Why does waterproofing need to be checked before buying a new house?

If you're asking any of the below questions to yourself, you have reached the right page.

Is waterproofing necessary for my new house?
How to check if waterproofing is done in my new house?
Which all places should builders have waterproofed before selling the house?

A home is a place where you want to have happy moments. It is a place to relax, raise kids and have fun with friends. Waterproofing just makes sure that the silent participant, your house, in all these fun activities remain safe and strong.

In India, under Real Estate Regulation Act (RERA) 2016, developers need to provide a warranty of at least 5 years for any structural failure arising from the poor quality of material or poor workmanship. This law is there to protect the consumer and they are obligated to be compensated for the failure of the new home. Read here about RERA in detail.

We have made a comprehensive list of places that needs to be waterproofed. Let us start from the bottom of the house to the top:

1. Foundation of the structure:

Any structure which stands on the ground tends to seep water from it via capillary action. Foundation elements (Plinth and columns) are the first to face the incoming water from the ground.

Via foundation water seeps into the wall of the house and creates dampness inside. Dampness ruins expensive paintwork as well as the furniture. Water can be stopped from the ground by 2 steps.

A. Adding integral chemicals while making a mortar.

B. By applying protective bituminous coatings on the foundation element.

Whenever you buy a house, do inquire about how they have waterproofed the foundation. If the seller has no clue about it, then he/she probably didn't do it. You can also contact an external expert to audit the status of waterproofing the house. Give us a call.

2. Basement:

Most houses in India don't have a basement concept, but if you tumble upon any which has, then please be serious about the health of the basement.

The basement is like the second line of defense after the foundation. Poor basement waterproofing leads to heavy dampness, mold infestation, and bad odor.

The easiest way to waterproof the basement is by applying cementitious coating on the floor. To check the health of the basement, just see if you feel any dampness in the air. Also, see if the walls are peeling off due to efflorescence.

3. Bathroom and Balcony:

Bathrooms in the house get all the water every day. If your bathroom is not treated with waterproofing, then it will ruin the adjacent walls and ceiling of the floor underneath.

Bathrooms can be waterproofed by using cementitious coatings and grouting. Also, if there is any furniture inside the bathroom, then it needs to be protected using PU polish.

Balcony although won't be receiving water like bathrooms but receives both rain and sunlight, which results in cracks and dampness.

4. Kitchen:

The kitchen frequents water while cooking and dishes. Ensure the furniture of your kitchen is not soft and soggy. Also, do ask if it is made with waterproof adhesives.

Do check the integrity of the joints of the kitchen marbles. You don't want to inherit poorly glued marble and water-vulnerable cupboards.

5. Roof/Terrace:

The roof is the protector of your home from Rain and Sunlight. A protected roof increases the life of your house and prevents any chance of leakages from the ceiling & walls.

Image 2: Waterproofing of a terrace using PU Coating

Check if the Terrace slab has received any of the below treatments:

A. Acrylic Coating.

B. Tile with epoxy grouting.

C. Bituminous treatment.

Most Indian households take terraces for granted. Do check if there is no waterlogging on the terrace. Water accumulation leads to water percolating inside the house.

6. External Walls:

Exterior Walls act like a shield for your house from sunlight and rain. It receives a lot of stress and if not protected by water-repellent paint, it may lead to dampness inside and cracks.

Do not settle for a basic paint job that does not have any water repelling properties. It may look shiny if the paint job is done recently but within a couple of years, you will need to redo the paint job.