Modern Residential /Commercial or Industrial complexes have a large floor plate spanning over several wings , having expansion joint based on the length of the building.
These when not properly taken care gives rise to leakages in the terrace .
Compared to single standalone buildings, multi-wing complexes have a rhythmic set of staircase and lift room blocks at regular intervals.
It is combined with a series of services, like water supply inlet/outlet lines running around the core, i.e overhead water tanks.
Presence of expansion/construction joints can lead to multiple leakages along the entire height of the building leading to façade leakages and podium leakages too.
To add to the problem the wall surfaces within are not plastered . Later these areas are not accessible to identify the flow and pattern of leakages.
Toilet duct open/semi-open or enclosed areas each have their own share of benefits and problems depending on the height of the building.
Internal leakage issues do not resolve even after the end of the rainy season due to the lack of natural drying especially in high-rise buildings. Covering such areas may seem like an option but needs to be engineered well.
The pressure of architectural elements like bands, pergolas, cantilevered chajjas at terrace level are subject to high winds and may develop cracks due to stresses.
These are an easy point of access for water which passes into the structure as these members in modern RCC frame structures are anchored to the main column and beams which are part of the building.
Solar panels, wind mills and other energy saving devices if not carefully planned at the onset lead to early ageing of the terrace surface leading to leakages.
Coupled with presence of facilities like lawns, roof top swimming pools, green spaces including planters all woven into the limited space called terrace stretching from the first to last wing in the complex .
This further pose problem of maintance and if over-looked can be potential source of leakages on a year -on year basis.
Modern complexes are indeed ‘Complex’ essentially at the top and since this is the first receiving point of water leakage due to exposure to weathering conditions an efficient waterproofing system is essential for the life of the building and comfort its inhabitants.
Its thus important to get the building diagnosed for leakages and also fix the leakages with a good waterproofing contractor near you .
