmanship;
 Use of unsuitable construction details;
 Structural form and deficiency
 Natural deterioration
 Attacks by pollutants; and

 Instability in materials

 Dimensional instability

 Moisture

 Instability due to thermal

movements.
 CONSTRUCTION TREE

UNDERSOIL SUPERSTRUCTURE FINISHING

EXCAVATION: FORMWORK: INTERNAL FINISHES:

1.PRE [SHUTTERING] 1.FIXING OF DOORS, WINDOWS,

2.DURING VENTILATORS
3.POST 2.ELECTRICAL WIRING (CONDUITING)
3.PLUMBING
STRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT: WATER PENETRATION 4.FITTING OF FIXTURES (SANITARY
PREVENTION: AND ELECTRICAL)
1.SURFACE PREPARATION 5.SURFACE PREPARATION FOR
 HORIZONTALLY 1.AT PLINTH LEVEL PLASTERING
 VERTICALLY 2. (DAMP PROOFING) 6.PLASTERING
7.PANELING
2.FORMWORK 3.AT INTERMEDIATE LEVELS 8.FALSE CEILING
3.BUILDING COMPONENTS(SAME (WATERPROOFING) 9.JOINTING AND POINTING
AS MENTIONED UNDER 10.SURFACE PREPARATION FOR
‘FINISHING’ – THIRD COLUMN 4.AT ROOF LEVEL FLOORING
EXCEPT CLADDING) 5. (TERRACING OR 11.FLOORING
MATERIALS FLASHING) 12.SKIRTING AND DADO
 P.C.C. BUILDING COMPONENTS * 13.SURFACE PREPARATION FOR
 R.C.C. MATERIALS: PAINTING
 R.B.C. 14.PAINTING
 D.P.C. R.C.C. 15.VARNISHING / POLISHING
 METAL R.B.C.
 STONE METAL EXTERNAL FINISHES:
 TIMBER STONE 1.SURFACE PREPARATION FOR
 CONCRETE TIMBER PLASTERING
BLOCKWORK CONCRETE BLOCKWORK 2.PLASTERING
4.FINISHING 3.JOINTING AND POINTING
4.SURFACE PREPARATION FOR
PAINTING
5.PAINTING
6.VARNISHING / POLISHING
7.CLADDING
UNDERSOIL:
1. FOUNDATION 2. BASEMENT

FOUNDATION
DEFECTS:
1. Vertical foundation cracks -This settlement crack probably occurred during initial footing settlement.
2. Diagonal foundation cracks -This settlement crack probably occurred during initial footing settlement.
3. Horizontal foundation cracks -Caused by vehicle loading or in freezing climates, by surface and
subsurface water combined with frost.
CAUSES:
1.Unequal settlement of sub soil
2. Unequal settlement of foundation’s masonry.
3. Water level movement in soil.
4. Weathering of sub-soil due to trees & shrubs.
5. Atmospheric action.
6. Improper drainage.
REMEDIES:
 Excavate the foundation pit at the same level and avoid the
footing to rest on sloping strata.
 Remove all the loose excavated material and clean the pit.
 Insist on the foundation drawing to be incorporated with centre line plan to cross check overlapping of
foundation, orientation of the column etc.
 Common repair methods include chipping out the crack and applying a masonry patching compound to the
surface, use of epoxies, or other sealants.
 Polyurethane foam sealant is used for foundation crack repairs to stop water entry.
BASEMENT

DEFECTS:
1. Cracks formed
2. Dampness
3. Pealing of plaster DEFECTS IN
4. Blistering BASEMENT
5. Improper Drainage

CAUSES:
1. Surface preparation : if not done properly.
2. Curing : if not done properly.
3. Poor workmanship.
4. Design flaws.
REMEDIES IN
BASEMENT
REMEDIES:
1. Surface should be cleared before
plastering
2. Curing should be done.
3. Provision for sump.
4. Proper ratio in mortar.
5. Water proofing treatment should be done
on the internal walls of basement.
3. 5.
SUPER STRUCTURE

DEFECT:

 Concrete.
 Structural cracks on external wall.
 Structural cracks on internal wall.
 Structural cracks at junctions.
 Poor casting.
STRUCTURAL CRACKS ON
 Exposed holdfast.
INTERNAL WALL.
 Exposed reinforcement.
 Improper junction between beam and column. STRUCTURAL CRACKS ON
 Parts of the structure broken. EXTERNAL WALL.
 Moisture ingress.

