Step-by-Step Wall Waterproofing Guide – Say Goodbye to Damp Walls

Wall leaks are one of the common issues that most homeowners encounter. Some of these leaks can be severe and lead to high repair costs, mold development, and wall weakening. However, one simple fix is towaterproof your walls. 

This easy fix ensures that your walls are safe from water damage and is also a budget-friendly solution. In this article, we’ll run through a detailed procedure for making your wall waterproof so your house remains safe from moisture damage.

Understanding Wall Seepage and Its Impact

Wall seepage is the water or moisture entering the walls that may result in the appearance of the wet patches, discoloration of the surfaces, and peeling paint. It is a really common situation, especially in the areas with heavy rains and high level of humidity.

Without timely repair, wall seepage can cause the following problems:

● Unpleasant Odors

The humidity locked within the walls forms a moldy smell that not only diminishes indoor air quality but is also the main factor in making indoor spaces unattractive and unhealthy for living.

● Paint Peeling and Wall Cracks

The continuous presence of moisture gives way to the paint and wall bond to be broken, which thereby causes wall paint to produce air pockets, bubble up, or be removed entirely. Subsequently, there may be cracks growing on the wall surface, leading to more severe problems.

● Mold and Mildew Buildup

Damp conditions promote fungi, which not only lead to the appearance of unattractive black spots and can be hazardous to people's health. The constant exposure to the fungal contamination may bring trouble with the human respiratory system, especially to children and older people.

● Weakened Wall Structure

When moisture penetrates the very center of the wall- say, concrete walls-the material deteriorates little by little, while the wall gets weaker and thus the loading capacity is reduced.

What Causes Wall Seepage?

The most common causes of wall seepage are well known. The first and foremost step in preventing wall seepage is getting familiar with the underlying causes. Here are some of the most common causes:

● Poor Wall Sealing During Construction

If the walls were built without the necessary sealing, water can simply get into them through the joints and the edges. The situation is even worse in the case of low-quality sealing that has not been done in the best possible way and at the very beginning of the construction.

● Cracks and Porous Surfaces in Cement Walls

In the walls of a building, due to the movement of heating and cooling or the normal settling of the building, there will be slightly visible micro-cracks which can be the direct way for water to be channeled in. It is in nature that cement is porous material, and that also goes that the water is able to get in through the cracks unless it is sealed properly.

● Faulty or Missing External Drainage Systems

If there isn’t any drainage in place, the water from the rain or the runoff will accumulate next to the outermost walls of the building, which will then lead to the hydrostatic pressure being higher than normal. Thus, water will be forced to penetrate through the not yet sealed surfaces and cracks in basements, or even ground floors.

● Groundwater Rising Through the Foundation

Water originating from the ground underneath a building through foundation, in a process known as capillary action, can rise into the walls of the building and form wet areas and white salt spots of efflorescence. Capillary action is more common in older buildings and buildings without using DPC, Damp Proof Course.

● Damaged or Old Waterproofing Layers

As one of the factors, weather plays a big role in the degradation of waterproofing materials, such as waterproofing layers and paints. Without paint or without using a DPC that is working properly, water can keep going into the basement and up the walls. A worse scenario is that the waterproofing system has been damaged, which if it has the capability of being retracted, the sources of the recurring seepage will disappear.

Solution: Properly Select the Necessary Waterproofing Compound

To solve these problems adequately, it will be majorly dependent on the high-quality waterproofing materials that are suitable for the particular area of the problem, such as cement wall waterproofing, interior wall waterproofing, or external waterproofing. These may be the waterproof primers, coatings, sealants, or even the specific waterproof paints that can make walls impermeable to moisture.

Interior vs. Exterior Wall Waterproofing – Key Differences

H2: How To Waterproof Your Walls From Moisture

Wall waterproofing is a rather simple process and can be done with just a few simple steps and a few materials. We’ve divided each step into smaller sections, making it easier for you to understand and follow. Now, let’s start with the first step:

1. Inspect Your Walls

The first process is toassess the walls for any damage. Seek for any form of opening, includingcracks, holes, and any other tear that may be present on the wall’s surface.

Also, you need to look for signs of moisture, like stains or discoloration of paint, mold growth, or even the smell of mold. If you notice even the hint of a problem, do not ignore it because it will worsen over time.

2. Clean and Prepare the Walls

You will have to prepare the walls before the waterproofing process to ensure a proper seal. If you have loose paint or wallpaper anywhere in the room, strip it off and apply wall filler over the holes in the walls.

Sand the surface using sandpaper and apply a primer to improve the holding capacity of the waterproofing solution.

3.Waterproofing Coating for Walls

Materials for waterproofing walls come in many forms, and while most of them are effective in what they are designed to do, each has its pros and cons. Some common options for waterproofing material include:

• Liquid Solutions: They are available as a solution that can easily be brushed, rolled, or sprayed on the wall surface. They are commonly used in spaces that are hard to reach and easy to install. You can opt forNanosil, which is a strong waterproof material.

• Paint-on waterproofing: These include latex and oil-based paints. They can be applied directly to the wall, are long-lasting, and form a rigid concrete shield against water.

