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An Overview of the Symptoms Associated with Dampness in Walls of

Residential Buildings in Major Towns in Ghana

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Civil and Environmental Research www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-5790 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0514 (Online)
Vol.3, No.9, 2013

An Overview of the Symptoms Associated with Dampness in

Walls of Residential Buildings in Major Towns in Ghana
Kofi Agyekum1*, Joshua Ayarkwa2, Christian Koranteng3 and Emmanuel Adinyira4
1, 2, 4
Department of Building Technology, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
3
Department of Architecture, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
*
E- mail of the Corresponding Author: [email protected]
Abstract
This study sought to identify and document the symptoms associated with dampness in the walls of 5,800
residential buildings in Ghana through a questionnaire survey in the Dry Equatorial, South Western Equatorial,
Tropical Continental and the Wet Semi Equatorial climatic zones. A quantitative approach to data analysis was
used in which the symptoms associated with dampness were analyzed using severity index. Majority of the
houses surveyed were of lateritic materials and sandcrete block walls. The results showed that the most severe
symptoms associated with dampness in the walls of the residential buildings surveyed were hygroscopic salts,
decayed skirting, dampness below 1.5m and mold growth on walls up to 1m high. These identified symptoms are
indications of the severity of the problem of dampness in residential buildings in Ghana. It is recommended that
further studies be conducted to identify the lead source of dampness in the walls of residential buildings as this
will assist in the recommendation of appropriate actions to remedy the problem.

Keywords: Buildings, climatic zones, dampness, Ghana, symptoms

1.0 Introduction
Dampness penetration is one of the most damaging faults that can occur, whether a building is old or of a
modern type of construction (Hetreed, 2008; Burkinshaw & Parrett, 2004). It can damage brick/block work by
saturating it, cause decay and breake up of mortar joints, fungal attack in timber and corrosion in iron and steel
as well as stained wall surfaces (Trotman et al., 2004). Damp surfaces encourage the formation of mold, and the
consequent spread of mold and mites in conditions of high relative humidity is associated with ill health (World
Health Organization, WHO, 2009). Also, damp conditions typically affect the mental health of dwelling
occupants, causing depression and anxiety, particularly where there is damage to decoration from mold or damp
staining (Nicol, 2006). As the most frequently reported problem associated with buildings, dampness in all its
forms has assumed an alarming proportion and countries like the United Kingdom, United States of America,
Australia, Denmark, Canada, Japan, Estonia, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Taiwan, have recorded the enormity of
the problem concerning dampness (WHO, 2009; Mudarri & Fisk, 2007; Gunnbjornsdotirr et al., 2006). Ghana
also has its share of the problem of dampness. Field surveys carried out have shown that the problem has
assumed an alarming dimension in most residential buildings in several parts of the country (Asamoah et al.,
2012). The main objective of this study was to identify and document the symptoms associated with dampness in
walls of residential buildings in major towns in Ghana.

2.0 Literature Review

2.1 Dampness in buildings

Dampness is the penetration of water through the walls and certain elements of a building (Halim et al., 2012). It
is an excessive quantity of moisture contained in building materials and components which causes adverse
movements or deterioration and results in unacceptable internal environmental conditions (Briffet, 1994).
Burkinshaw &Parrett (2004) defined dampness as the amount of moisture content present in a material and can
be classified as capillary moisture content, equilibrium moisture content, hygroscopic moisture content, total
moisture content and potential moisture content. Dampness is the most frequent and main problem in buildings
and contributes more than 50% of all known building failures (Halim et al., 2012). According to Hollis (2000),
dampness is inextricably linked to most building deterioration. A source of water close to a building will also be
one of the problems associated with dampness. These problems include symptoms such as dirty spots on the
building, biological plants like the growth of fungi, mosses and creeping plants, paint flaking, blistering etc.
(Halim et al., 2012).
Sources of dampness can be classified as rising dampness, penetrating dampness and condensation and pipe
leakages (Hollis, 2000). Dampness can also be classified as air moisture condensation, penetrating dampness and
internal plumbing leaks, below ground moisture or building specific sources (Burkinshaw & Parrett, 2004).