CRACKS AT JUNCTIONS EXPOSED

REINFORCEMENT
PARTS OF THE STRUCTURE
BROKEN
 3: POPOUTS

4: HONEY
2: CRAZING
COMBING

DEFECTS
1: BLOWHOLES IN 5: BLISTERS
CONCRETE
DEFECT : 1. BLOWHOLES

Blowholes (sometimes called Bug holes) are individual rounded ,Or

irregular cavities that are formed Against the formwork and become
Visible when it is stripped.

CAUSES :

Blowholes are caused by the entrapment of air against the inside

face of the formwork. The extent to which they occur is
dependent on:
 The texture and stickiness of the formwork surface,
PRECAUTIONS :  The use of a poorly proportioned or sticky concrete mix, and
 The amount of vibration.
To minimise the incidence of blowholes:
REMEDY :
 Use rigid well-braced formwork.
 Where appropriate use permeable formwork. It is better to minimise the occurrence of blowholes
 Avoid ‘sticky’ concrete mixes, eg ones that may than to try and repair the surface.
 be over-sanded or have a high percentage of
 Filling the holes with a slightly different coloured
air-entrainment, and mixes that are too lean.
concrete may make the blowholes more obvious.
 Ensure that the member is adequately
 As a general rule, mortar used for patching should be
compacted
made
 Pull vibrator up slowly through the concrete
from the same materials as the original concrete except
layer allowing time for the entrapped air to rise
that a proportion of off-white cement should be mixed with
to the surface.
the original cement to lighten the colour and thus better
 Ensure the concrete against the surface is
match the existing surface.
properly compacted.
 Alternatively, thick applied coatings such as high-build
or thick epoxy coatings may be used to fill and/or mask
blowholes
DEFECT : 2. CRAZING OR MAP CRACKING

Crazing is the development of a network of fine random cracks on the

surface of concrete or mortar dividing the surface up into irregular
hexagonal areas.Due to shrinkage of the surface layer. Crazing cracks
are shallow (rarely deeper than 3 mm). No significant effect on wear
resistance or durability, but mainly unsightly.

CAUSES : PRECAUTIONS :
Crazing is caused by the shrinkage of To minimise the risk of crazing: REMEDY :
the surface Layer relative to the  Start curing as soon as possible Map cracked areas will usually not
base concrete. Usually it occurs  Use moderate slump require maintenance unless the cracks
because one or more poor concrete  Reduce the effect of water begin to admit appreciable water or
practices are adopted, eg: absorption by the sub-grade. the areas begin to deteriorate
 Using too wet mix  Do not commence finishing until further.
 Finishing of the surface too early, bleed water has disappeared from  a thin seal with a sand-asphalt mix
ie while bleed water is present the surface.(Bleed water can be or an asphalt seal applied with a
 Overworking the surface, thus removed from the surface by squeegee and blotted (soak) with
bringing too drawing/rolling a loosely-held hose sand is suggested.
many fines to the surface across the surface.)  Neat cement (cement and water
 Adding driers to the surface to  Do not use driers such as neat mixture) can be used as a bonding
try and remove bleed water. cement to soak up the bleed water. compound. If used, the edges and
 Not commencing curing early  Commence curing properly after the bottom of the area to be
enough (three hours after finishing is complete and ensure patched should be covered with the
completion of finishing is too late). the surface is subject to neat cement. The best method to
Or using inadequate curing (Intermittent wetting and drying apply is by using a stiff wire brush.
procedures (such as intermittent increases the risk of crazing.) It is very important that the neat
wetting and drying).  On flat surfaces, use a broom cement not be allowed to dry before
finish where appropriate. (This the hole is filled with the patching
ensures the surface is not material.
overworked and masks any crazing.)
DEFECT : 3. POPOUTS

CAUSES PRECAUTIONS :