• Sheet membranes: These membranes form a hard shield and are effective for waterproofing. They are made of multiple materials, including rubber, PVC, bitumen, or any material that can be glued onto the wall surface.

While purchasing these wall waterproofing materials, consult the salesperson on each material's benefits and also factor in your budget. 

4. Use Wall WaterproofingMaterial

When you have decided on which material to use for waterproofing, the next step is to apply it to your walls. It is preferable to useMicronsi 30C to form a strong base and have a strong waterproof sealant.

Always read the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines for applying the chosen product and use the correct equipment and methods.

If you want to useNanosil, apply it as a liquid using a paintbrush or roller or as a waterproof sealant along with the paint you use. Make sure to use the correct rollers as mentioned in the instructions.

5. Let the Waterproofing Material Dry

The waterproofing materials will vary in how long it takes for the material to dry and harden. Always read the instructions on the packet or manual and wait for the walls to dry. 

One coat of waterproofing should be enough to stop any minor leaks. However, it is suggested that two coats should be applied for optimal waterproofing. 

6. Seal Cracks and Joints

Once the waterproofing has dried, it is essential to ensure that there are no crevices in the face of the wall or any seams that can produce openings through which water can seep into the wall. If you find any such cracks or seams, use a sealant to seal them. You can also refer to aprofessional crack filling service for a premium finish.

Silicone or polyurethane sealants are usually used with waterproofing materials since they are flexible and water-resistant.

7. Install Drainage Systems

To enhance the waterproofing of your walls, you can also install a drainage system to help channel water away from the wall surface. 

This could include laying a French drain, putting up a gutter and downpipe system, or any other drainage system that helps you direct water away from your walls.

8. Monitoring and Maintenance 

The last preventive measure is ensuring proper maintenance is always done to keep the walls waterproof and away from moisture. 

Occasionally analyze your walls and see if there are indications of damage; if ever there is, repaint the waterproofing material on the walls. Also, remember to clean your gutters and other drainage systems and ensure no water accumulation around your house walls

Best Waterproofing Methods for Indian Homes

Waterproofing in India is a scenario with the fact that due to the varying types of climates in the country between Mumbai, where we have annual monsoons, and Rajasthan, which faces a period of dry heat, the whole industry is not able to find the answer. The reality is that the methods used to keep the houses dry, such as the system of cutting, application of different paints, damp proofing, or the removal of leisure specially from the wall, don't work. It can even be read from the illustration that they don't only remove the dampness but also add wetness wherein the new ones would be working even worse than the ones that have been replaced. Actually, another problem that might occur is that of the usage of other waterproofing methods that are different from the chemical ones but rather are inorganic in nature as these will be durable and also be cheaper thus will make the final consumer happier while operating in the same environment.

Below are some common issues of waterproofing in Indian homes and how 20MCC’s super advanced waterproofing products resolve them:

Problem: Cracks between Walls and Water Seepage

Water problems always raise the start in a neat way which is always possible. Normally, it can start from the smallest of cracks on the walls. The seepage of water into the walls begins the entire problem that is interior walls or exterior walls; no one is spared, be those grape or green buildings, as the case may be. These cracks could be due to the building settling, the effect of some construction work on the building, or climate influence. Moreover, over time they keep recurring if there was no renovation, so, they become much larger than before, the house will become damp and the wall will be stained (even if all the other problems are solved) becoming a painting on the wall, mold growth will start, which will, in turn, cause the ladder to collapse, not to mention efflorescence, and salt spots on the walls.

As the morning light shone into the room, the moisture from last night detached from everyone's bodies and became visible as mist that was on the windows, so that when the warm air touched the air, it turned into liquid. In no time, this vapor literally converted into water even though the window was kept closed. The few drops were thus formed, and the same sunbeams of the sun made them a mirror and a reflection of what was going on the inside of the room. That move, therefore, was exactly the step that the coldness in the room needed and before we even had the time, it would become a problem none more.

Solution: Cracksil – Ultimate Wall Crack Sealer

Today, the problem of water seepage passing through the wall has completely disappeared because of the availability of advanced sealers and fixers in the field of construction materials. The beauty of Cracksil, it being simple, is in its ability to fill the wall cracks which are narrow, up to a 6mm width, and if it goes that way, the result will be just perfect. The canny combination of also utilizing the two factors just mentioned are what clearly contributed to the overwhelming success of Cracksil. So, at present, if rapid porous material of the construction is to be created, the idea is to allow it for possible use in cities that are now deprived of greenery and appear to be deadly traps in case of a natural calamity.

Key Benefits:

• Save your valuable time, effort, and other resources by using our premium quality products.

• The areas of the terraces, balconies, and exterior walls, which are affected by the heavy rainfall and strong winds, are the most common places where water penetrates. Leakage, dampness, peeling paint in the room, white powder deposits, and in the worst case even seepage into the interior are the most common symptoms of dampness in the wall due to water.

