Building In Ghana: Finding Solution To Water Dampness_A Major Issue In Ghana!

Building In Ghana: Finding Solution To Water Dampness_A Major Issue In Ghana. Could this be the solution to water dampness? I know this is probably not a permanent solution but for now, the cosmetic work will put an end to the eyesore. The cement was mixed with waterproof chemical before apply the tiles.

[@timeless2476]

Im quite shocked that they didn't install a damp proof course in the brick work when they were building the house. And really it isn't good to plaster from the ground up on the outside of a house, its better to plaster from above the damp course. This is how they escape the chances of getting rising damp here in the UK.

[@estellwakey8813]

Uganda has used dump proof membrane for building including clay bricks in the foundation! Am surprised many in Ghana are experiencing this problem

[@AshantiQueen]

Most don't or don't know there's a solution. It's hard to fix the problem once the house is built.

[@nanabrimpong3485]

@@AshantiQueen was this job done by Kane and his team? Because I remember seeing them talking about all this dump proof chemical they added to the mortar to prevent this. I even recommended this process to many people. Looking at it as you also said the tiling is not really the solution for this but to just cover it and give a good cosmetic look because the dump is rising from the ground up the cement walls. I was told using query dust blocks and mixing the mortar for the foundation with query dust instead of sand is also a very good solution in addition to more cement in the mortar mix. when they use less cement and more sand this also happens and you cancecencsee the cracks in the walls and the mortar splitting. I was shocked to see how they plastered an already plastered wall to hide the issue and now The whole plastering is coming off the was as you showed us in your other video when cutting the coconut tree. I was told if your coconut tree is a female it needs a male next to it to make more fruits or vice versa for pollination purposes. Because they also have their types for producing. else it's hard to get more fruits from it. I found it strange to hear this but many have said the same. But these building artisans have really cost you a lot of money and wasted a lot of your resources and money too. Sometimes looking at this I feel some people should be arrested. could you imagine having kids playing around that wall and so that peeling motor slate comes down? I am a bit disappointed by Kwame and his Team honestly. These Are the risks you face being abroad and building at home. Even in your presence you told them one thing and agreed but they did something else. how can they tell you it's galvanised and give you something that's not? you need a refund for your money. I remember you even had to replace the main gate to your house. I think you should be having agreement and paying them as the job is progressing or they finish to your satisfaction before they get paid else they will mess you up all the time. I know you're in control but it breaks my heart seeing all that money being wasted on unnecessary things that could have been avoided. Than money could have gone into other beneficial things for you. This is how they behave especially when they know you are living abroad. Another lady from London is going through the same issues as you. I will send you her video link.

[@surfcitiz]

An advise word from a damp surveyor: first resolve the issue of the surface water drainage so the water flows outwards of the elevations, second ensure there is DPC installed or inject it, third ensure the ground level is below the level of DPC, fourth, ensure the external render does not extend below the level of DPC so it does not allow for the moisture to bridge the level of DPC, fifth, ensure any render above the level of DPC has drip edges installed so the rainwater does not penetrate the render below.

[@cashempiregh]

Living in Ghana sometimes is like hell, people don't do quality work for you at all. some of them are evil minds...They will let you waste your money on unnecessary things

[@AshantiQueen]

@aqualilaablekuma: For sure. It's very hard to find honest people.

[@doreenbandoh1642]

These guys are so wicked & none of them cares.

[@pattunde577]

I learnt no matter the landscape conditions, u have to waterproof the foundation before anything

[@Kay-wi7tn]

It will surprise you to know we have lived with this problem for ages and still doing the same thing. It is no rocket science, a waterproof bitumen mat/sheet is what is used in most places (also in the developed countries) right on the foundation concrete before laying blocks or bricks. Can't nothing be ever simpler than that.

[@gusmotorsports]

Basically lay down a large sheet of plastic.

[@errolsamuels1619]

Basically they employ artisans who don't know what the hell they are doing or they deliberately ignore it to save a few cedis.

[@Kay-wi7tn]

@@errolsamuels1619 I would go for the former cos how much can bitumen mats cost plus the job owner is made to supply the materials most of the time. These are artisans with no technical acumen.

[@Chacha355]

Even with the damp proof membrane, it still doesn't work sometimes

[@gusmotorsports]

@@Chacha355 if done correctly you won't have any dampness issues.

