EXPERTS IDENTIFY CAUSES OF DAMPNESS IN BUILDINGS, PROFFER SOLUTIONS
Experts in building sector including manufacturers have attributed high proportion of dampness in buildings to surrounding climate dependent factors such as rain penetration, roof leakages, damp movement through external walls, inadequate waterproofing measures in foundation, poor quality fabrics as well as unwholesome activities of building occupants.
These are some of the consensus by various speakers at the 2-day workshop organized by The Nigerian Institute of Building, NIOB Ondo State Chapter, with the Theme: Mitigating the Resurgence of Dampness in Contemporary Buildings; Innovative Solutions and Best Practices for Sustainable Construction held at the Theodore Francis Idibiye auditorium Federal University of Technology Akure FUTA.
Speaking on the theme of the workshop, Prof S.O. Folagbade, Head of Building Department, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife underscored the needs for professionals in the built industry to be up and doing in discharging their duties, employing Innovative ideas to curtail resurgence of dampness in buildings.
According to him, apart from the additional cost to Mitigate the effects of dampness on structures, dampness can lead to failure of structures, bad odours and serious health related problems on the occupants.
To stave of these bad occurrence, he suggested the usage of sloped roofs, damp proof course on walls, hard core and damp proof membrane, quality replant materials and locating buildings away from flood and high plains to mention a few.
Other speakers such as Dr Shina Makanjuola of FUTA, Dr Olajide Faremi of University of Lagos who spoke on the various sub-theme of the workshop equally agreed with the lead speaker on the need for synergy amongst professionals in construction sites in order to deliver on the functionality of the project
They decried unhealthy rivalry amongst and between professionals in the building industry, advocating needs for respect for each other core competence since they all have tbe same goal of achieving standard best practices in built environment.
Declaring the 2-day event open, the Special Adviser to Ondo State Governor on Infrastructures, Lands and Housing QS. Ayo Babalola reiterated the commitment of the State Government to work with the professionals to ensure best practices in all constructions in the State.
Babalola who described the theme and the sub-themes of the workshop as very apt, promised to continue to collaborate with all professional bodies in his quest to take the state to greater heights.
Earlier, the Chairman, Ondo State Chapter of NIOB, Bldr Omojola Bunmi Grace, _FNIOB, FNIBIFM_ thanked the experts , manufacturers and exhibitors for agreeing to live their comfort zones to share their value added experiences towards the growth and development of the sector
The high point of the event attended by stakeholders in the built industry, political office holders and students from different higher institutions. Meritorious awards were presented to some professionals in recognition of their unwavering dedication and outstanding contributions towards the professional growth of the built environment.