During the monsoon season, we witness the bad condition of roads, sewage system and drainage but a similar deterioration happens to our building structures too though it isn’t quite as visible. The impact of torrential rains and inclement weather can be seen externally but the internal damage is equally bad. Though we live in these buildings, we rarely observe these changes which leads to further deterioration.
- Structures made from concrete blocks are more prone damages since they are porous and buildings become easy prey to water seepage, thus needing waterproofing solutions to rectify the situations.
- The internal structure is damaged due to corrosion since water seepage or leakage damages it. The structural strength of the building becomes weakened due to the corrosion caused to the steel rods used for construction. Since steel rods cannot be restored after they get rusted, there is a possibility of the structure collapsing because of corrosion of the reinforcement.
- If the building basement is suspect to water logging, there is a possibility of the foundation base getting water logged on a regular basis.
- The structural strength of the building structure can be largely compromised if stagnant water on the roof enters the lower areas through cracks or joints.
The following precautions can prove to be useful in avoiding this situation:
- It is recommended to check the progress of the structure while it is under-construction and check for cracks, leakages, seepages and joints at roof and terraces.
- Prevent fungal growth on internal and external walls by adding fungicides to the paint.
- During terrace waterproofing, ensure that superior quality material is being used and the waterproofing contractor follows all the necessary protocol throughout the procedure. The waterproofing solution should be prepared correctly without much dilution or a single rainfall will wash it away.
- In order to prevent seepage, experts recommend installing two layers of insulated coating on the terrace floor where the first layer is laid flat. Also to avoid rain water collection, it is best to put a waterproofing coat on this slab followed by another sloping layer.
- New and modern methods of waterproofing are also highly recommended to provide better protection for the structure. Liquid brush applied solutions include PU/acrylic/bitumen-based ones or even pre-formed membranes.
- Make use of waterproofing compound in the mortar mix for plastering external walls for a two-layered plastering.