[@Uncle-Basil]

In my opinion, one of the best ways to fix this issue after the fact is the injection method (at least that's what I think they call it). They drill holes around the base of the foundation and then pump in a damp proof chemical, which when dry, forms a barrier to prevent dampness from rising up through the blocks. There are a couple of videos that talk about it on KZbin...one is "BUILDING IN GHANA || PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS | CONTRACTORS RECOMMENDATIONS || DON‘T WASTE MONEY" see at 11:52. Of course, to avoid this altogether you should add a damp proof membrane to the foundation as the house is being built...if you don't do that, it becomes difficult to fix. --- ps. the solutions in this video will only hide the problem, it will not solve it.

[@AshantiQueen]

@GP-xw1jy: I concur. Thanks for watching and for your comment.

[@czogg99]

@@AshantiQueen Its like you building this house twice. Is the damp problem wide spread in your locality or just your home.

[@josephbrown1573]

These are all the problems I had when I was building my house in Nigeria ! I spent so much money redoing all the mistakes it was draining ! I have had remodeling done on my house in the US and it was a eye opener . The average person does not know anything about building techniques and in America I was so appreciative of the inspector who had to come and inspect and sign off before the next stage of remodeling could commence . In Africa you just hope things are being done right and 50% of the time they are not. I saw a video where a guy building in Ghana had the concrete and stone mix for his floors poured on bare soil !I now know that without a moisture barrier the floor will suck up moisture like a sponge!!

[@AshantiQueen]

I am sorry hear about your experience. The difference between quality of work in US and in some of our countries is major. We have the potential/skills but some people just don't care. They do whatever they can do to cut corners. All the best. Thanks for watching.

[@AfricanUSA-th9ov]

Yes. You Have To Get A REGISTERED License Contractor That Will Cost More But License And Bonded. I Learn My Lessons Too Trying To Use Handy Man In USA That Didn't Know What He Was Doing. I Ended Up Getting A REGISTERED License Contractor To Remodeled My Whole House. Gutted 2 Bathroom, Kitchen And My Flooring, Sliding Door And Windows Here In USA. I Also Just Fenced My Lands In Lagos Nigeria Across From The Atlantic Ocean Beach. I Am Having Problems With Who Is Going To Build My Retirement Home In Nigeria

[@AshantiQueen]

@@AfricanUSA-th9ov: Thanks for sharing your experiences. You're doing a wonderful job. I need a licensed contractor for I'm looking to purchase in the California. Where in the US are you?

[@pattunde577]

U right

[@darlinkwawood2296]

I have watched all of your videos. You are indeed a strong and independent woman. Thanks for the work. May you live longggggggggggg to enjoy your sweet. Amen 🙏🏿.

[@AshantiQueen]

@darlinkwawood2296: Amen 🙏 Bless your heart. Thanks for watching.

[@maame2785]

The tiles are beautiful. Hopefully, the dampness is corrected. This way, the tiles stay in place..

[@AshantiQueen]

@maame2785. Hopefully. Either I cove it with tiles or paint over it like a lot of homes in Ghana. Thanks for your comment.

[@Noble724]

One thing I learnt for sure is when you are building you have to be on site

[@petersonnyoro459]

Good Job.I love yr resilience as a lady.Kenyan watching u from Oceania 👏👏👏

[@AshantiQueen]

@petersonnyoro459. Thank you so much. God bless you.

[@YenkoAfrica]

Hi Sis. Thank you for this very educative video! You are a real trooper. May the most High continue to bless you! 🙏🏾👍🏾👸🏾🌼

[@AshantiQueen]

@YenkoAfrica. It's always a pleasure to see your comment. Thank you sis. God bless you.

[@YenkoAfrica]

You're welcome Sis!@@AshantiQueen

[@sampsonndah4477]

You can buy permagad dampproof cream and an expert can inject it into the mortar joints all around the walls. The dampproof cream will form a barrier to stop the dampness from rising and also dry the walls. Its an expensive option but it worth it.

[@zackmc9940]

Hi I have see what happen to your house As builder myself I don't think u are solving the problem but u are increasing it more putting wall ties My opinion is to dig side of the building and inject the wall with water proof and above the cracking lines with iron mech and break the top plaster in between the damp line and plaster Leave it for 3 months u will see the result at the end I am leaving in London but I from South Africa but I build my house in Ghana Community 25 I did it myself Thanks

[@truemamle6184]

I wish you can get stones instead to cover it all because sometimes it can appear at the top of the tiles and continue moving up , I hope this works for you though, congratulations the house is beautiful

[@georgetitus-glover6228]

One will never understand until u embark on similar journey-I feel your pain, sister!

[@GhanabaKwaku]

08:40 I can’t believe you got me saying “Bless you” to a KZbin video 😂😂😂. I hope you feel better soon, Queen!

[@AshantiQueen]

@GhanabaKwaku: 😂 No worries. I can use the virtual blessings. Thanks for watching.

