Common Waterproofing Problems & Waterproofing Solutions

Common Waterproofing Problems & Solutions

Almost every one of us would like to grow up in a home that we can see being nurtured right in front of us. It’s no secret that we work hard to make our homes the best place to live and spend the rest of our lives with our families. Stains and black spots on our homes’ surfaces are the last thing we want. Not only can water seepage cause stains on your house, but it can also cause structural damage and allergies!

Water seepage is a common problem for homeowners around the world. A lot of things can cause water seepage in a building. It could be anything from a broken overhead tank to constant rain. Even a small leak in a pipe can cause water to trickle slowly through the building, causing damage to multiple parts and spots. What can you do to avoid all of this and protect your dream house? This problem can be solved with a process called Waterproofing, which is a systematic approach to making a structure water-resistant so it doesn’t get affected by rain or seepage from other sources.

How Does Waterproofing Work And Why Is It Important?

As the name suggests, waterproofing is a systematic process that makes a building waterproof or water-resistant, such that water is not able to penetrate into it or cause any damage to it. The waterproofing solutions are designed to make rooftops, exteriors, and interiors of residential properties watertight by limiting the penetration of water into them.

Despite the fact that it is an important task, many homeowners neglect to do it on a regular basis. It’s a serious issue, but it’s misunderstood as an inconvenience or an unnecessary expense. When you go to great lengths to make your dream home a reality, shouldn’t you make sure it’s well taken care of? The benefits of waterproofing your home are many, like making it stronger from the inside out, and keeping it from looking dull, flaky, and damp over time.

There are many benefits to waterproofing, including:

Protects the building’s interior from water damage

Prevents various health problems such as mold allergies

Increases building life and saves other allied costs

Property resale value is increased

Structural strength is maintained

What are the common areas of seepage and their solutions?

Let’s look at some common areas where seepage enters and damages homes.

Roofs: Roofs and terraces are the most vulnerable parts of any building structure. They are subjected to extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rains and excessive heat during the summer months. There will also be several pipelines and overhead tanks on the roof of any high-rise apartment building for the purpose of providing water to tenants. The important thing to keep in mind is that if you neglect taking proper care of your roof, water from all of these sources will collect on it, slowly seeping into the building’s structure, especially if the roof surface has cracks or gaps.

Windows: The windows are one of the most obvious points of entry for water into a building. Also, we are not referring to open ones, but to closed ones. The vulnerability of windows to water damage cannot be denied, especially when strong winds drive rain against them.

Exterior Walls: Exterior walls of the house are exposed to several threats round-the-clock, including strong winds, harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun, as well as heavy rainfall. In addition to water damage, there are other elements that can cause damage to the exterior of a house, such as leaky drainage pipes, leaks from water tanks and natural water present underground that may cause damage to the exterior. Most of the time, when waterproofing fails on exterior walls, it is due to inadequate waterproofing practices, such as improper installation methods, poor selection of materials, and incorrect installation methodologies that result in the failure of waterproofing.

Interior Walls: It is now time to turn our attention to the part of the house that you enjoy the most: the interior. Water damage is a very common problem in the interior of most homes. Dampness and/or moisture in adjoining exterior walls and ceilings can result from a variety of sources. Not only do these causes weaken the interior walls, but they also lead to cracks, holes, and voids. In addition, efflorescence, or “namak,” is another concern for many homeowners.

There are several places in the home where water seeps into the house, with the most common being the kitchen, sink area, and walls outside the bathroom. The natural movement and vibration of the walls can cause cracks in the walls, which can lead to nasty spots of water accumulating on them. Additionally, gaps between two structures, such as those between the frame of the window or door, switches and the wall, are also prone to allowing water to enter the structure.

Tips and tricks: Waterproofing Solutions

Inspect your roof regularly: You should inspect your roof regularly, regardless of the roof grade, even though flat roofs are the most vulnerable. Regardless of the material, commercial roofs should be inspected at least twice a year. Examine vents, drains, and any rooftop elements that may allow water to enter the building. Water stains and cracks are good indicators of where water may be pooling or entering the building, so inspect them thoroughly.

Regularly check the drains, plumbing and irrigation: Regular inspections are essential to spot these types of leaks. Make sure that your draining system is free from any obstructions or drips. Regardless of how small the leak may appear, it has the potential to become a much bigger issue in the future. It is always advisable to seek the advice of an expert whenever possible. You will not be able to fix the problem unless you are a professional plumber. It may even get worse.

Ensure all seals are maintained: This is equally true for all window seals, door seals, and even wall systems. Due to its porous nature, concrete is prone to water penetration. Even if leaks are not always visible, moisture can still penetrate the wall. If water damage is discovered, experts should be consulted.