Simple 5 Things to Check Before Waterproofing Your Building

In India, we all know water finds its own way—sometimes through pipes, sometimes through our ceilings. Waterproofing is not just about applying a chemical coating; it’s about protecting your building, your money, and frankly, your peace of mind.

At Buildcon, after working across infrastructure-level project factories, basements, high-rise towers, and even old bungalows, we’ve seen one thing clearly: most waterproofing failures don’t happen because of the chemical, but because of ignoring the basics.

Here are the top 5 things you must check before starting waterproofing:

1. Understand the Type of Waterproofing Your Building Needs

Not all buildings need the same type of waterproofing. Depending on your building’s structure, location, and intended use, the requirements for waterproofing will vary. Understanding the right type is crucial to success.

What Type of Waterproofing Is Best for Your Building

External walls: In coastal or high-rainfall areas, water-repellant and elastomeric coatings work best.
Basement waterproofing → Requires membranes or various types of grouts, depending on how much water pressure is on the structure.
Roof waterproofing: Roofs take maximum beating from sun and rain. Systems like liquid-applied membranes, PU coatings, or TPO sheets work best and are to be decided accordingly.

The mistake many asset owners make: “One chemical for all problems.” Sadly, it doesn’t work that way, like depending on a top bollywood star to be the guarantor of all waterproofing performance.

2. Check the Building’s Health First

Before applying a waterproofing system, inspect for cracks, seepage, or weak plaster.

Cracks in the foundation or slab? Seal them first.
Signs of dampness on walls? Identify the source (plumbing vs. seepage).
Old repairs? Many times, previous patchwork becomes the new weak point.

Waterproofing over a damaged surface is like painting over rust—it looks fine for a while, but soon the problem resurfaces.

3. Evaluate the Building’s Drainage System

Even the best chemical won’t survive if water keeps collecting at the same spot.

Check slopes → Roofs, terraces, and podiums must be sloped correctly.
Gutters & downpipes → Keep them unclogged; choked drains are the #1 cause of terrace leaks.
Basement areas → French drains or sump pumps may be required in high water table zones.

Rule of thumb: If water has no way out, it will find its way in.

4. Choose the Right Waterproofing Materials

Every area of your building needs the right product, not just the “popular” one.

Polyurethane coatings → Perfect for exposed roofs with foot traffic.
Cementitious systems → Work well in wet areas like bathrooms, basements, and water tanks.
Other Liquid membranes → Flexible and seamless for terraces.

Final Thought

Waterproofing is not an expense—it’s an insurance policy for your building. If you get the basics right (type, surface preparation, drainage, materials, and right applicator), you’ll save yourself from years of headaches, damp walls, and irate tenants.

Need expert advice for your project? Our team at Buildcon can inspect, suggest, and execute the right waterproofing system for your site. Contact us here and let’s protect your building the smart way.

FAQs

Q1. How long does waterproofing last?
A good system can last 10–15 years, depending on quality and maintenance.

Q2. Can it be done during monsoon?
Light rains, yes. Heavy rains, no—because curing gets disturbed. Plan in advance.

Q3. Is it costly?
Well, actually never. Cheaper than repairing seepage, swollen plaster, or replacing damaged interiors.