Damp walls, peeling paint and ceiling leaks are among the most common complaints in Bangalore homes, especially after the monsoon. The good news: most of these problems are prevented during construction, not fixed afterwards.
Where water gets in
- Terrace: poor slope, cracks and blocked outlets let water stand and seep.
- Bathrooms: gaps around pipes and drains, and failed tile joints.
- Sunken areas: water trapped under the floor finds its way to the room below.
- External walls: cracks in plaster and gaps around windows.
- Plinth: rising damp from the ground.
Terrace waterproofing
Give the slab a proper slope towards the rainwater outlets, treat cracks and construction joints, and apply a tested waterproofing system before the finish layer. Fillets at the junction of the slab and parapet walls are critical, because this is where most terrace leaks start. Keep outlets large enough and add a grating to stop leaves blocking them.
Bathrooms and wet areas
Waterproof the floor and at least the lower part of the walls before tiling, with extra attention to pipe penetrations, floor traps and corners. Do a ponding test (flood the floor with water for 24 to 48 hours) before tiles go on. Use good grout, and epoxy grout in showers where possible.
Sumps, tanks and plinth
Underground sumps need waterproofing inside and out. A damp-proof course at plinth level and anti-termite treatment protect the walls from rising moisture.
External walls
Use well-cured plaster with the right sand, seal gaps around window frames, provide drip moulds above openings and finish with quality exterior paint. Hairline plaster cracks should be filled before painting.
Monsoon maintenance checklist
- Clean terrace outlets and gutters before the rains start
- Look for cracks on the terrace and parapet and seal them early
- Check bathroom grout and silicone around fittings
- Make sure no water stands near the plinth
- Repaint exterior walls every few years
Our waterproofing promise
We use 2-coat Dr. Fixit or FOSROC systems on terraces and all wet areas and give up to 10 years of waterproofing warranty, issued on stamp paper. See our warranty details and the stage at which each layer is applied.
Frequently asked questions
When should waterproofing be done in a new house?
Waterproofing is done in stages: under the plinth, in bathrooms and sunken areas before tiling, on the terrace after the slab and before finishing, and on external walls with the right plaster and paint.
Which areas need waterproofing?
The terrace, bathrooms, balconies, kitchen wet areas, sumps and water tanks, the plinth and external walls.
How long does waterproofing last?
A well-applied system lasts many years. Golden Homes offers up to 10 years of waterproofing warranty on the terrace and all wet areas.
Planning to build in Bangalore?
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