The Effects of Dampness on Some Faculty Buildings in Enugu State University of Science and Technology

Abstract

Dampness is a common issue in buildings across tropical West Africa, including Nigeria, due to persistent rainfall and high humidity. This study investigates the causes, effects, and preventative measures associated with dampness in faculty buildings at Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT). It utilizes visual assessments, expert interviews, and a structured questionnaires distributed among professionals: Architects, Builders, Quantity Surveyors. The data collected were analyzed using the following statistical tools: Simple Percentages, Weighted Mean Scores, Relative Importance Index (RII). The research has revealed that the four most outstanding causes of dampness in some faculty buildings in Enugu state university of science and technology, Agbani are leakages from roof and plumbing system, rain penetration, and rising damp from soil highlighting both structural risks and potential health concerns for occupants. The paper recommends that construction professionals and building occupants should collectively adopt the following measures for damp prevention in buildings: provision of good roofing, integral water proofing, special construction techniques, avoidance of leakage of water, provision of DPM and provision of DPC.