 They are usually caused by the To minimise the incidence of popouts:

expansion of a deleterious aggregate
particle located near the surface or  Use aggregates free from
the expansion (due to freezing) of deleterious particles that are known
wter absorbed by an aggregate to cause popouts.
particle.  Use higher strength concrete that
 In either case, the particle breaks will better resist the tensile
away from the mass of the concrete stresses leading to popouts.
carrying with it the surface layer of  Ensure that good concrete practices
Popouts are roughly conical morter. are employed on the project as poor
depressions in the concrete  Contaminants such as peices of wood, compaction.
surface created by localised clay and coal can also cause popouts  Inadequate curing will increase the
pressure within the concrete, likelihood of popouts.
usually occurring after the
concrete has been in place for REMEDY :
some time. They
can be categorised as small,  Repairs can be made by filling the popout
medium or large crater with a mortar of similar colour to
depending on whether the the base concrete.
diameter of the cavity is 10 mm or  As a general rule, mortar used for
less, 10 to 50 mm, or greater than patching should be made from the same
50 mm respectively. materials as the original concrete
except that a proportion of off-white
cement should be mixed with the
original cement to lighten the colour
and thus better match the existing
surface.
4. HONEYCOMBING

PRECAUTIONS :

To minimise the incidence of

honeycombed concrete:

 Ensure the mix has sufficient

fines to fill the voids between
the coarse aggregate.
 Use a mix with appropriate
CAUSES : workability for the situation in
Honeycombing refers to voids in concrete which it is to be placed.
caused by the mortar not filling the spaces  Honeycombing is caused either  Ensure the concrete is fully
between the coarse aggregate particles. It by the compaction not having compacted and the placing
usually becomes apparent when the formwork is been adequate to cause the methods minimise the risk of
stripped, revealing a rough and 'stony' mortar to fill the voids between segregation.
concrete surface with air voids between the the coarse aggregate, or  Ensure the reinforcement
coarse aggregate. Sometimes, Avoiding  By holes and gaps in the layout and the section shape will
Surface Imperfections in Concrete however, a formwork allowing some of the permit the concrete to flow
surface skin of mortar masks the extent mortar to drain out of the around the reinforcement and
of the defect. Honeycombing may extend some concrete. completely fill the forms.
depth into the member.  In some cases, the member  Check that the formwork is
 Honeycombing is always an aesthetic shape and detailing/placement rigid and well braced, the joints
problem, and depending on the depth and of the reinforcement are watertight and any
extent may reduce both the durability compounds the effect of penetrations through the
performance and the structural inadequate compaction. formwork, eg form
strength of the member.  ties, are properly sealed.
REMEDY :

If the honeycombed area is small in extent and depth does not

significantly jeopardise the quality of the cover concrete protecting
the reinforcement then, it can be repaired by patching with mortar
of a similar colour to the base concrete. Any lightly attached stones
should be removed before the mortar is worked into the spaces
between the aggregate ensuring that it completely fills the
honeycombed area. The area should be slightly over filled and
screeded off to give a similar texture to the surrounding surface.
The patch should then be cured.
DEFECT :5. BLISTERS
Blisters are hollow, low-profile bumps on
concrete surface. Blisters occur whenever
the surface does not allow water/air to
escape into the atmosphere.

Precautions :
 Do not seal surface before air or bleed
water from below have escaped.
 Use heated or accelerated concrete to
CAUSES :
 Sticky concrete mix due to excessive promote even setting throughout the

entrained air, poor aggregate gradation, depth of the slab.

or excessive fines.  Do not place slabs directly on

 Excessive fines brought to the surface polyethylene sheeting.

due to; high slum, over-vibration, over-

REMEDY :
screeding, excessive bull floating, or
 If blister are forming, try to either
improper floating.
flatten the trowel blades or tear the
 Job or climate conditions due to, rapid
surface with a wood float and delay
drying or setting, slow setting of the
finishing as long as possible.
concrete below the surface, too early
 Any steps than can be taken to slow
finishing, or the sub-grade is cooler than
evaporation should help.
the concrete.
DEFECT : EXPOSITION OF STEEL REINFORCEMENT BARS-
CAUSES :

 If the cover in bottom surface is not properly provided .

 Or cover Block has disturbed during concreting of slab or concreting not
properly poured. Around the reinforcement bars. Than these bars
can be seen from bottom side .

