Seepages – Silently Eroding Property Value

Seepage is a very common problem which the majority of Indian Households must have had experienced at some point of time. The damage caused by seepage of water is almost irreparable and has to be cured every season through repainting. However, troubles of water seepage in walls could be avoided if proper precautions are taken during the construction. This will not just save a lot of money but will also keep the structural strength of your construction intact. 

Seepage in wall may be because of the use of inferior raw materials during construction or not taking the water proofing measures seriously during the construction.  As the external walls of the concrete structure are exposed to the weather, prolonged contact with the rainwater can lead to cracks in the outer covering, giving way to water and moisture seepage in wall. This seepage in wall makes the walls damp. If seepage in the walls is not treated in time, this dampness seeps into the interiors, ruining the wall paint.

The moisture and dampness due to seepage can result in fungal and bacterial growth which in turn could cause various allergies and other health-related problems to the occupants of the home. Ensuring that your home is free from any possible leakage and dampness has become one of the most important factors to understand and attend.

Here is everything you need to know about seepage in wall and how to stop water leakage from walls in India?

Possible reasons for seepage

• It can happen due to faulty internal plumbing:
  
  • Leaky drainage pipes or plumbing fittings at home
  • Outflow in the water supply pipes
  • A leakage in the neighbouring property’s internal plumbing (e.g. – Leakage from Bathroom or Kitchen on the Floor Above.)
    
• If a gap exists between the walls of your home and the neighbouring building, this would also cause water to seep through.
  
• Water dampness and seepage happens when the exterior walls are not plastered properly or due to the use of poor-quality plastering materials. And seepage can also happen through exterior walls from gaps around window frame.
  
• Seepage of water through floor tiles in bathrooms/kitchens of floor/flat/ terrace above.
  
• Poor waterproofing at the time of construction.

Tips to Prevent Seepage

• Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom to ensure proper ventilation. This is to expel the moisture from the interiors and prevent seepage in wall.
  
• Avoid drying laundry indoors, as it creates a lot of moisture within the home. You can also use dehumidifiers, to remove the moisture from the air thus preventing water seepage in wall.
  
• Avoid painting the wall during winters, as this can create a lot of dampness inside the walls and result in water seepage in wall. Always opt for painting tasks when you can keep the doors and windows open.
  
• Always make sure that the steam created inside the kitchen is expelled in the shortest possible time, to avoid dampness on the walls which may result in water seeping through the wall.
  
• Ensure the window frame inclination enables overflowing rainwater to drain out and not lead to water seepage on the walls. Waterproof the windows before the monsoon. Rubber, foam and vinyl are used as weatherstrips on windows. Choose a material that works best for your window material.
  
• Keep houseplants as they help in removing moisture from the air. These plants reduce humidity and are air purifiers that help to improve indoor air quality.

Most of the painters or other vendors usually fix the problem of seepage/leakage/wall paint peel off or dampness on the wall simply by applying waterproofing solutions on the affected areas and repainting it again with the paint. This is indeed one of the most common mistakes done to solve the seepage problem of home/property as it will solve the issue temporarily and the problem will occur soon again after a few days. Reason is the root cause of seepage/moisture-related problem has not been fixed well. The very first step to solve the seepage/leakage problem is to find the source of the problem in the property. By employing thermal imaging technology, the source of seepage problem can be found out without damaging the property and can save you from – The Silent Killer.