[@villageboydee]

Update video 👀 Your estate is coming along nice.

[@AshantiQueen]

Yes it is. I'm thankful. Thanks for watching.

[@broaikings9527]

once its not done on a foundation, it therefore becomes a bit difficult to get rid of it

[@kgravgrav8496]

That’s very severe. If this is coming from rain water via the roof then you should slop the roof so water falls 1 meter away from the building. But if this is coming via the drain pipes located at the side of the building then you need to ensure that the evacuation of water runs out towards the exterior of the building.

[@isaacotoo8835]

Wow 👏 tiles looks great. The contact info of your tillers Please thanks

[@ucok3951]

The Crack in your building is due to bad foundation. A raft; cement with stones should have been use for the foundation to prevent the wall Crack. The tiles should do the water on wall problem. Tell your workers to be careful when ever they break the wall to install doors, pipes or anything that requires breaking the wall, because it will continue to cause damage to it due to bad foundation and may cause the building to collapse.

[@AshantiQueen]

I was there during the foundation. The cement was mixed with chippings. I purchased a number of truck loads of chips. The side I showed is the only side with the cracks, most likely due to not enough cement in the sand. Thanks for watching.

[@raspaintingdecorating4377]

The builders appear to be very untidy what is looking good. I would have them do the wall treatment and leave it for a while like 6 months before covering it up. That summer hut will look fabulous when finished. What area are you in my dear?

[@AshantiQueen]

@raspaintingdecorating4377. Thanks for your comment. Around McCarthy.

[@deegee7750]

Just one of the few issues with projects like these. But wishing you strength to see it through to the end! Almost done now, looking good. Did you change the gate?

[@AshantiQueen]

@deegee7750: I changed the gate about 2 years ago. I made a video about it. Thanks for the well wishes.

[@Olisepazed]

Nice, I love the tiles

[@AshantiQueen]

@Olisepazed: Thanks. I like it too.

[@thetwosticks2479]

Sista if you build like we build in Jamaica no one would have this problem. You dont need no so called damp proofing. No mesh. No plaster. You need the blocks to rendered. Also the way blocks are made in Ghana is not correct and all of the blocks are not filled. None of that can be fixed. They build poorly

[@buildingwithtony7936]

What is so special about building in Jamaica

[@thetwosticks2479]

@@buildingwithtony7936 well we are great builders that is what is special. No one’s walls would ever look like that. That house was not properly built and the walls were obviously not flashed. If they were that would never have happened. The fact that they have to use chemicals to coat the house proves that they are not skilled. I notice that these chemicals are used in Ghana a lot. I am sorry poor builders.

[@tonyosei7117]

I’m very sorry to see you go the this. But what works best the Ghana natural stones. You should have used the Ghana natural stones instead of tiles. It’s pretty and it’s forever. No maintenance required!

[@AshantiQueen]

@tonyosei7117: I didn't think about that. Where were you when I need your advise? Thanks for watching.

[@morlico1234]

Don't you think the wall should have been rough so the tiles hold stronger?

[@AshantiQueen]

The wall was not smooth. The tiles are holding very strong. The tile were installed a year ago. I'm just have a little break from work to edit my videos.

[@Abidjan-weekly]

All over Africa, there is this problem…..And no, water proof membrane or tile won’t fix this because the moisture is too much and will split the tiles and they will start falling. In Africa, we need to build with mud bricks and stone….when the Europeans came they understood this and most of the buildings they made, were with bolder stones and even till today, you won’t see this problem in their constructions.

[@edwardgyamfi1030]

Looks really good sis. Who's did the tiles for you? Can you share hid contact with us?

[@AshantiQueen]

@edwardtanfi: I will add his contact in the description box. Thanks for watching.

[@nighttrain6834]

Honey, I think all these are cosmetics patch work. I think you should invest in French drainage in that area of the house. Let me know if you need help with that.

[@AshantiQueen]

@nighttrain6834: I know it all cosmetics. I mentioned it in the video. I know the tiles are temporally fix. What help can you provide. I'm open for suggestions. Thanks for watching.

[@darlinkwawood2296]

If you put the pool on the ground it will take up lots of space. How about you plant four giant pillars and install the pool on top? Upstairs pool.

[@AshantiQueen]

Hmm...Interesting. On top of what? The summer-hut or the main porch? Please clarify

[@webb6415]

if you don't dry it out first the facade will fall off

[@owusukwabena383]

The fact is I feel sorry for You (money wasted). I've watched your first video on the rising damp solution, and I was like oooooh nooo 🙅‍♂️... Installing tiles won't solve the problem. The problem needs to be solved from the foundation. I would have suggested a waterproof membrane or Polystyrene insulation...