POOR WORKABLITY – If water cement ratio is not kept proper than it is

harmful to concreting work. If it is less than concreting will
not be workable and concreting will not flow around the reinforcement bars. If it
is more than segregation takes place .

EFFECTS :

 There may be chances of honeycombing and reinforcement exposition.

 Exposed reinforcement bars may be rusted.

REMEDIES :

 Without using concrete mixer and vibrator no concreting should be

done.
 Curing of concrete and mortar works should be ensured as stipulated in code.
 All slabs should be cast dense, particularly roof slab. Cover below
reinforcement rods should be ensured at all places, by providing ample cover
blocks in a reliable manner.
 Plastering the surface where cover being not properly
done.
 For the upper construction pull the reinforcement with the
help of the tool to maintain the bars in the cover properly.
DEFECT : IMPROPER SHUTTERING:

 Shuttering not at equal level causing the slab or the beam undulating not at same level.

CAUSES :
 Shuttering not done with proper care and level props are supported in inclined
manner without any lateral and horizontal bracing.
 To adjust the height of props bricks are used.
 Shuttering joints are not water tight.
 Poor workmanship.(Unskilled labour)
 Poor quality of shuttering props.

REMEDY :
 All slabs should be cast dense, particularly roof slab. Cover below
reinforcement rods should be ensured at all places, by providing
ample cover blocks in a reliable manner.
 Thick plaster should be done at the surfaces which are not at proper level.

 Column not cast properly it is not at the same level as the wall
running it is going a bit off the center line.

CAUSES :
 Lack of inspection.
 Poor workmanship (levelling not done properly and at each step)
 Improper shuttering.

REMEDY :
 Level the surface properly then from where the
column axis is going away maintain it at same level
by applying thick plaster on that surface.
 Finish the surface.
 COLUMNS AND BEAMS

DEFECTS:
1. Development of cracks on plaster
2. Flaking and peeling
3. Blistering

CAUSES:
1. Improper base formation for painting
2. Improper leveling of the under soil
3. Improper mortar proportion
4. Poor workmanship

REMEDIES:
1. Proper base formation
2. Mortar proportion as specified
3. Well leveled under soil
4. Skilled labour
DEFECT- BURSTING OF COLUMN

CAUSE-
• IMPROPER FORMWORK.
• DISLOCATION OF COLUMN.
• IMPROPER DESIGN ND LOAD CATTERING.

EFFECT-
• BURSTING OF COLUMN.
• SETTELMENT OF STRUCTURE.

REMEDY-
• ERRECTION OF PEDISTRANT
ALONG THE DEFECTED COLUMN.
 DEFECT:- VERTICALAND HORIZONTAL CRACKS ON WALLS REMEDIAL ACTION:-
CAUSE:- • PLASTERING USING
• FOUNDATION ON SHRINKABLE CLAYS. MESH(MURGA JAALI).
• ABSENCE OF EXPANSION JOINTS. • APPLICATION OF WATER PROOF
• SHRINKAGE OF SUB-SOIL. PAINTS.
• VIBRATIONAL IMPACT. • FILLING OF PUTTY.
• DUE TO EXPANSION OF BRICKS.

DEFECT:- DIAGONAL CRACKS

• ON WALLS
• BELOW WINDOWS
• ON BOUNDARY WALLS

CAUSE:-
• JOINTING OF MATERIALS.
• WEATHERING EFFECT
• OVERTRESSING OF MATERIAL REMEDIAL ACTION:-
• THERMAL EXPANSION. • PLASTERING.
• DUE TO SAGGING AND HOGGING. • APPLICATION OF WATER.
• DUE TO ADHESION PROPERTY • PROOF PAINTS.
• FILLING OF PUTTY.
• CLADDING.
DEFECT:- IRREGULAR CRACKS
REMEDIAL ACTION:-
CAUSE:- • PLASTERING.
• HEAVY TRAFFIC. • APPLICATION OF WATER
PROOF PAINTS.
• VIBRATION DUE TO INDUSTRY.
• SIESMIC MOVEMENT.

DEFECT:- TOOTHED CRACKS

CAUSE:-
• DIFFERENCE OF MATERIAL AND THEIR BONDING.

