Waterproofing New Homes: A Checklist for Homeowners

India’s diverse geography leads to a wide range of weather conditions and climates across the country. These extreme weather conditions make the protection for your home necessary. As a homeowner, it is crucial to give equal significance to waterproofing, alongside site selection, foundation stability, and construction materials, to ensure long-lasting structural integrity and comfort.

In this article, we will provide a detailed waterproofing checklist for homeowners to consider while constructing a new house.

Waterproofing Checklist for New Homes

Ensuring your home is strong, protected, and durable, starts with having a detailed waterproofing plan in place. Here is a checklist for your new house. 

Foundation and Basement

• Waterproof membrane application: Apply a high-quality membrane to the exterior of the foundation walls.
• Drainage system installation: Ensure proper drainage to prevent water accumulation around the foundation.
• Sump pump installation: Consider a sump pump for areas prone to flooding.
• Crack repair: Address any cracks in the foundation before applying waterproofing.

Walls and Roof

• Exterior wall coating: Apply a waterproof coating or sealant to prevent moisture penetration.
• Roof waterproofing: Choose a suitable roofing material with adequate waterproofing properties.
• Flashing installation: Ensure proper installation of flashing around windows, doors, chimneys, and other roof penetrations.

Bathrooms and Kitchens

• Waterproof membranes: Install waterproof membranes on bathroom and kitchen floors and walls.
• Shower and tub enclosures: Use high-quality seals and caulk to prevent water leakage.
• Plumbing connections: Check all plumbing connections for leaks and ensure proper sealing to maintain effective waterproofing in bathrooms and kitchens.

Waterproofing Checklist for Existing Homes

Identifying and addressing potential water entry points is crucial for protecting your home. Here’s a checklist to guide your inspection:

Exterior

• Roof: Before applying a waterproof roof coating, inspect for damaged shingles, missing tiles, or worn-out flashing. Check gutters and downspouts for clogs or damage.
• Foundation: Look for cracks, gaps, or signs of moisture around the foundation walls. Inspect for proper grading to direct water away from the foundation.
• Windows and Doors: Check for worn-out weatherstripping, gaps, or cracks around windows and doors.
• Sidewalls: Examine exterior walls for cracks, peeling paint, or signs of water damage.

Interior

• Basement/Crawl Space: Inspect for cracks, spalling, or worn-out waterproofing layers. Ensure the roof drainage system, including gutters and downspouts, is free of clogs or damage.
• Bathrooms and Kitchens: Look for leaks around plumbing fixtures, showers, tubs, and sinks. Check for signs of water damage on ceilings and walls.
• Attics: Inspect for signs of water damage on insulation, wood framing, or roofing materials.

Along with all the waterproofing solutions, it is also important to ensure proper ventilation in areas prone to moisture buildup, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.  Ventilation helps to evaporate moisture trapped within the waterproofing layers promoting indoor air quality. It also reduces the likelihood of condensation, which can damage surfaces and promote mold growth. Any waterproofing materials require proper airflow to cure effectively. Inadequate ventilation can compromise the waterproofing system’s durability. 

We hope this checklist will help homeowners in keeping their home strong and durable from all kinds of weather conditions. Seeking professional help will ensure that all aspects of waterproofing and ventilation are handled correctly, providing long-term protection for your property. Neglecting anything from this checklist can compromise the hard work that has been put into the other elements while waterproofing. 

Sunanda Global is the best waterproofing company in India with cutting-edge research labs and tech centers in Mumbai’s industrial hub with top-notch analytical tools. We offer a variety of products for your home waterproofing needs, such as polyurethane coatings, epoxy paint, tile adhesive, and waterproofing admixtures. As you plan your next construction project, remember that investing in quality waterproofing services is investing in your property’s future. Contact Sunanda Global today for all your waterproofing requirements.

Ishita Manjrekar