Any structure constructed with an exposed terrace or top-level directly endures the maximum impact of the sun and the rain. The building’s external facade facing the street or open space also sustains varying degrees of sun, wind, and rain. Failure in Waterproofing would have significant effects on the safety and value of the property. The behavioral difference of action of these weather phenomena harms the overall structure. Now, during the construction of any form, there are a wide variety of materials used. Each of them comes with different properties. Based on its build quality and how it is constructed and maintained, the variation of weather changes affects the properties, leading to separation cracking between different surfaces of the building. Such cracking is a common occurrence in present-day construction. That cracking of structure is the reason behind failure in waterproofing. we are here to discuss the causes of loss in the process of waterproofing.

Incorrect Diagnostics of leakage

When we address the leakage, it is advised to find the source of leakage. It’s not always where the dampness or water is. But an external flaw in the building from where the water intrusion happens. The failure in diagnostics of leakage could further add cost and still won’t be fixed.

Wrongly Done External Plastering

The envelopes made during maintenance are always to be covered with proper plastering methods, this gives easy access for water intrusion moreover plastering carried out in patches or partial plaster is another reason for waterproofing failure.

External wall coating:

The external doesn’t need just pains it requires coating. Nowadays many companies provide points with waterproofing material which is specially designed to provide complete protection to your external walls from rains & UV rays.

Not Carrying Out Proper Preparatory Work

Before starting waterproofing treatment, it is essential to do preliminary work; if not, it could be the minor negligence that would further integrate into a bigger problem and lead to the higher cost of fixing. Some preparatory work includes:
  • Cleaning of the surface to remove dust, to level the surface to normal
  • Filling all the holes, cracks, and cavities
  • Repairing of the damaged sections
  • Relocating the pipes which were fixed inside.
  • Proper removal and cleaning of residues from the earlier treatment
  • Applying recommended primer and waterproof membrane

Use of Incompatible Materials

Several products are involved in the whole process to achieve a targeted strength of waterproofing, each with specific properties, where the products used may be solvent, oil-based, or water-soluble. These products do not permanently bond well together or with other materials when used in combination. Certain products might have to be applied first or later in the process after settling the first one. For example, the wrong combination of primer and membrane can result in debonding, which, in turn, results in the membrane with blisters, losing its adhesive properties and creating leaks in the seams that will ultimately allow moisture to penetrate the structure. There are many choices available in the market that have waterproofing capabilities. Nevertheless, these are often used for specific purposes, scenarios, and environments. Thus, when misused, this is where waterproofing issues arise.

Not working with professionals

Faulty execution & inadequate supervision are the faults that may reduce the durability, usefulness, or strength of a construction worker. They are the unacceptable quality aspects of a project which can be identified and rectified in the early stages. Hence defective execution by the contractors or workers and inadequate supervision by the engineers may also be the reason for waterproofing failure. It’s always advised to go for a certified and experienced contractor. Inexperienced contractors often try to cut costs and use inferior materials that are not up to the mark, which fails the overall quality of the structure.

Detailing at critical areas

Most building surfaces are subjected to defects like voids, unevenness, surface hair cracks, etc., due to inadequate construction practices. They need to be safeguarded by adequate coverings, slopings to make them impervious. Such areas are closely detected to identify critical spots, which may lead to serious waterproofing failures. Critical junction joints of vertical and horizontal surfaces need to be enveloped with a waterproof membrane. The inadequate practice of waterproof membrane application may result in poor bonding with surfaces; hence occurrences of blistering and cracking of membrane will lead to the failure of the entire waterproof system. The applied waterproof membrane should be flexible enough to withstand the structural movement due to expansion and contraction.