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2.2 Sources of dampness and their associated symptoms

2.2.1 Rising Dampness

Rising dampness occurs as a result of capillary suction of moisture from the ground into porous masonry
building materials such as stone, brick, blocks, earth and mortar (Halim & Halim, 2010; Ahmed & Rahman,
2010; Riley & Cotgrave, 2005). It is a problem that is very common in older buildings, particularly those
constructed without damp proof courses. However, it is gradually becoming a common issue with modern types
of buildings as well (Rirsch, 2010).Over the years, many researchers have tried to define rising dampness from
their own perspectives and new definitions keep on resurfacing as the years go by. Oxley and Gobert (1989)
linked ‘rising dampness to the ground and concluded that it occurs from the capillary flow of water from the
ground’. Melville and Gordon (1998) explained that ‘when ground water reaches the foot of a wall, it tends to
rise in the walling materials and continues to do so due to capillary action to various degrees of intensity’. In
their book diagnosing damp, Burkinshaw and Parrett (2004) defined ‘rising damp more comprehensively as
moisture that travels upwards through the pore structure or through small fissures or cracks, or as water vapour
against the forces of gravity, typically up a wall or through a floor from a source below the ground’. Trotman et
al. (2004) in their book ‘Understanding dampness’ defined rising damp to ‘normally mean the upward transfer
of moisture in a porous material due to capillary action’. According to Rirsch (2010), it is caused by ground
water rising upwards through a wall, much in the same way as oil would rise through the wick of a lamp. Rising
dampness is a strange phenomenon because experts in dampness issues do not agree on exactly what it is and
some deny its existence (Burkinshaw, 2012). The visible symptoms of rising damp include dampness on the
lower parts of walls, sometimes up to 1.5m in horizontal bands (Rirsch, 2010). Rising damp may also present
itself as salty yellowy browny patches of plaster/décor just above the height of skirting boards (Burkinshaw,
2010). It tends to cause many problems to a building with associated health, environmental, social and economic
implications. Rising dampness serves as a platform for the growth of fungi in wood which causes rot,
deterioration of wall plasters and paints, loosening of wall papers, staining of wall surfaces, crumbling of mortar,
rusting of steel and iron fasteners, etc. (Zhang, n.d).
2.2.2 Penetration Dampness

Water penetration through a building enclosure depends on the simultaneous occurrence of three things: the
presence of water; an opening through which water can enter and a physical force to move the water (Beall,
2000). Penetration damp is the term applied to the penetration of moisture through the fabric of buildings over a
period of time. It is usually characterized by localized areas of damp or saturated wall/ceiling finishes (Latta,
2005; Oliver, 1988). Penetration damp is caused by plumbing issues in a building or where a problem has
allowed water to enter a building. Symptoms associated with penetration dampness usually occur during wet
weather (Newton, n.d). Though penetration dampness may look harmless, it can cause damages to buildings
even if it does not penetrate all the way through the walls of the building. Penetration dampness can lead to moss
growth, increased heat loss, frost damage into masonry, etc.

2.2.3 Condensation

Dampness resulting from condensation occurs where water in the air inside a building condenses on a cooler
surface (Curtis, 2007). This is usually indicative of cold spots in the building, sometimes called cold bridges
(Curtis, 2007). Excessive condensation frequently results in severe mould growth which can in turn create health
hazards. Damp patches can appear on plastered walls in odd places, particularly on outside walls, often
appearing and disappearing on a regular basis (Burns, 2010). Condensation is mostly accompanied by mold
which is black in colour but can virtually be of any colour and is very common on walls and ceiling, underneath
bay windows, etc. (Burns, 2010). Running water on windows and walls is the most immediate indication of a
condensation problem (Property Care Association, PCA, n.d). This problem can lead to deterioration in the
decorative condition of a property, stained curtains and decay in window frames (PCA, n.d). Condensation is
also associated with the appearance of moulds on the surface of wall papers and paints in poorly ventilated areas
(PCA, n.d).

3.0 Study Areas

Major towns in the ten administrative regions of Ghana were grouped under four climatic zones- South Western
Equatorial (SWE), Dry Equatorial (DE), Wet Semi Equatorial (WSE) and Tropical Continental (TC) (Abass,
2009; Fianko et al., 2009; Dickson & Benneh, 1988). The South Western Equatorial Climatic zone is the wettest
in Ghana. The rainfall regime is the double maximum type. Mean annual rainfall is above 1900mm and on the
average, no month has less than 25mm of rain. The highest mean monthly temperature of about 30ᵒC occurs

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between March and April and the lowest of about 26ᵒC in August. A typical station for this climatic zone is
Axim (Abass, 2009). The DE has a mean annual rainfall between 740mm and 890mm. This region is the driest
in the country with mean monthly temperature of 28ᵒC. The highest average relative humidity does not exceed
75% and the lowest is about 60% (Dickson & Benneh, 1988). The towns which fall within this zone are Accra,
Cape Coast, Takoradi and Ho (Abass, 2009). The WSE zone has two rainfall maxima, with a mean annual
rainfall of about 200cm. The first rainy season lasts from May to June, and the second from September to
October. Relative humidity is normally around 75% (Dickson & Benneh, 1988). The major towns located in this
zone are Kumasi, Koforidua and Sunyani (Abass, 2009). The Tropical Continental climate has a single rainy
season from May to October followed by a prolonged dry season. The mean annual rainfall is about 1000mm to
1150mm. Mean monthly temperatures vary from 36ᵒC in March to about 27ᵒC in August. The major towns which
fall within this climatic zone are Navrongo, Wa and Tamale (Abass, 2009).

