Damp proofing is the best seepage solution

Is painting walls the best seepage solution?

Seepage is a common issue faced by a majority of houses in India. It leads to issues like damp patches, blisters and bubbled paint on the walls and ceiling of the room.
Some common causes for seepage are:
1. Presence of natural underground moisture which rises up

2. External leakage like the water tank or from internal walls and floors of the bathroom

3. Faulty internal plumbing

4. Improper waterproofing and damp proofing at the time of construction

5. Water getting accumulated on roofs

If the seepage persists for a long time, it leads to fungus and mould development on walls which could, in turn, paves way for allergies and respiratory issues.

Blistering of walls due to seepage

Mould formation on walls due to seepage

Some measures that are commonly used as seepage solutions depending on the cause of seepage include

Sealing gaps between windows and door frames
Painting the walls with waterproofing paints
Building cavity walls to block seepage from exterior to interior wall
Shot concrete or pressure grouts (cementation) to prevent external wall seepages
Cleaning of drain pipes, rainwater pipes, and accumulated water on roofs for smooth passage of water
Installing a damp proof course (DPC) to act as a barrier between outside moisture and internal walls

Repainting walls is often the first and the most obvious solution that comes to mind when seepage occurs. But it’s not the right solution as it won’t stop seepage from occurring again. Even if high-quality waterproofing paints containing silicon are used, they may not be able to block the seepage if not treated from the source. Seepage on walls is often an issue caused due to poor construction quality and improper dampproofing measures while building the structure.

As a long-term seepage solution, the building needs to have proper damp proofing. The main purpose of damp proofing is to stop the transfer of moisture through the masonry and concrete by simply blocking its entry.

While the issue of seepage arises after construction, awareness about damp proofing measures taken at the initial stage helps prevent the issue later on. An architect or an interior designer must take into consideration the long-term hazards and plan for a robust damp proofing solution right at the start. It is also imperative to understand the difference between waterproofing and damp proofing before deciding the course of action.

Most buildings that we live in today, have been constructed using traditional waterproofing and damp proofing techniques but with advancements in technology and increased structural demands, new age methods have evolved that have ease of application and better protection for the structure and ultimately healthy living conditions for inhabitants.

The technological advancement in the DPC arena is DampX, which is designed to provide a permanent solution against rising damp in walls from the plinth or floor level, into the structure. This method uses a robust and highly flexible elastomeric membrane to create a physical barrier under the walls that stops moisture from rising through capillary action. It becomes monolithic with structure, is easy and quick to install and has the longest life within its category.