REMEDIAL ACTION:-
• PLASTERING
• CLADDING
• COVER JOINT BEFORE PLASTERING BY 30CM OF
RABBIT MESH.
• FILLING OF PUTTY
DEFECT:- STRUCTURAL CRACKS

CAUSE:-
• TREES PLANTED VERY NEAR TO BUILDING CAN CAUSE UNEQUAL SETTLEMENT.
• DUE TO CHANGES IN GROUND WATER TABLE.
• GEOLOGICAL FAULT.
• CONTINUOUS VIBRATION CAUSES CRACKING.
• FOUNDATION RESTING ON BLACK COTTON SOIL.

REMEDIAL ACTION:-
• PLASTERING.
• CLADDING.
• COVER JOINT BEFORE PLASTERING BY 30CM OF RABBIT MESH.
• FILLING OF PUTTY .
DEFECTS- PLASTER

• Non-structural cracks- Crazing is a network of fine

cracks, usually in a hexagonal pattern.
• Debonding- hollow sound when the surface is tapped.
• Grinning- the positions of the mortar joints are
clearly visible through the plaster
• Expansion- swelling, softening, layer cracking and
spalling of the plaster.
• Popping- the surface of the plaster leaving holes which
vary in size.
CAUSES:
• If the wall is not protected from sun
• Thick will also tend to crack
• Improper curing
• Insufficient cement
• The use of a mix with poor water retention properties
• The addition of extra water after first mixing (a practice known as retempering)
• Contaminants are usually seeds, other organic material, or particles of dead burnt lime.

REMEDIES:
• Glass fibre tissue can be applied during painting.
• Usually 12mm thick plaster is applies.
• Proper curing of wall before plastering.
• Racking of wall before plastering.
• Use of plaster mortar within 20 minutes of preparation.
• Tested frequently with straight edge and plumb bob.
• Curing shall be stared as soon as plaster has hardened for at least 10 days.
CLADDING AND PANELING

DEFECTS:
• Eroded uneven surface.
• Provide open surface for penetration of water.
• Biological growth.

CAUSES:
• Improper maintenance.
• Exposed to rain.
• Improper curing before pointing.
• Improper mortar ratio.
• Improper curing at the time of construction and thereafter.
• Poor workmanship.

REMEDIES:
• Proper mortar ratio.
• Proper curing for at least 10 days after construction and two
days before pointing.
• Skilled labor.
• Wall should be well racked and cleaned construction.
 PAINTING DEFECTS
DEFECTS AFFECTS CAUSES REMEDIES

BLISTERING SMALL BUBBLES ARE FORMED POOR ADHESION ( MOISTURE HAVE A DRY BACKGROUND,
OVER THE SURFACE COMING OUT OF PAINT) PROPER PRIMING, REMOVE
RESINOUS KNOTS

BLOOMING MISTINESS ON HIGHLY MOISTURE OR FROST DURING PAINTING SHOULD NOT BE

GLOSSED OR VARNISHED APPLICATION OR CONDENSATION ON DONE UNDER SUCH
SURFACES NEW SURFACE CONDITIONS. REPAINT

FLAKING PEELING OF PAINT POOR ADHESION ,MOISTURE, DEFECTED ARE SHOULD BE

INADEQUATE CLEANING AND REDONE
PREPARATION
FLASHING UNEVEN FINISH(GLOSSY POOR PAINT QUALITY OR UNEVEN REPAINT
STREAKS) ON A FLAT PAINTED APPLICATION
SURFACE

CRACKING/CRAZING/ FINE HAIR CRACKS LACK OF ELASTICITY IN THE FINISHING REPAINT

CHECKING COAT OR INSUFFICIENT DRYING TIME
BETWEEN PAINT COATS OR
INCOMPATIBLE PAINT COATS
DEFECTS AFFECTS CAUSES REMEDIES

GRINNING INSUFFICIENT OBSTRUCTION OF LACK OF OPACITY IN THE REDO WITH MATCHING

UNDERCOAT BY A FINISHING COAT FINISHING COAT OR INCORRECT UNDERCOAT & FINISHING
UNDERCOAT COLOUR COAT.