4.0 Research Methodology

The study was conducted through field surveys. The main instruments used for data collection were structured
questionnaire made up of closed-ended questions. The questionnaires were administered to building occupants of
residential buildings in major towns of the four climatic zones in Ghana.
The questionnaires distributed to the building occupants sought information about the type of buildings, the
materials used to construct the walls of the buildings and symptoms associated with dampness in walls of the
buildings. The respondents were asked to rank the level of severity of the symptoms associated with dampness in
walls on the Likert scale of 1-5 (where 1=Not severe and 5= Very severe).
Houses located in eleven major towns in the four main climatic zones were considered in the survey. According
to the Ghana Statistical Service, GSS, (2000), the number of buildings located in each of the selected towns are
shown in Table 1 (Column 3).

A sample size of 5,800 buildings from the total population of 278,273 buildings in the selected locations was
determined for the entire survey using the formula proposed by Yamane (1967) as follows: n= N/1+N (e) 2
Where N = the total population size; e= the standard error of sampling distribution assumed to be 0.013 and n is
the sample size. Proportionate or quota sampling technique was used to select the sample size for each location
and the convenience purposive sampling approach was then used to select the residential buildings within each
location (representing a cross section of buildings within the four climatic regions of Ghana).

A quantitative approach to data analysis was employed. Statistical Package for Social Scientists Version 16 was
used to analyze the data by means of frequencies and severity index. The severity index analysis (Idrus et al.,
2011) uses weighted percentage scores to compare the relative importance of the criteria under study. The
frequency analysis was first carried out to determine the frequency of responses which were then used to
calculate severity indices (Idrus et al., 2011): Severity Index (SI) = [ where ‘a’ is the constant
expressing the weight assigned to each response (ranging from 1 for ‘not severe’ to 5 for ‘very severe’) and ‘x’ is
the frequency of each response.

5.0 Results and discussions

5.1 Characteristics of buildings

Table 2 shows the characteristics of the buildings surveyed in the four climatic zones in Ghana. The results show
that 71% of the respondents interviewed in the South Western Equatorial Zone, 77% in the Dry Equatorial
Climatic Zone and 56% in the Wet Semi Equatorial Climate Zone live in detached buildings. In the Tropical
Continental Zone, 62% of the respondents live in compound houses.

In the South Western Equatorial climatic zone, 89% of the walls of buildings were constructed with sandcrete
blocks and only 11% were constructed with earth. In the Dry Equatorial climatic zone 94% of the walls of
buildings were constructed with sandcrete blocks, 3% were constructed with earth and 3% were constructed with
concrete. In the Wet Semi Equatorial climatic zone, the walls of buildings were constructed with concrete, earth,
burnt bricks and sandcrete blocks. However, sandcrete blocks gained more usage (83%). In the Tropical
continental climatic zone, 66% of the walls of buildings were constructed with earth. The results show that the
outer walls of buildings surveyed in the four climatic zones of Ghana were mostly constructed with sandcrete
blocks and earth, though concrete and burnt bricks were used in fewer cases. These results show that the
commonest material used to construct walls of buildings in major towns within the climatic zones surveyed
except the TC zone is sandcrete blocks.

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5.2 Severity of symptoms associated with dampness

The severity indices of the symptoms associated with dampness are presented in Table 3. From Table 3 it can be
seen that ‘mold growth (on cold surfaces, windows, etc)’ is the most severe symptom of dampness (with SI of
90%) associated with walls in the South Western Equatorial climatic zone and therefore ranked first on the list of
symptoms. In the Tropical Continental climatic zone, ‘dampness at the base of walls up to 1.5m in horizontal
band is ranked first on the list (with SI of 84%) as the most severe symptom associated with dampness in the
walls of buildings. Stains, especially in horizontal band are ranked first (with SI of 97%) on the list of symptoms
as the most severe symptom associated with dampness in the walls of buildings in the Wet Semi Equatorial
climatic zone. In the Dry Equatorial climatic zone, ‘surface efflorescence just above skirting/floor’ is the most
severe symptom (with SI of 89%) and therefore ranked first on the list of symptoms associated with dampness.

