How to Choose the Best Waterproofing Solution for Societies
Waterproofing solutions for societies become crucial as water seepage remains one of the biggest causes of building damage. Your property faces both internal and external deterioration without proper protection. Damaged rooftops, blocked gutters, peeling paint and mold growth
signal that your building needs immediate waterproofing.
Quality terrace waterproofing can add 10-15 years to your building’s life by stopping
moisture decay and steel corrosion. Mumbai’s residential buildings don’t deal very well
with terrace leakage problems. The cost of waterproofing is nowhere near as expensive as
fixing water damage later. Damaged plaster repairs, fresh paint jobs and electrical repairs
can drain substantially more money than preventive waterproofing.
This piece will guide you to understand waterproofing basics, identify your building’s
requirements and select the right protection solution that lasts years.
Understanding the Need for Waterproofing in Housing Societies
Water damage poses systemic problems to housing societies whatever their age, location, or
value. The impact goes way beyond the reach and influence of simple cosmetic issues.
Water seeping into reinforced concrete guides severe structural problems. It corrodes steel
reinforcements and this eventually causes spalling and cracking. Buildings without proper
waterproofing solutions for societies can lose decades of life expectancy. The right waterproofing can add 25-50 years to a structure’s lifespan compared to unprotected buildings.
Environmental damage hits terraces and external walls the hardest. Temperature changes
make even tiny unnoticed cracks expand and contract. These cracks become entry points
for moisture that slowly weakens your building’s foundation. Water pooling on terraces and
blocked rainwater pipes need quick action as they become serious problems.
Poor waterproofing creates health risks that go beyond structural damage. Constant
moisture creates perfect conditions for mold and mildew. These harm indoor air quality and
trigger breathing problems, allergies, and other health issues. Research shows that
conditions like SARS have strong connections to leakage and seepage problems in homes.
Money matters paint an equally worrying picture. Waterproofing costs only make up 2-5%
of total construction expenses. Yet bad waterproofing causes almost 80% of all
construction-related issues. To cite an instance, see how a single burst pipe in a high-rise
building caused INR 421 million in damages and forced over 50 residents out of their homes
for three months.
Legal precedents show that the whole society shares responsibility for waterproofing
common areas like terraces, not just top-floor residents. So society management
committees must treat waterproofing as everything in maintenance or redevelopment
work. This protects both the building’s structure and residents’ health.
Importance of Waterproofing in Societies
Waterproofing is essential for housing societies because it safeguards their buildings from structural damage caused by water seepage, leakage, and moisture build-up. If waterproofing is not correctly done and maintained, concrete structures will face steel corrosion, cracking and spalling which leads to significant reduction in the life of the building. Inadequate waterproofing leads to poor air quality and can cause health risks due to mold growth and dampness inside of houses, causing respiratory problems for residents. Most common waterproofing areas (terraces and basements) are owned by societies, and hence the management must manage appropriate waterproofing and maintenance collectively as owners. Proper expenditure on waterproofing earlier, when first built, will save societies a significant amount in future repairs, and helps maintain or increase valuation of their property, and ensures residents will feel comfortable and safe in their homes for years to come.
How to Identify the Right Waterproofing Needs
Early water damage detection plays a significant role in your housing society’s
waterproofing. You can prevent structural damage by spotting problems early and fixing
them right away.
Start by getting into your property’s visible signs of water infiltration. Water stains on walls
and ceilings show up as yellow-brown marks. Here are some clear warning signs:
| Signs | Description |
| Peeling paint or wallpaper | Moisture includes the loss of adhesion, resulting in bubbling and peeling. |
| Swelling or warping in walls/floors | Moisture absorbs into the wood or drywall causing it to swell and warp. |
| Visible mold growth or musty smells | Content moisture with little to no ventilation to develop into mold growth. |
| Cracks to exterior plaster/foundation | Material deteriorated due to water getting in, where ultimately you can see damage to the outside. |
| Efflorescence | Chalky white deposits left behind by any salts left over from an absorbed moisture when it seeps through/found in masonry. |
Water damage isn’t always easy to spot. Water can leak in hidden places like inside the
walls, or under the floor, which can likely go unnoticed unless severe damage happens,
warns waterproofing experts. A sudden spike in water bills might point to hidden leaks.
Press against any suspicious wall areas during your inspection. Soft or spongy drywall
points to hidden moisture issues. Check the gaps between partition walls and structural
elements like beams and columns – water often sneaks in through these spots.
The timing of waterproofing checks makes a big difference. Cracks and damages can be
viewed easily during summers, as the heat exposes them. Summer is also the best time to fix
the cracks, as the heat helps with sealing and adhesion.
