Waterproofing Tips to Prepare Your Home for the Monsoon Season

The monsoon provides a welcome break from the heat. However, it also brings a familiar concern for many home owners. Water begins to seep through the terrace, damp patches develop on walls, and ceiling stains begin to grow.

Many of these issues do not develop overnight. They develop months prior as a thin crack, a clogged drain, or a joint that has dried out. By the time you notice them, the damage has already occurred inside your home.

This is why waterproofing should be checked before the rains, not after the first leak. A little inspection and timely repair can save you from significant damage to your property.

So, how do you prepare your home? 

In this guide, we will walk you through five simple steps: check the terrace, clear the drains, look for early damp, seal the joints, and select the correct product for each surface.

What Is Waterproofing?

Waterproofing is simply preventing water from entering a surface. In a home, this is accomplished through the use of coatings, sealants, and repairs that protect roofs, walls, bathrooms, and other concrete areas.

Water rarely remains where it enters. A small crack on the terrace can allow water to seep into the slab and travel along it. Weeks later, it appears as a stain on the ceiling below.

Indian homes have an additional challenge. Concrete expands and contracts as it heats up during the day and cools down at night. This expansion and contraction can cause even small cracks to expand over time. Therefore, the best time to waterproof is prior to the monsoon. 

Tips to Ensure A Good Waterproofing Check For Your Property

1. Check the Terrace Properly

The terrace receives the most sun and the most rain. Therefore, of all the home waterproofing tips, this one requires the most time.

During dry weather, walk around the terrace and look for hairline cracks, flaking or chalky coating, and loose plaster along the parapet.

Also, look for low spots. If water remains in one corner for hours after a rain shower, the surface has a dip and that needs to be addressed first. It is also helpful to note how old the current coating is.