Water Proofing

Dampness or moisture can prove very damaging to any construction. A lot of money can get wasted due to unexpected seepage of water into walls or woodwork. Sometimes the presence of moisture can even corrode the steel framework, thus placing the whole structure at risk.

In order to safeguard your precious construction and also to avoid future inconvenience, it is highly important to take strict measures to waterproof your house. There are various waterproofing techniques that can be used during and after the construction of the house. The choice of method depends upon various factors, the primary one amongst them being cost. It is essential to consult a qualified Engineer or Architect for an appropriate waterproofing method to be followed in order to avoid subsequent hassles and damage.

Material for waterproofing

Traditionally, Kota stone and bitumen are used as effective waterproofing material during construction. However with the advancement in technology, various specialised compounds are also available that can also be used as effective waterproofing solutions. For high-cost constructions such as malls and shopping complexes, some expensive and latest methods such as fibre-mesh and APP sheets are also used to form waterproof layers.

The choice of the waterproofing material and the method of application must be decided by a qualified Engineer or Architect. You can also refer to the BIS website for the list of standards related to waterproofing compounds.

Primarily, there are 3 areas of a typical building that need specific waterproofing treatment:

Basements

Basements provide an excellent way of accessing additional liveable space within limited space constraints.
With the rapidly rising real estate prices, the concept of basements has even extended to having multiple levels below the ground. With such concepts, it is all the more important that effective waterproofing is done for the basements.

Basement waterproofing can be done internally as well as externally. However for more effective results, it is advisable to use proper external waterproofing methods during the construction period itself. Materials such as Kota stone, bitumen and specialised compounds are frequently used for external waterproofing of the basement.

Terraces

Terraces are another area of concern with regard to waterproofing. It often happens in homes that rainwater or water leaking from the overhead water tanks spoils the flooring of the terrace and even seeps through the roof of the floor underneath. As in the case of basements, there are various materials that can be used to effectively waterproof the terrace floor. APP sheets, though expensive, are most effective for this purpose. Before commencing any waterproofing measure for the terrace, ensure that the structure is complete and the work on rainwater pipes and electric conduits is over.

Sunken Areas

Washrooms and kitchens have a sunken area below the floor that houses the water pipe network. This area should also be treated as a basement, and similar effective waterproofing solutions must be followed in this case. There is often a presence of water within the sunken areas, and adequate waterproofing is essential to avoid its seeping through the floor/walls and causing damage to the construction.