CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS & PROJECT MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE · Vol. 2021

Effect of Moisture on Durability of Concrete Components in Residential Buildings

Adebayo Adeshina Dauda and Osho Fatimoh A

Keywords: Durability, healthy living, moisture, occupants and residential building

Abstract

Moisture is any visible, measurable, or perceived water indication due to natural and artificial occurrences within and around the building. This research tends to establish causes, effects, and method of controlling the menace usually caused by moisture in residential buildings. This research used descriptive and deductive approach and made use of Nondestructive methods of investigation. Data for this research were retrieved from a structured questionnaire administered to occupants and professionals (in building construction/maintenance) in the Lekki-Ajah axis of Lagos State, Nigeria. The research finds out that the areas of the building where moisture occur most are the bathroom, toilet and laundry room. Poor quality of construction materials, bad workmanship, and rising dampness are major causes of moisture in residential building. Moisture greatly affects the corrosion of metals used in building and also aid microbial/vegetation growth and discolouration of wall paint in the building. The research recommends the use of quality damp proofing materials, proper installation of service pipes, the establishment of a good maintenance program, timely inspection by regulatory agencies (before, during and after the construction work) as ways through which moisture can be controlled in buildings to checkmate the effect of moisture on Building components and to enhance healthy living for occupants of Buildings.