How to Waterproof Your Roof or Terrace During Construction

Terrace or Roof Waterproofing

The open terrace or the roof of your home is directly exposed to the heat of the sun and rains. The water entering inside the concrete of the slab reaches the reinforcement steel. The oxygen thus carried to the steel reacts to form oxides of iron that gives rust.

In this process, the reinforcement steel expands in volume and puts pressure in the surrounding concrete. This gives more room for cracks in the concrete.

As a result, more leakage and the cracks and leakages grow exponentially.

Once the leakage in the roof slab starts it becomes very difficult to repair. The problem becomes recurring and expenses of repairing become higher and higher.

Hence, it is most wise to go for a waterproofing treatment for your roof during the construction phase only. The cost of waterproofing at the construction stage is nominal. But ignoring this very important activity may be very expensive in future.

How to Waterproof Your Roof or Terrace During Construction

You may adopt a twofold step to waterproof your roof or terrace.

Integral Waterproofing

Membrane waterproofing

We will discuss the products Asian Paints Ltd offers here. We will find out what other companies offer in other blogs.

Integral Waterproofing - SmartCare Vitalia Neo from Asian Paints is a good option. 

This product may be used in a wet concrete mix.

The dosage of the red coloured liquid is mentioned in the pack. About 200 ml of the liquid chemical is to be added per 50 Kg bag of cement.

This is effective with M-sand (Manufactured sand) also.

Note that slight overdose of the chemical does not have any adverse effect.

For best result, you may follow the instructions of mixing mentioned on the pack.

The product comes in pack sizes of 200 ml, 1 ltr, 5 ltr, 10 ltr and 20 ltr.

While buying check that the pack is not older than 2 years from the date of manufacture.

SmartCare Vitalia Neo not only meets the requirement of IS 2645 for water permeability but is also compliant with IS 9103 for water reduction in concrete.

The product is lead-free and is water-based.

Some other benefits of SmartCare Vitalia Neo are

Imparts higher compressive strength 

Mixes easily with wet concrete/mortar

Resist corrosion of Reinforcement steel 

Now your slab concrete is in itself become a waterproof structure.

Membrane waterproofing - Smartcare Damp Proof from Asian Paints

Even after integral waterproofing, there might be certain points that may pose some chances of water seepage. To counter this and to have a long term benefit you should apply a membrane waterproofing.

Before applying you need to clean the surface thoroughly. This you can do by scrubbing the surface with a brush, grinder wheel, water jet. You should check that there is no loose particles and dust left.

Remember not to apply the coating in excessive heat or during rains. You need to ensure that the applied coating is not exposed to rain till 4 hours from the time of application.

You need to mix 3 parts of the liquid product with 1 part of clean water and stir well. The mixed liquid is to be applied on the cleaned surface with a roller or a brush in the same direction.

After the whole surface is covered in this manner with one coat let it dry for at least 4 hours.

After that, you can apply another coat of the liquid in the direction perpendicular to the previously applied direction. Let it dry for another 4 hours.

You can apply on the whole floor of the roof slab and extent till the top of the parapet. Ensure that no area is left out.

After the full application process, you will find a rubber-like soft layer been deposited. This is the waterproof membrane. This is an elastomeric resilient acrylic polymer and reinforced with polyester fibres for excellent elongation and tensile properties. Upon curing, it forms a thick, seamless, durable membrane.

Be careful that this membrane is not damaged by sharp objects. A protective coating of geotextiles, tile or simple cement mortar application may be applied so that the coating is not damaged.

Put your comments on how do you see waterproofing activity during the construction phase itself. Do you prefer to get it done during construction or you prefer to do it after some time has elapsed after construction.