Water seepage is a persistent and costly problem in construction throughout the Delhi-NCR region, impacting both residential and commercial buildings. This is a particularly common problem because of the climate of the area, the high water table in many places, and typical building methods.

Causes of Water Seepage in Delhi-NCR

1. Monsoon and Thermal Stress: From sweltering summers to bitterly cold winters, the Delhi-NCR area is subject to drastic temperature fluctuations. As a result, building materials expand and contract, creating tiny cracks in foundations, walls, and roofs. During the intense and prolonged monsoon rains, these small cracks serve as simple entry points for water. The waterproofing systems of a building are under tremendous strain during this time due to the heavy rainfall.

2. High Water Table: The groundwater table is high in a large area of Delhi-NCR, especially in low-lying areas and along the Yamuna River. As a result, the basement walls and foundations experience hydrostatic pressure. This pressure can force water to seep through the concrete in the basement of the building if it is not properly waterproofed, which could result in mold growth, dampness, and even structural damage. To avoid this problem, the Delhi 2016 Unified Building Bye-Laws expressly require that basement floors and walls be waterproof.

3.Poor Building Techniques:

Inadequate Waterproofing: Using subpar waterproofing materials or applying them incorrectly during the building phase are common causes of seepage. Taking short cuts to save money is a common practice that leads to long-term issues.

Poor Drainage: When the land surrounding a building is not graded properly and there are no efficient drainage systems in place, like French drains, rainwater can collect and put pressure on the foundation, resulting in seepage.

Poor Plumbing: One of the main internal sources of seepage is leaks from plumbing pipes concealed under floors or inside walls. Water can also seep into walls and adjacent spaces due to poor seals around bathroom fixtures and tiles.

Consequences of Water Seepage

The effects of water seepage are far-reaching and can be severe:

Structural Damage: The steel reinforcement bars in concrete structures may corrode with time due to ongoing water intrusion. As a result, the building's framework becomes weaker, losing structural integrity and and potentially compromising its safety.

Aesthetic and Property Damage: Wet areas, brown or yellow water stains, peeling paint, and bubbling plaster are all obvious indicators of seepage. These problems damage the interior furnishings, flooring, and electrical wiring in addition to giving the building an unattractive appearance.

Health Risks: Mold and mildew thrive in the moist environment seepage creates. Residents may experience allergies, respiratory disorders, and other health problems as a result of these fungi's ability to release spores into the atmosphere.

Solutions and Remedial Measures

Water seepage must be addressed with a thorough, strategic approach that is adapted to the unique problems of a building.

Proactive Measures (New Construction):

Superior Waterproofing: Apply premium waterproofing materials to all wet areas, including roofs, basements, and foundations. This covers bituminous applications, cementitious coatings, and liquid membranes.

Appropriate Drainage: Make sure the site is sloped appropriately to divert rainfall away from the structure. To control groundwater, install subsurface drainage systems.

Integral Admixtures: During construction, crystalline admixtures added to the concrete mix can aid in capillary and pore sealing, forming a barrier that prevents water intrusion.

Remedial Measures (Existing Buildings):

Professional Inspection: Determining the seepage's precise source is the first step. Numerous businesses in Delhi-NCR provide professional services that use instruments like thermal imaging and moisture meters to find concealed leaks.

Crack Repair: Seal all visible cracks in the structure using specialized materials such as injection grouting with epoxy or polyurethane.

Plumbing Repairs: Fix any leaks right away, and re-grout and re-seal all joints in damp spaces like kitchens and bathrooms.

To address this issue,we provide a variety of waterproofing services and products, like Asian Paints and Dr. Fixit.

Waterproofing of the Exterior and Interior: Coat the impacted terraces and external walls with a waterproof layer. Once the leak's source has been addressed, a range of waterproof coatings and sealants can be applied to walls and floors to prevent internal seepage.