Assessment and mitigation of dampness in residential buildings: A case study of Biu township, Borno state, Nigeria
Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Technology, Nigerian Army University Biu, Borno State, Nigeria.
Research Article
Open Access Research Journal of Engineering and Technology, 2026, 11(01), 015–022.
Article DOI: 10.53022/oarjet.2026.11.1.0053
Publication history:
Received on 10 June 2026; revised on 15 July 2026; accepted on 18 July 2026
Abstract:
Dampness remains one of the most persistent defects affecting the structural durability, indoor comfort and health of occupants of residential buildings in Nigeria. This study assessed the extent, causes and mitigation strategies of dampness in Biu Township, Borno State. A descriptive survey design was adopted, in which sixty (60) questionnaires were administered to residents, complemented by oral interviews and physical inspection of the buildings; forty (40), representing 66.7%, were retrieved and analysed using descriptive statistics in Microsoft Excel. Results showed that rising damp accounted for 72.5% of all reported cases, while 62.5% of respondents observed damp-related defects on first occupying their houses. The principal causes identified were the absence of a damp-proof course (DPC) and damp-proof membrane (DPM) during construction, use of poor-quality concrete (45% agreement) and seasonal flooding (65% combined agreement). Proposed mitigation measures, including installation of DPC/DPM, application of water sealants and construction of cavity walls, recorded over 70% acceptance among residents as effective solutions. The study concludes that inadequate moisture-control provisions during construction, compounded by site and climatic factors, are chiefly responsible for the dampness problem in the estate. It recommends mandatory incorporation of DPC/DPM in all new buildings, improved site drainage, and adoption of modern damp-treatment technologies such as Dryzone cream and Dryrod systems for existing structures.
Keywords:
Dampness; Damp-proof course; Damp-proof membrane; Residential buildings; Rising damp; Biu
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