Waterproofing Mistakes: Common Errors to Avoid When Building a House

1. Not Planning to Waterproof during Construction

One of the most common mistakes is to only think of water-proofing when leakage happens. Waterp-roofing should be thought about at the design and construction stage. Do not work until water exposed areas are identified.

The key areas include:

• Terrace & Roof
• Bathrooms
• Balconies
• Kitchen
• Cellars
• Outer walls
• Fundaments
• Water tanks
• Utility areas

Planning early allows the construction team to choose the right water-proofing methods and materials.

2. Selecting Poor Quality Waterproofing Materials

Problems can be caused in the long run by using cheap or unsuitable water-proofing materials. Choose material according to the location and type of water exposure.

For instance, the water-proofing for a terrace may require a different system than the water-proofing for a bathroom.

The selection should take into account:

• Condition of surface
• Exposure to water
• Weather
• Construction type
• Expected longevity
• Compatibility with other materials

You can get help to choose a suitable system from a professional water-proofing contractor or an experienced construction company.

3. Inadequate Surface Preparation

Water-proofing products only work if the surface they’re applied to has been properly prepared. A dusty, uneven, cracked or contaminated surface may compromise the effectiveness of a water-proofing coating applied over it.

Before application, the surface should normally be:

• Clean
• Dry or prepared as suitable for the product
• Absence of loose particles
• Properly fixed
• Even and well-finished

Before the application of the waterproofing system, repair cracks, gaps and damaged areas.

4. Cracks and Joints are Ignored

Small cracks and construction joints can act as channels for water. Water-proofing coatings over the top are not always the answer to the problem underneath.

Of special interest are the following points:

• Wall-floor junctions
• Joints in building
• Pipe outlets
• Expansion joint
• Corners
• Concrete cracks
• Gaps around fittings

Often these areas need to be properly detailed and incorporated into the overall water-proofing solution.

5. Improper Bathroom Waterproofing

Bathrooms are always exposed to water and water-proofing of bathrooms is very important. Common mistakes include only water-proofing the visible floor and neglecting other vulnerable areas.

Bathroom waterproofing should properly consider:

• Floor space
• Wall-floor junctions
• Shower Rooms
• Pipe penetrations;
• Drainage holes
• Corners
• Wet area walls

The water-proofing system should also be coordinated with the plumbing and tile work.

6. Bad Terrace Waterproofing

The terrace is open to the rain, sun and changes of temperature. Bad water-proofing of the terrace can cause water to enter the ceiling or top floors.

Common mistakes are:

• Incorrect surface slope
• Blocked drainage outfalls.
• Bad pipework
• Poor surface preparation
• Wrong application Not considering cracks

Standing water also increases the risk of leakage, so proper drainage is even more important.

7. Improper drainage slope

Water-proofing alone cannot make up for poor drainage. Water should be channeled away to suitable outlets and not left on the surface.

A well designed slope will:

• Drain rain water
• Do not let water stagnate
• Keep water repellent layer
• Minimize leakage risks
• Increase terrace performance

Hence, drainage planning should be considered along with the water-proofing system during roof water-proofing.

8. Wrong Use, Waterproofing

Even the best water-proofing material can fail, if not applied properly.

Mistakes in the application may include:

• Wrong mixing ratios
• Irregular coating thickness
• Not enough jackets
• Improper curing
• Using products under wrong conditions
• Not adhering to manufacturer instructions

The water-proofing system shall be installed in accordance with the product specifications and project requirements.

9. Plumbing Leakage Ignored

Not all water leakage problems are due to failed water-proofing. Dampness can also be caused by leaking pipes, joints, traps and plumbing fixtures. Before water-proofing repairs are made, the source of the moisture should be identified.

Check it:

• Water pipes
• Drainage pipes
• Bathroom fixtures
• Traps in the floor
• Kitchen plumbing
• Storage tanks
• Connections for external plumbing

Identify the real source and prevent unnecessary water-proofing work.

10. Bypassing Waterproofing Tests

A common mistake is to finish water-proofing without verifying that the system is working properly. Testing can identify problems before tiles, plaster, paint or other finishes are applied.

Depending on the area and system, appropriate tests may be performed for:

• Bathroom floors Terraces
• Water tanks
• Wet areas
• Water connectors
• Early detection allows for repairs and can prevent damage to finished surfaces.

11. Too Soon Covering Waterproofing

Water-proofing systems may require a specific period for curing or drying before the next layer is applied. If you cover the surface too soon it will affect the performance.

The construction team needs to wait for the recommended time and permit for proper curing before proceeding with the:

• Tiling
• Screeding
• Plastering
• Flooring
• Protective layers

Rushing this stage can create problems you could avoid.

12. Choosing a Contractor with Limited Experience

Water-proofing requires proper preparation, material selection, application and detailing. Going for the lowest price first could mean hiring an inexperienced contractor who will cost you later for repairs.

When choosing a contractor or construction company look for:

• Water-proofing experience
• Projects completed
• Material Specs
• Working method
• Test procedures
• Terms of Service or Disclaimers
• General experience on projects

Good workmanship is a key element of a successful water-proofing system.

13. Ignoring Exterior Walls

Water ingress can also come from external walls, particularly during heavy rain on walls.

Consider external wall waterproofing if there is:

• Cracks
• leaky holes
• Exterior finishes with damage
• Water ingress
• Spaces around windows
• Joints badly treated

Proper exterior maintenance and waterproofing treatments can help minimize moisture penetration.

14. Leakage Handling: Internal only

Some homeowners, when water appears on an interior wall or ceiling, just put paint on it, or use an internal water-proofing coating. This can temporarily hide the visible issue, but not the cause.

For example, a stain on the ceiling could be caused by:

• A bathroom with a leak up
• Water ingress on a terrace
• Plumbing Leaks
• Cracks
• Bad Drainage

Cosmetic finishing work should not be performed until the source is identified and repaired.