Your terrace needs a complete surface check for cracks, clogged drains, and worn-out brick-
bat koba. External walls should be checked for plant growth, which usually signals moisture
problems.
Finding the exact source requires knowing if leaks happen year-round or under specific
conditions. Track potential causes like rising sub-soil water through capillary action, faulty
plumbing lines, or structural gaps. Quick problem identification helps choose the right waterproofing solutions. This approach saves money on repairs and keeps your society’s structure sound for years.
Types of Waterproofing Solutions and Their Suitability
You need the right waterproofing solutions for societies. This depends on the treatment
area, weather conditions, and your budget. You need to understand the available systems
and where they work best.
Structural Waterproofing Systems
Professional standards describe three main approaches to structural waterproofing. Type A
(Barrier Protection) uses a separate waterproofing membrane that goes inside or outside
the structure. Basements, foundations, and retaining walls in housing societies benefit from
this system because it’s flexible to install. Type B (Structurally Integral Protection) adds
waterproofing right into the structure. It uses reinforced concrete with watertight additives
and works great for underground parking areas that need to last. Type C (Drained
Protection) takes a different approach. Instead of stopping water completely, it manages
water flow with cavity drainage systems and pumps. This makes it perfect for residential
basements where water pressure causes problems.
Liquid-Applied Membrane Solutions
Housing societies now prefer liquid-applied membranes (LAM) because they’re so versatile. These coatings create a seamless layer that fills cracks and gaps. They work well with
complex roof details and penetrations. Polyurethane-based LAMs handle cracks well and
resist UV damage, which makes them great for exposed terraces with leakage issues.
Acrylic-based membranes are affordable options for roof renovations. Cementitious
waterproofing suits internal wet areas like bathrooms.
Bituminous and Crystalline Solutions
Modified bituminous membranes protect areas that face constant moisture. APP (Atactic
Polypropylene) modified membranes can handle high temperatures (exceeding 120°C)
while staying flexible in cold weather. This makes them ideal for foundation walls and
terraces.
Crystalline waterproofing solutions for societies creates a lasting impression. It forms insoluble crystals in concrete pores that seal existing hairline cracks. The technology reactivates whenever water appears, which protects swimming pools and water tanks in your society for years to come.
These waterproofing solutions tackle specific challenges that housing societies face. They
keep structures safe and residents comfortable through all seasons.
Society Management System by NoBrokerHood
A society management system such as NoBrokerHood can help to facilitate waterproofing solutions through improved scheduling and conveniently documenting maintenance and repair requests from residents and their followup with vendors. Society committees can register when they become aware of the structural issues caused by water, log any updates that they receive from professionals during their investigation, and use photos to digitally document the quality of the work for resident reviews. This systematized process will improve timelines associated with getting things done and will mitigate damage and complications caused by water exposure to the building. This allows residents the long-term pleasure of calling their building home.
| Society Accounting System |
| Apartment Management Software |
| Visitor Management System |
| Parking Management System |
| Housing Society |
| Boom Barrier |
| EV Charging in Apartment |
| CCTV Cameras for Apartments |
| Solar Panel |
FAQ’s
Q1. What are the best waterproofing treatments for housing societies?
The best waterproofing treatments for housing societies are liquid-applied membranes, cementitious coatings, and polyurethane-based treatments. Choosing the best one will depend on the specific location being treated, whether it is a terrace or basement slab, or vertical, and some situational factors like environmental conditions, long-term considerations, and costs.
Q2. How do I determine waterproofing needs in my housing society?
Pay attention to signs of water damage, such as stains, mold, PMS, peeling paint, and cracks in the external plaster. Be thorough in your inspection process, and don’t wait until autumn to find the cracks that are revealed in summer. Build into your inspection process detailed inspection of various locations like terraces, external walls, and plumbing systems, and be aware of unexplained increases in monthly water bills which may suggest leaks.
Q3. Why is waterproofing important for housing societies?
Waterproofing is important for housing societies because it addresses structural damage and extends the lifespan of the building by 10-15 years, while addressing potential health risks from mold growth if the problem is ignored. Paying for waterproofing makes sense versus spending more for large repairs if a water damage problem arises.
Q4. Who is liable for waterproofing in a housing society?
Liability for waterproofing common areas, such as terraces, rests with the society as a whole rather than with its individual residents. Society management committees should treat waterproofing as an unavoidable element of maintenance work to safeguard the structural integrity of the building, and more importantly, the health of its residents.
Q5. When is a good time for waterproofing inspection and work?
Summer is the best time for waterproofing inspection and work. The heat makes it much easier to see cracks and damage by drying things out, while the warm weather promotes sealing and adhesion during the repair process. This allows much more effective waterproofing treatment.