[@kojoampiah7825]

You haven't sorted out the problem. You have Hidden the problem !

[@rasdungamelema9593]

If the rising damp is stop that is where is permanently solved

[@abenaosei693]

Where is Kwame the builder?

[@Kwame_Makavelli]

Some Ghanaian builders are so hard headed, so they still building without damp proof membrane on the second course of blocks smh

[@AshantiQueen]

Unfortunately builders are still building without damp proof membrane.

[@kwasikyeremeh7893]

hi can i get the contact of your plumber? thanks

[@napoleoneshun9041]

Hello Ashanti queen, Please, can you introduce me to the guy who fixed your galvanize works, thanks.

[@AshantiQueen]

Sure. The info is in the description box of the video. You can send me an email at: [e-mail].

[@yonkomanhomes5715]

The tile is a waste of money and time. The damage will be occurring inside but because of the tiles you won't see it. One day you will see the tiles falling down by them the damage will be beyond repairs. The solution is having more than enough cement in you Blick and block work if not the problem will persist. It's dangerous to have the tiles on knowing the problem exists.

[@AshantiQueen]

Having more cement in the brick and block work is not the solution either. A deep water dampness treatment was done but to no avail. I can choose to leave alone like most homes I see in Ghana and paint over it. This is a big problem in Ghana. I know covering the walls with tiles is not the solution but at least it's not an eyesore. The best solution is using a water proof membrane at the foundation. Other than that, it's very hard to fix the problem.

[@AfricanUSA-th9ov]

There Is Supposed To Be Solid PILLARS With Rods In Between The Wall

[@goldyempiremusic]

Akwaba ❤ the crack could be from the foundation or the cement mixeture so sorry about that

[@AshantiQueen]

Akwaba: Thank you.

[@williamadupoku9894]

Hi Ashanti Queen, The guy is doing amazing work. How can I get his number, please 🙏

[@TheChariot99]

So how do you avoid this from the beginning ?

[@bigjml]

You fit a damp proof course when building the block wall That’s the most cost effective solution

[@TheChariot99]

So they didnt do that? why not ?@@bigjml

[@bigjml]

@@TheChariot99 They rarely put a DPC when they build in Ghana. That’s why most properties have a tide mark up the external walls. The blocks are porous and act like a sponge. There is no way round it. Unfortunately it’s very difficult to get builders in Ghana to listen They just want to hit and run

[@TheChariot99]

Wow i think i'll fly some wyte men or asians to build my house😂@@bigjml

[@estellwakey8813]

@@TheChariot99in Uganda we build with dump proof membrane as standard

[@estellwakey8813]

Covering is not going to solve the problem! Those walls need to be treated with dip proof chemical, it’s your best bet! But you missed the solution at foundation stage when dump proofing should have been done!!!

[@AshantiQueen]

estellwakey8813: I did exactly that. It didn't resolve the entire problem. Two side of the walls adhered to the solution but the other side didn't. Most people leave it alone and paint over it. Thanks for watching.

[@jamesclement2806]

@AshantiQueen perhaps, they didn't do a great job. Treating it at the base, and mixing chemical with the cement to do the plastering would have resolved the issue...

[@AshantiQueen]

@@jamesclement2806: They definitely didn't do a great job. Thanks for your comment.

[@alhusaini2916]

The problem the workers in Ghana are not straight forward

[@kwadwoefah2014]

Cladding doesn't solve dampness, irrespective of what was used, tiles, stones, etc. What cladding does is hide the problem temporarily. Unfortunately, you would need to take off all the cladding and plastering because there is only one treatment for rising dampness and that is repairing or installing a damp-proof course (dpc). I didn't mention penetrating and lateral dampness because most of our problems come from the ground. I spent thousands trying to fight it the wrong way, unfortunately, I have been quoted quite a lot of money to do it the right way. If you would like to cut down costs, get someone in the UK or the US to buy you some dry rods or damp-proof cream they would be used for the injection.

[@Afrikaislife]

We all need to do our homework before we entrust our hard earned money to unscrupulous builders. West Africa is in the tropics, rising damp is part of the course. The only way to prevent it if you decided to use cement blocks, is to lay down a lining (a vapor barrier). It's extremely effective. People should consider switching to rammed earth blocks instead.

[@AshantiQueen]

@Kwadwofah2014: All the cladding/plastering were removed, treated, and re-plastered. See previous videos on my channel. The other walls are good except the walls featured in the video. I'm in the US. I will ask about the dry rods/damp-proof cream. Is your water dampness issue resolved? If not, what is you plan?