Key Benefits:

• An independent person can do the job - You will not need professional workers

• It goes deep and shields without harming the walls

• Does not allow terrace leakage, prevents growth of mold, and stops efflorescence

• Serves as a water-resistant and an anti-fungal coat

Best for: Rooftops, terraces, damp, and salt visible walls

Problem: Deep Water Penetration & Structural Damage

At times, water moving to a deeper level becomes an issue when it does not only stay on the surface of the materials but goes inside the concrete, wood, and stones, making the materials weak. Paint finishing or actually construction can be still be followed by this problem, particularly in the areas with long rainy seasons, or long, high temperatures.

Solution:

Nanosil – Waterproofing Technology

We honestly believe this is the perfect example of how human beings are changing our planet. Water can be turned into the most dangerous force on the planet, destroying your favourite places and breaking your heart at the same time. 

Key Benefits:

• Protection of the surface via the lotus-effected technology is significantly high

• Can be applied pre or post painting/construction

• It performs on concrete, wood, roof tiles, and others

• Protection that is lasting and invisible

Ideal for: Wooden furniture, roofs, porous walls

Why Choose 20MCC Waterproofing Products?

• Indian Conditioned – They are engineered to tackle tough Indian conditions, be it heavy rains or drought-prone areas.

• Whether they are for DIY or Professional use – The products are quite simple to apply, but they offer durable service.

• Supported by Professionals – Engineers, and waterproofing professionals have shown their trust in the company.

• Economical Yet High-Quality – It is the premium quality at a reasonable price.

Your walls not only hold your home but are also the defenders of the comfort and silence of your room. Let 20MCC be your trustworthy companion to protect them using the scientific technology of waterproofing.

FAQs – Wall and Roof Waterproofing

How often should I be waterproofing my walls and ceiling?

At the best position, the walls and ceilings should be waterproofed every 5-7 years so that it can be done taking into consideration all the other factors like local climate, building materials, and the condition of the walls. It is quite common that houses in the locality where humidity is high or in the place where there are frequent rains are to be monitored and are to be maintained almost every year more frequently than those found in dry regions. The protection that is often being strengthened, will be the shield that will rescue you from diverse problems like dampness, the wall cracks from the infiltration of seepage, and paint peeling. Tigersil and Nanosil mentioned above are the brands of products that have the property of being the permanent barrier from the disease that occurs time and again.

What treatment performs efficiently on waterproofing concrete roofs?

Concrete roofs are best worked upon by applying water-repellent chemical, which can travel deeper to the concrete to the smallest point and seal the pores making the route of the water virtually inaccessible. If your rooftop already has waterproofing, the best time to reapply for it would be with Tigersil, as it eliminates the capillary action that causes the waterproofing of the terrace to fail and also prevents salt leaching, mold growth, and still, the surface of the concrete will not suffer any damage. Nanosil is an additional option that has the capability of forming an invisible water-repellent film, therefore, no water will be able to penetrate into your room even during an intense monsoon season.

Can you waterproof painted walls?

Yes, quite obviously, painted walls can actually be made waterproof with high-tech substances such as Tigersil and Nanosil. No more old-fashioned wall remedies that involve the elimination of the old plaster are required. These specific solutions are also" DI-Y" which means that anyone can use them in a simple and comfortable way. They are also so good that when they penetrate not only the paint or the wall, but also the two, they transfer the molecular bond right through to the most inner penetrated location and that is why the penetration within the wall and the detachment of the paint will not be significant and the materials are very suitable for waterproofing after the paint.

What makes the water resistance stronger - interior or exterior waterproofing?

In the article, the writer compares the interior and exterior wall waterproofing, so he demonstrates that the value of each one of them is significant yet he especially favors the concept that exterior waterproofing is one of the key things. Employing this traverses the entire territory of defense since through its very existence it tries to impede the direct penetration of rainwater into the building, interior waterproofing on the other hand merely concentrates on the symptoms' eradication like getting wet spots or removing the molds. The most effective approach to achieve this is by using Cracksil on the cracks on the walls and applying Tigersil/Nanosil on the surface. Additionally, with this doubly enforced method, one not only cuts down on the occurrence of any leakage but also advances the shield on both levels.

Final Thoughts – Shield Your Home with Proper Waterproofing

Waterproofing is more like proactively maintaining the health of the house through better water management rather than a reversion of the MC Escher ways of water, where reason escalates the disaster. Cases similar to these are more of a preventable and homeowners don't do preventive maintenance in time, they lead to major repair expenses in the future. The bright side is that the sanitizing industry offers many high-quality products, and 20MCC leads the pack in terms of attractively priced goods with an easy application, and remarkable results simultaneously. The products can be applied to the wet areas where moisture is the real culprit like the wall cracks, condensing, or capillary action in the wall-plane.

The examples such as damp areas of the roof, the occurrence of wall paint falling off, or a wall that still remains damp give the reader an idea of the most India-relevant problems which are treated by Cracksil, Tigersil, and Nanosil. You can easily make an appointment with our experts, get the latest information on new waterproofing technologies, and get rid of the problem of contaminated walls here. You know, "sunlight is the best disinfectant," so protect your house from the elements now!