Is your home monsoon ready?

Concrete surfaces expand and contract on being exposed to high temperatures during sweltering Indian summers. However, such a surface is not stretchable and flexible. The exteriors and roofs of structures, therefore, develop cracks due to repeated exposure to such harsh weather. Over a period, these cracks make it easier for water to enter causing leakage.

Such leakages and cracks not only affect the aesthetics of the building/household but also weaken the structure, leading to falling slabs, persistent dampness on walls, water seepage, weakening of pillars and collapsing walls.

Water leakages are a huge concern for any home/structure and remain ignored until the monsoons arrive and till you hear the pitter-patter of raindrops not only on the window but also inside your bedroom, kitchen or living room.

The monsoon rains are a welcome relief from the summer heat but they can also wreak havoc for homeowners during the season and can have repercussions post the season as well. Homeowners are often left to unwillingly get used to water leaking through various areas of the home, whether it is the bathroom or the kitchen on the floor above or external walls or even the terrace.

Health concerns

Did you know that water seepage does not only mean having to live with damp, dripping walls and ceilings? It can have a more insidious effect on your health with a slew of respiratory problems.

Adverse health consequences are not caused by leakages themselves but damp atmosphere that include mould, asbestos and mildew.

The one visible effect of water seepage is the growth of mould on the damp patches in your home or office. This dark and musty-smelling mould aggravates and can even causing asthma, especially in young children. Mould can also be a health hazard if you have a weak immune system, and cause allergies and even a lung inflammation called Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis.

Fix the leak

Treating leakages are often looked upon as a colossal task. According to a research done by Pidilite Industries Ltd, an overwhelming 65% of customers opt for cure rather than prevention and therefore wait for water related problem to worsen before taking any action.

But the right time to carry out waterproofing is before monsoon. This not only protects the structure from extreme rainfall but also saves cost of recurrent repairs and hassles in terms of breakage and weakening of structure.

Listed below are a few simple checks to keep your house or building free from leakages and also ensure the long lasting finesse of the paint:

• The home will be fully protected only when all possible water entry areas are completely waterproofed. So, along with the roof it is important to waterproof five surfaces of water ingress which are below ground, wet areas, roof, concrete water tanks and external walls.

• All broken drainage pipes should be replaced/repaired to ensure no water spill over happens.

• Replace pipes every 10 years to prevent leakage and seepage from worn out pipes.

• Use longer pipes for water outflow and to avoid water spattering on the walls.

• Look out for interval dampness and remove leaking pipes immediately.

• Ensure that balconies are not used for drying clothes. Designate some areas as ‘dry’ areas where the water can drip on ceramic tiles.

• Do away with the plant growth from drainage channels and wall surfaces.

• Channel water away from balcony flower pots and use trays to keep them. Use tiles near the ground surface of the walls to avoid water stains.

• The water coming from terrace garden should be channelised properly to avoid seeping inside the slab.

• All broken plasters and cracks should be repaired and modified.

• Prune trees with overhanging branches. Clean the roof and other horizontal surfaces to avoid water pooling.

• Post monsoon, check for algae (black spots) on your exterior walls. Wash the walls with water.

Water leakage and seepage might seem like temporary inconveniences, but they carry grave consequences.

As a homeowner, make sure you check for the smallest signs of damage in your home and take prompt action to get the best possible solutions for your seepages issues. The benefits far outweigh the costs.

This monsoon, let us reject damp walls and ceilings, cracks and leakages.

(The writer is Global CEO, Construction Chemical division, Pidilite Industries Ltd)