CRINKLING/CURTAINING “RUNS” ON SURFACE ARE FORMED INCORRECT APPLICATION AND RUB DOWN THE PAINT
/SAGGING EXCESS PAINT AND START AGAIN

LIFTING DISRUPTION OF COAT DUE TO INSUFFICIENT DRYING PERIOD REPAINT

APPLICATION OF SUBSEQUENT ONE BETWEEN COATS OR PAINT
CONTAINING CELLULOSE
THINNERS APPLIED ON ANY
PAINT
PIN-HOLES CRATERS APPEAR WHEN BUBBLES BURST AIR BUBBLES WHEN PAINT SURFACE SHOULD BE
COVERS SMALL CAVITY LEVELLED

BLEEDING DISRUPTION & STAINING OF THE CHEMICAL RENEW THE SURFACE

SURFACE ACTION(INCOMPATIBLE PAINTS WITH LIGHT PAINT
ARE APPLIED OVER ONE
ANOTHER
DEFECT:- SURFACE DETERIORATION AND TIMBER DECAY IN DOOR
AND WINDOW

CAUSE:-
• THE DECAY IN WOOD SPECIALLY NEAR MASONRY CONTACT.
• DUE TO WET SURFACE.
• THE DECAY CAN BE FELT BY A SHARP SCREWDRIVER
• WATER WOULD HAVE ENTERED VIA OPEN JOINTS,DEFECTIVE
PUTTY, WET WALLS, ETC

REMEDIES:-
• FOR A LOCALISED DEFECT, CUT AWAY THE AFFECTED WOOD AND
FIT A NEW PIECE OF WOOD WITH GLUE.
• THE AREA SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO DRY AND REPAINTED.
• WHERE GENERAL CONDITION OF JOINERY IS POOR, OLD AND
FAILED PUTTY SHOULD BE REMOVED, PAINTWORK STRIPPED AND
PRIMED.
• ALL HOLES AND JOINTS SHOULD BE FILLED WITH WATER-
INSOLUBLE FILLER OR MIXTURE OF GLUE AND SAW DUST,
REPUTED AND REPAINTED.
DEFECT:- RUSTING IN STEEL USED IN DOORS AND WINDOWS.

CAUSE:- RUSTING IN STEEL WINDOWS IS CAUSED BY RAIN

WATER.

REMEDIES:-
• THE STEEL SHOULD BE DERUSTED AFTER REMOVING GLASS.
• THE STEEL IS GIVEN A PRIMER COAT.
• WHERE FRAME IS BADLY RUSTED, IT MAY BE ECONOMICAL
TO REPLACE IT.

DEFECT:- DISTORTED JOINERY AND GAPS IN JOINTS OF DOORS

AND WINDOWS AND LACK OF FIT.

CAUSE:- THIS CAN HAPPEN DUE TO POOR CRAFTSMANSHIP, POOR

PAINTING MAINTENANCE.

REMEDIES:-
• CLEAN OUT JOINTS, APPLY EPOXY RESIN GLUE AND
ALLOW IT TO SET.
• THE CORNERS COULD BE STRENGTHENED BY FIXING
ANGLES OF STEEL.
• IN EXTREME CASE OF POOR JOINERY IT MAY BE
CHEAPER TO REPLACE SHUTTER.
DEFECT : PEELING OF SKIRTING

CAUSES :
 Not properly joint (poor workmanship).
 Moisture.
 Bad quality adhesion used.

REMEDY :
 Check from where moisture is coming then cure it.
 Remove it and re join it with good quality mortar.

DEFECTS:- TILES (DADO)

• Uneven surface.
• Water seepage in the wall, forming dampness on the leeward side.
• Cracking.

CAUSES:
• Improper mortar ratio.
• Improper laying.