From the results it is seen that each climatic zone has a unique symptom associated with the walls of buildings.
This is a situation likely to be caused by the differences in climatic conditions of each zone. However, these
differences do not have much influence on the results obtained. For instance, mold growth highly associated with
buildings in the South Western Equatorial climatic zone does not require the presence of standing water: it can
occur when high relative humidity or the hygroscopic properties of building surfaces allow sufficient moisture to
accumulate (United States Environmental Protection Agency, USEPA, 1991). The relative humidity and
temperature levels often vary within a room; therefore, if one side of the room is warm and the other side is cold,
the colder side of the room has a higher relative humidity than the warmer side (USEPA, 1991). The highest
relative humidity in a room is always next to the coldest surface and this is likely to be the location where the
first condensation occurs (USEPA, 1991). In the South Western Equatorial climatic zone, average monthly
relative humidity levels (based on figures recorded each day at 12 noon) are highest as compared to the other
climatic zones in Ghana and range between 75-80%, a possible reason for walls being affected by mold growth
in this zone.

Cyclic wetting and drying brought about by seasonal changes is an important driver of salt attack or
efflorescence in walls of buildings (Young, 2008). Changes in the relative humidity of a location can cause
efflorescence to occur (Young, 2008). Surface efflorescence in walls is caused by rapid evaporation of water
from wall surfaces leaving behind salt crystals (Young, 2008). In the Dry Equatorial Climatic zone, there is that
tendency of rapid evaporation of moisture from walls of buildings which could lead to the formation of salt
bands on the surfaces of walls. A reason why surface efflorescence is the most severe symptom of dampness
associated with buildings in this climatic zone.

The results from this study confirm that mold growth, stains, especially in horizontal band, dampness at the base
of walls up to 1.5m in horizontal band and surface efflorescence are the most severe symptoms associated with
dampness in walls of residential buildings in major towns in Ghana. The results are not different from that
reported in literature which lists mold growth, surface efflorescence, water run marks, blistering of paints, etc. as
symptoms associated with dampness in the walls of buildings (Hetreed, 2008; Burkinshaw & Parrett, 2004;
Trotman et al., 2004).

5 Conclusions
The study sought to identify and document the symptoms associated with dampness in walls of residential
buildings in four climatic zones in Ghana. The results has shown that the major symptoms associated with walls
of residential buildings in the major towns in Ghana are hygroscopic salts, decayed skirting, dampness below
1.5m and mold growth on walls up to 1m high. The evidence of a progressive dampness problem is an indication
that a building’s condition is most likely to deteriorate overtime. These symptoms that have been identified are
indications of the severity of the problem of dampness in residential buildings in Ghana. With the identified
symptoms, it is recommended that further studies be conducted to identify the lead source of dampness in the
walls of residential buildings. This will assist in the recommendation of appropriate actions to remedy the
problem.

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Asamoah, A.S., Forson, A.G. & Boakye, D.A. (2012), “A review of epidemiological studies of asthma in
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Melville, I.A. & Gordon, I.A. (1998), “The repair and maintenance of houses”. The Estates Gazette ltd, 1988
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Oxley, T.A. & Gobert, E.G. (1989), “Dampness in buildings, 2nd edn, Oxford: Butterworth Heinemann, Revised.

Oliver, A.C. (1988), “Dampness in Buildings”. BSP Professionals Books, ISBN:0-632-01932-8, England.

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Table 1 Sample size determination of houses surveyed

TOWN CLIMATIC NO. OF NO. OF TOTAL

ZONE HOUSES (GSS, HOUSES SURVEYED
2000) SAMPLED
Sekondi-Takoradi 24,817 517
Cape Coast 6,847 143
Accra DE 131,355 2,738 3,541
Ho 6,853 143
Axim SWE 2,694 56 56
Koforidua 7,318 153
Kumasi WSE 67,434 1,406 1,689
Sunyani 5,611 117
Bolgatanga 3,932 82
Wa TC 5,539 115 545
Tamale 15,873 330

Table 2 Characteristics of buildings surveyed

South Western Dry Equatorial Wet Semi Tropical
Equatorial Equatorial Continental
Characteristics of Frequenc Percent Frequen Percent Frequen Percent Frequen Percenta
dwellings y age cy age cy age cy ge
Type of dwelling
Detached/separate 40 71% 2,744 77% 946 56% 136 25%
Semi detached 4 7% 485 14% 203 12% 49 9%
Block flat/Apartment 2 4% 208 6% 473 28% 22 4%
Compound 10 18% 104 3% 67 4% 338 62%
TOTAL 56 100% 3,541 100% 1,689 100% 545 100%

