Stucco vs. Plasterwork: How Are They Made?
August 25, 2023
Injection
September 15, 2023
Capillary Rise
Capillary rise is a phenomenon that can pose a risk to building materials and the health of residents. Understanding what it is and why it’s problematic is essential. In this article, we will explore this process, discuss its impact on buildings, and present methods to eliminate it.
Capillary Rise – What You’ll Learn in This Article:
- What is Capillary Rise?
- Why Do Walls Absorb Water and Become Damp?
- Why Is Capillary Rise a Threat to Buildings?
- How to Protect a Building from Capillary Rise?
- Injection Methods
What is Capillary Rise?
Capillary rise is one of the most common causes of building dampness. This issue frequently occurs in older constructions and is notoriously challenging to address.
Capillary rise is the process where water is drawn upward through narrow spaces or pores in materials such as soil, concrete, or wood. This phenomenon results from capillary forces, which cause water to move against gravity. These forces are a group of physical phenomena occurring at the interface between a liquid and a narrow object—in this case, water and the pores of a building material.
The greater the wettability and surface tension of the liquid, the more pronounced the capillary rise will be. Additionally, when the diameter of the capillary containing the liquid decreases, the capillary force increases because a higher percentage of the liquid’s surface adheres to the capillary walls.
Building materials absorb water at different rates. For example, aerated concrete is highly porous. In extreme cases, capillary rise can extend several meters above the water table, potentially reaching the height of an entire floor. This can pose significant risks to the building’s structural integrity.
Why Do Walls Absorb Water and Become Damp?
In building materials, capillary rise depends on the porous structure of these materials. Construction materials like brick or aerated concrete contain microscopic spaces within their structure. Capillary forces, which cause water to be drawn upward, are influenced by the size and construction of these pores.
For example, ceramic bricks have pores with diameters of approximately 0.001 mm, leading to significant capillary rise. As a result, tall walls can become heavily damp due to prolonged water absorption through these tiny pores.
Why Is Capillary Rise a Threat to Buildings?
Capillary rise poses a significant threat to buildings for several reasons. Firstly, it can lead to the dampening of walls. Moisture inside the building can eventually result in the growth of dangerous and unsightly mold. Over time, damp walls contribute to heat loss, increasing heating costs.
Capillary rise can also degrade building materials, particularly wood, which may rot and weaken. Additionally, moisture encourages the growth of microorganisms, negatively impacting indoor air quality and the health of occupants. Consequently, managing and eliminating capillary rise is a critical aspect of both building design and maintenance.
How to Protect a Building from Capillary Rise?
The simplest and most effective solution is to apply proper horizontal and vertical insulation during construction to prevent water from accessing the building materials. However, a more significant challenge arises in existing buildings where such insulation was either not implemented or poorly executed. Fortunately, there are measures that can be taken to reduce or eliminate capillary rise.
Since the physical properties of water, such as density and surface tension, are constant, they cannot be altered. However, it is possible to influence the contact angle (the ability of a liquid to spread across a material’s surface) or even completely seal the pores through which water is drawn upward. A viable solution in such cases is wall injection, which aims to restore horizontal insulation and block capillary rise effectively.
Injection Methods
Injection in construction is a technique that involves introducing a specialized substance, known as an injection agent, into the building structure through properly prepared holes or channels. Its primary goal is to effectively address issues such as water leaks, moisture, structural damage, or to provide additional stability and durability to the building.
The selection of the appropriate type of injection agent is critical and must be tailored to the characteristics of the structure and the materials it is made of. Therefore, it is essential to consult an experienced specialist who understands all the nuances of this type of work. In this area, SANIER provides comprehensive support in selecting building materials, technology, and professional technical advice.
Injection can be effectively used for:
- Structural sealing of walls.
- Performing surface-level seals, both horizontal and vertical.
- Eliminating leaks through cracks, voids, or expansion joints.
- Sealing pipe penetrations and similar installations.
- Closing cracks and fissures in structures.
- Sealing construction joints during concrete pouring or repairing masonry structures.
Deciding to carry out an injection requires consultation with an experienced specialist who possesses comprehensive knowledge of these types of works. SANIER, a company specializing in waterproofing and injection solutions, can be a valuable partner in this process. Explore the injection products available on our website.
SANIER not only assists in selecting the appropriate injection technology but also provides full support in material selection and can recommend trusted contractors for injection works. These contractors have been collaborating with SANIER for many years, ensuring that your injection works are carried out professionally and effectively.