REMEDIES:
• Proper base formation.
• Mortar proportion as specified
• Curing of the surface before the application of the mortar.
• Skilled labour.
 FLOORING

MARBLE FLOORING MOSAIC OR TERRAZZO FLOORING

DEFECT: DEFECTS:
• Cracks. • Cracks
• De-coloration. • De-coloration
• Depression in flooring. • Flaking
• Hollow sound. • Corrosion
• Removing of marble chips
CAUSES:
• Improper laying of marble. CAUSES:
• Improper grinding of the stone. • Improper laying.
• Improper grinding of the stone
REMEDIES:
• Skilled labour REMEDIES:
• Division of floor through glass strip.
• Proper curing.
• Proper ramped and firm laying of earth bed.
CEMENT CONCRETE FLOORING:
 REMEDIES:
DEFECT:  Division of floor through glass
 Cracks strip.
 De-coloration  Proper curing.
 Flaking  Proper ramped and firm laying of
 Corrosion earth bed.

CAUSES:
 Improper mortar ratio.
 Improper laying of a mortar
bed.
 Insufficient curing.

DEFECT : STAINING OF FLOOR

CAUSE:
 Stains results from abuse of flooring
 Accidental spill of materials.

EFFECT :
 Change in appearance.
 Change in strength.
REMEDIES:
 Stains are difficult to
remove.
 Therefore, sealing should be
done on floor by phenolic or
epoxy resin.
DEFECT : SPILLING OF POP FINISHING

CAUSES :

 Inferior mortar for jointing or due to over-wet

concrete, inadequate curing, improper jointing and
sealing.
 Poor bonding of pop and the wall; inferior quality of
surface mortar in the base course, unresolved
contamination, or excessive pressure developed at
joints.
 Due to dampness caused.

EFFECTS :

 Change appearance. Formation of dirty patchiness on the

wall and the ceiling, peeling off paint and the pop work.
 Bad aesthetic.

REMEDY :

 Cure the dampness first and then repair the pop work
and then repaint it.
DAMPNESS

Dampness in a building may occur due to bad design, faulty

construction and use of poor quality of materials. It can
result in the growth of moulds and fungi, damage to the
interior and exterior decor, wood rot, and ultimately damage
to the structure of the building.

TYPES -
There are four types of dampness
generally found in homes:

• Rising damp or "salt damp" in brick

walls and masonry.
• Horizontal penetrating dampness.
• Condensation dampness
• Poor drainage.
OCCURRENCE-
EFFECT- • Dampness in basement.
• Cracks in floors , ceiling, walls, • Dampness due to rain.
• Deterioration of finishing works • Dampness due to leaking points.
• Decrease in structural strenth • Dampness in walls
• A damp building creates unhealthy living and • colourless water repellants
working conditions for the occupants. • Dampness on underside of flat roofs.
• Dampness under shallow pitched sloping
• All electrical fittings get deterioratedcausing roof.
leakage of electric current withthe danger of • Dampness internally below parapet in flat
short circuit. roof building.
• Dampness internally below parapet in
• It may result in the warping, buckling sloped roof
and rotting of timber • Buildings with parapets
• RISING DAMPNESS-
Caused by the absence or breakdown of a damp proof course or
membrane. It is characterized by wet patches to groundfloors
and walls with sometimes a whitepowdery 'tidemark' deposit.

• PENETRATING DAMPNESS-
Caused by such things as old brickwork that becomes porous,
leaking roofs and gutters and rotted windows and doors.
Brickwork defects- Movement cracks can allow water in
through the outer skin of the wall.
It is characterised by localised mould growth,discolouration
to internal decoration, peeling wallpaper and sagging ceilings.

• CONDENSATION-
Condensation is a particular problem on cold days when it
causes water droplets to form on cold surfaces where there
is little air movement to dry it such as in corners, behind
furniture and inside wardrobes.
The lack of air movement combined with the dampness allows
mould to grow on any absorbent surface such as wallpaper,
plasterwork but also clothing and bedding.

• POOR DRAINAGE-
Incorrect grading and ground levels which results in
accumulation of water against the walls often results, not only in
foundation settlement, but also in damp damage to the
structure.
DEFECT- DAMPNESS IN WALLS

CAUSE :
•Exposed wall.
•Failure in providing Damp course.
•Distance between windows and masonry.
•Slope of chajjas.
•Distance of DPC from ground level (less than
150mm)
•Weathering condition.
REMEDIES :
EFFECT : •Properly sloped chajja.
• This may lead to unhygienic living conditions. •Water proof cement paints should be used.
• It reduces the strength of the building. •Exposed wall should be treated with water
• It deteriorates the interiors proofing materials

DEFECT- WATER LEAKAGE

CAUSE :
•Continuous penetration of water due to water pipeline leakage.