[@Vinus739]

This house can collapse at anything due to the poor water proofing problem

[@ceciliaowusu9533]

How can I contact you

[@AshantiQueen]

@ceciliaowusu9533: Please send me an email: [e-mail].

[@pauloppongntow6163]

Please i need one for my house kindly get back to me nice video

[@AshantiQueen]

@pauloppongntow6163: What do you need for your house?

[@nanabrimpong3485]

So Kwame couldn't do a good job for you.

[@bash2268]

A cham mix with cement will sort the issue these tiles will looks crap around the house get a cham mix with waterproof cement

[@AshantiQueen]

@bash2268: Water proof cement was used. Never heard of cham.

[@bash2268]

@@AshantiQueen Queen l will be in Ghana soon to help you

[@michaelakakpo8679]

First…you will have to know what dampness is and what causes them….dampness is caused be rising waters from The ground that rises through the walls and concrete of a wall…that’s why is advisable to have used damp proof membrane or a damp proof course ….these are rubbers or plastic the serves as a barrier to stop the water from rising to the top…so plastering or tiling will only stop it temporarily….I watched a video on KZbin..from the UNITED KINGDOM…there was a chemical in the form of like a paste or silicon….and they dagged

[@michaelakakpo8679]

They inject the walls with those chemicals in between the mortal joints and those chemicals become a barrier replacing the Damp proof membrane you should have use….you are my sister and I don’t want you to use money treating this wrongly….I will look for the video and share it with you Thank you

[@michaelakakpo8679]

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[@michaelakakpo8679]

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[@michaelakakpo8679]

m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4KQhIh8mMiqnq8

[@AshantiQueen]

Thank you 🙏🏿. We used a damp proof membrane with the summer hut at the foundation. You do better when you know better 😊

[@kofibannor5796]

Madam Ashanti Queen am going through the same problem with dampness am also currently in the country to fix mine l love your tiles and will appreciate it if you l get the name of the store you bought them can l please have the contact number for the artisan who fix the galvanize balustrade kindly let me hear from you/Kofi

[@kwadwoefah2014]

Please do not use cladding, tiles, stones, etc It is not the solution. Cladding just hides the problem. You would need an injection, if possible read extensively or visit KZbin for the right solution.

[@AshantiQueen]

That’s was done. It didn’t resolve the problem.

[@bobbypratt436]

Nice work my sister. Would you be kind to connect me with your plumber?

[@stephenappiah-kubi4870]

I know of permanent solution. For your dampness problem

[@patiencepaintsil3050]

Kindly share 🙏

[@AshantiQueen]

@@patiencepaintsil3050: Please share. That's what this channel is for.

[@kehindeemiabata4032]

This is not going to solve your problem. You need to do french drainage That's what I did

[@AshantiQueen]

@kehindeemiahbata4032: I knew it was a temporally fix. Was the French drainage done in Ghana? If so, can you share the details.

[@Mal-zf6pn]

Why don’t you seek for expert advice first. This is not the way to go.

[@yadyragonzalez9135]

Expose the company or ppl. How are u helping without telling us which ppl that say they Good if they not.. expose them so they can be held responsible.. also ur not doing right by putting that covering. Wow. U need to do research before hiring anyone. U must have money to waste.

[@AshantiQueen]

@yadyragonzales: The company/contractor was featured in the initial water dampness videos. I did some research but I guess I'm not doing a good job at it. I hired a well know/big company in Ghana to do my rooting and I had some issues with it. After chasing the company for a very long time, they came and repaired it because I made a video about them. Thanks for watching.

[@Francis-hx4jw]

You haven't put the incident to resolved, but your methodology will render the interior walls mawkish. This will be far more dangerous and hazardous to the indwelling spirits in that house. Have you done any damage/risk assessment prior this? First Cause of Action (CoA) is to install foundation drainage at the footing level. Perforated PVC pipes that will transport the water away from your wall to the storm drainage or main gutter in your community. Second CoA is to properly use liquid rubber on the walls once they're properly scraped. From footing level upwards. Third CoA you can water proof the walls. There are other advanced methods, such as injection the walls, but can be expensive if you go for the experts. You're too soft I can understand, but don't allow these uneducated and clueless boys get your into debt. Don't underestimate the evil powers of stupid Ghanaian masons in a group. Cheers.

[@ericbandar944]

this is not going to work....sorry

[@AshantiQueen]

@ericbanda:I know that. I mentioned it in the video. It's very hard to fix the problem if the water dampness membrane was not used at the foundation stage. I will cross the line when I get there. This is a common problem in Ghana.

[@gmog7857]

You seal your foundation before you build on it, mumu woman..................................