Walling material
Concrete 0 0% 104 3% 51 3% 0 0%
Earth 6 11% 104 3% 118 7% 360 66%
Burnt bricks 0 0% 0 0% 118 7% 82 15%
Sandcrete blocks 50 89% 3,333 94% 1,402 83% 104 19%
TOTAL 56 100% 3,541 100% 1,689 100% 545 100%

Table 3 Severity of symptoms associated with dampness in buildings

South Western Tropical Wet Semi Dry Equatorial
Equatorial Continental Equatorial (DE)
(SEW) (TC) (WSE)
Symptom S.I. Rank S.I. Rank S.I Rank S.I. Rank
Decayed skirting 33 % 9th 40% 9th 28% 10th 44% 10th
Dampness around edges of solid floor 32 % 10th 77% 6th 43% 8th 70% 6th
nd
Surface efflorescence just above 88 % 2 83% 2nd 84% 4th 89% 1st
skirting/floor
Dampness at the base of walls up to 86 % 3rd 84% 1st 89% 2nd 86% 3rd
1.5m in horizontal band
Stains, especially in horizontal band 86 % 3rd 79% 5th 97% 1st 87% 2nd
st
Mold growth 90 % 1 81% 4th 85% 3rd 85% 4th
th
Free surface water, water run marks, 85 % 5 83% 2nd 84% 4th 77% 5th
etc.
Blistering and flaking of paint 49 % 6th 54% 7th 40% 9th 53% 8th
th
Softening and deterioration of plaster 38% 7 53% 8th 60% 7th 61% 7th
th
Dampness on first floor and above 34% 8 28% 10th 61% 6th 52% 9th

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Figure 1.Photographs of some symptoms associated with dampness in buildings

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Biography of Authors
MR. KOFI AGYEKUM
Mr. Kofi Agyekum is an Assistant Lecturer and a PhD student at the Department of Building Technology,
KNUST. He holds a BSc. (Hons) and an MPhil (Hons) in Building Technology. His current research interests
include building materials and properties and Lean Construction. He is a member of the Institute of Incorporated
Engineers in Ghana (MIIE), an incorporate member of Chartered Institute of Builders (ICIOB) and a student
member of the RICS.
PROFESSOR JOSHUA AYARKWA
Prof. Joshua Ayarkwa is an Associate Professor and current Head of Building Technology Department at the
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. He holds BSc. (Hons) in Building
Technology and MPhil in Wood Science from KNUST, and a Doctorate in Timber Engineering, from Nagoya
University in Japan. He has extensive research experience, and worked as Senior Research Scientist for many
years at the Forestry Research Institute of Ghana (of the CSIR). His fields of specialization are Building
Construction and Timber Engineering and his current research interests include construction and the
environment, building materials and properties, timber jointing and non-destructive testing of wood. He is a
member of the Ghana Institution of Professional Foresters (MGIPF), a corporate Member of the Ghana
Institution of Construction (MGIOC), an Incorporate Member of the Charted Institute of Building (ICIOB) and a
Matured Trainee Professional Surveyor of the Ghana Institution of Surveyors. He can be contacted through e-
mail at [email protected].
DR. CHRISTIAN KORANTENG
Dr. Christian Koranteng is a lecturer at the Department of Architecture, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana. He is the
Director of Research Centre for Building Performance and Design in Kumasi. He holds a PhD Degree from the
Institute of Building Physics and Human Ecology, Vienna University of Technology, Austria. As a building
Physicist, his major research interest is in the area of building performance, simulation and ecology, specifically,
thermal comfort and energy performance of buildings. As a graduate Chartered Architect from the Vienna
University of Technology, Austria, he majored in theory of buildings (housing), urban design and building
construction. He has a keen interest in computer aided design (CAD). His e-mail addresses are
[email protected] and [email protected].
DR. EMMANUEL ADINYIRA
Dr. Emmanuel Adinyira is lecturer in the Department of Building Technology Kwame Nkrumah University of
Science and Technology, Kumasi. He is a member of the Association of Researchers in Construction
Management (ARCOM-Global), a member of Emerald Literati Network, a member of Ghana Institution of
Construction MGIOC) and a fellow of the Rural Research and Advocacy Group of Ghana. His area of
specialization include project planning and control, investment appraisal and development economics and
construction education and training. He can be contacted via email at [email protected].

9
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