EFFECT :
• This may lead to unhygienic living conditions.
• It reduces the strength of the wall.
• It deteriorates the interiors. REMEDIES :
• It gives a very bad appearance •Fix the affected pipeline
•Check the density of damage
•Remove the plaster.
•Replaster and re paint the surface.
DEFECT – DAMPNESS DUE TO SERVICE PIPES

EFFECTS :
• It deteriorates the reinforcement bars in the slabs.
• It may damage the floor covering.

REMEDIES:
• Instead of penetrating the pipes into the floors , ducts
should be provided.
• This will prevent the contact of pipes with the floor and
wall preventing damage.
• Proper slope should be provided in pipes.
• Minimum bends or offsets.
• Bends should be of larger radius.
• Proper and clear outlets for water on terrace.
• Concealing pipes under ceilings are avoided as far as
possible.
• Joints should be tightly fixed.
• Good quality pipes must be used.
ROOF

THE TOP COVERING OF A BUILDING THAT PREVENTS THE INGRESS OF WEATHER

INTO THE BUILDING.
TYPES OF ROOF COVERINGS-
• PITCHED OR SLOPING ROOF
• TIMBER ROOF
DEFECTS: PATCHES OF WATER.
CAUSES: PATCHES ARE DUE TO DAMPNESS FROM THE RAIN WATER.
REMEDIAL ACTIONS- PROPER WATER PROOFING MATERIAL SHOULD BE USED.

DEFECTS: THE MEMBER BECOME HOLLOW

CAUSES: DUE TO TERMITE ATTACK MEMBER BECOMES HOLLOW
REMEDIAL ACTIONS- ANTI TERMITE TREATMENT SHOULD BE PROVIDED.

DEFECTS: CRACKING,WARPING AND BULGING OF PLANKS.

CAUSES: WEATHERING EFFECTS CAUSES WARPING ETC.

IF WASHER IS NOT FIXING PROPERLY IT MAY ALLOW WATER
INSIDE.
WIND MOVEMENTS MAY CAUSE SHIFTING OF PLANKS.
FIXING OF GUTTER SHOULD BE PROPERLY DONE.

REMEDIAL ACTIONS- PROPER SEASONED WOOD FOR AVOIDING WARPING

ETC. SHOULD BE USED.
Roofing sheets-

A.C.Sheets
G.I.Sheets
Polycarbonates.

Defects: Cracks and holes.

Causes: Due to weathering effect cracks and holes can

form.

Remedial actions-Proper water proofing and anti-termite

treatment should be provided.

Defects: Rusting of bolts and washers.

Causes: Leakage of water from the rusted bolts and

washers. Due to uneven tiles may break.

Remedial actions- Proper seasoned wood to avoid warping

Defects: Blockage of gutter.

Causes: Blockage of gutter is due to water logging and down

take pipes.

Remedial actions- To avoid rusting,gutter should be painted.

Defects: Cracks

Cause: Due to weathering effects cracks and holes can form.

Remedial actions- To avoid bigger holes where more than one

sheets are palced, instead of punching drilling of holes should
be done.

Defects: Leakage

Cause:
• Leakage of water from the rusted bolts and washers.
• Water logging due to blockage of gutter and down take pipes.

Remedial actions- In order to avoid leakage of water through

valley in tiles,lead flashing should be done.
Defects: Bad smell

Cause: Water logging due to

Blockage of gutter and down
Take pipes.

Remedial actions- In order to avoid bad smell, then avoid

leakage of water through valley of the roof.
 CONCLUSION

It should be pointed out that, entire buildings are subjected to the various
forms of defects, failures, deterioration and variation. The presentation has explored a
number of building defects and its contribution factors which can be associated to the
major theme of this aspect. It is significant to appraise each defect and failure in every
part of building and find out the primary causes of each individual defect and failure.
Then, remedy them correctly. The contribution factors to these defects and failures
must be investigated intensely. Once founding out the possible causes of the defects
and failures, it is imperative to distinguish how to keep away from it in the future and
reduce the effect to the minimum.