Guide to waterproofing: From an architect’s table

Ar. Rakesh Bhosale shares his insights on the best waterproofing practices and the importance of preventive waterproofing during the monsoon. He also highlights why waterproofing is important to provide alerts before damage escalates.

Can you walk us through the best practices to be followed while waterproofing to ensure building structural integrity?
Effective waterproofing is vital for preserving a building’s structural integrity. The first step is site assessment, where the soil type, water table, and climate are the important factors to be considered. Following this, surfaces should be prepared by properly cleaning and repairing all defects. It is important to choose waterproofing systems based on the area affected—for example, membranes or crystalline admixtures for basements, liquid coatings for roofs, and cementitious systems for wet areas. Then, the material will be applied according to manufacturer guidelines, ensuring proper finishes with reinforced joints. The next steps are installing proper drainage, sealing all joints and pipe entries, and conducting quality checks like ponding and adhesion tests post-application. Finally, it is important to schedule regular inspections, especially after monsoon, and address damage promptly.

What are your recommendations to avoid premature waterproofing remediation?
Avoiding early waterproofing failures starts with strategic planning and smart choices. The first step begins with a detailed assessment of the site and the structural demands. Then, select the area-specific waterproofing system—what works for a terrace may not suit a basement! Investing in premium-grade materials and ensuring that surfaces are solid, clean, and ready before application is important. Pay close attention to design details like slopes and outlets to prevent stagnant water. The next step is reinforcing junctions, edges, and penetrations to guard against weak spots. Application alone will not address the issue. It is important to ensure quality at every stage. Lastly, treating waterproofing as a living system is crucial—regular check-ups, especially post-monsoon, help detect wear early. Addressing issues proactively ensures long-term performance and saves on costly repairs.

Please highlight the importance of preventive waterproofing and other methods to avoid structural debilitation during monsoon.
Preventive waterproofing is essential, especially in high-rise and commercial structures, to protect structural components, reduce maintenance costs, and ensure occupant safety. During monsoons, water ingress can corrode steel, damage interiors, and disrupt operations. Key aspects of preventive waterproofing include using high-performance membranes on terraces and podiums; integral waterproofing for concrete; detailed sealing at joints and service entries; engineering drainage systems for capacity, with emergency overflows; and integrating smart building tech—like IoT-based moisture sensors and automated sump monitoring—to detect leaks or rising water levels in real-time. Regular drone inspections for façades and roof systems further enhance early detection.

How is nanotechnology redefining waterproofing, and what are the advantages of using nanotech coatings over traditional methods?
Nanotech coatings penetrate surfaces at a microscopic level, forming invisible, breathable barriers that repel water without sealing the pores entirely. Unlike traditional waterproofing systems that rely on thick membranes or physical layering, nanocoatings chemically bond with surfaces, offering superior adhesion and long-term durability. Benefits include resistance to UV degradation, algae and fungus prevention, and self-cleaning surfaces—thanks to their hydrophobic properties. These coatings are also easier to apply, require less material, and preserve the aesthetics of architectural elements, making them ideal for glass, concrete, stone, and heritage surfaces. Nanotechnology offers a high-performance, low-maintenance, and sustainable waterproofing solution in modern and restoration projects.

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