Water seepage is one of the most common concerns in Indian homes. The structural stability of a house may be jeopardised if water seeps through the slabs, beams, or columns on a regular basis. When water comes in contact with steel of the RCC and corrodes it, it results in weakening of the structure. Seepage happens when water penetrates the walls, causing ugly stains, mould development, and structural damage. Identifying the source of wall seepage is critical for successful treatment and prevention. This article investigates the causes of water seepage, its effects and wall seepage solutions to help in keeping your house safe and dry.
What is Water Seepage?
Seepage is the gradual movement of water or other liquids through cracks in walls, floors, ceilings or other building surfaces which results in water leakage. Over time, this seemingly minor condition might worsen, causing considerable property damage. Water seepage occurs when water seeps through a wall during a rainstorm or when water enters the wall through small cracks.
Common Causes of Water Seepage:
To effectively combat water seepage in walls and other surfaces, it is critical to identify the root causes. There are several factors that might cause wall seepage:
- Defective Waterproofing:
Waterproofing is a preventive technique used during construction to keep water out. Water can infiltrate through walls and foundations if waterproofing is not properly done or if it is defective. Waterproofing walls during the construction can help minimize water seepage.
- Leaky or Faulty Plumbing System:
Leaky pipes inside walls frequently cause water seepage. Leaking pipes within walls can go unnoticed for long periods of time, causing water to seep into other parts of the building. Water leaking from a wall promotes moisture and mould growth. Water seepage might also occur due to fractures in your bathroom fixtures, faulty pipes, incorrect plumbing, or leaking taps. Filling these cracks and having the pipes assessed as soon as possible will help to prevent further damage.
- Moisture build-up:
Walls can suffer from water seepage when a room has high humidity and lacks proper ventilation. This explains why bathroom and small kitchen walls face the highest risk of water seepage.
- Cracks in Walls and Foundations:
Cracks in walls and foundations contribute significantly to wall seepage. Cracks can occur as a result of foundation settling, soil movement, thermal expansion or shrinkage, or poor construction techniques. Water can easily pass through these cracks, causing water seepage in walls.
- Heavy Rains or Flooding:
In places with heavy rainfall or flooding, structures are more prone to seepage. Excess rainwater can collect around the foundation, and if the drainage system is inadequate, the water may permeate the walls and flooring.
- Poor Ground Drainage:
Poor drainage can lead to water seepage around a building. When water does not drain away from the structure, it may collect at the foundation. This raises the likelihood of water leaking in walls and flooring.
Effects of Water Seepage
Water seepage can be detrimental to both the structure of a building and the health of its occupants. Some of the major effects of water seepage include:
- Structural Damage:
Water seepage has a big impact on buildings. It can ruin walls, ceilings, and foundations. Over time, this moisture makes them weak and cracks occur. The reinforcement inside concrete starts to rust when it comes in contact with water. This weakens the structure. In the worst cases, structural collapse can occur.
- Mould & Mildew Growth:
Damp surroundings encourage the formation of mould and mildew. Water leaking from walls causes wet areas in which fungi can grow very rapidly, which results in poor indoor air quality. Prolonged exposure to mould can lead to health problems, particularly respiratory problems for the residents.
- Peeling of Paint:
Wall seepage makes paint and wallpaper come off. It can also make bubbles in paint or paint discolouration. Efflorescence is also caused due to water seepage. It happens when water dissolves salts present in the wall, which then rise to the surface when the water evaporates.
- Unpleasant Odours:
Water seepage may result in unpleasant odours in areas where moisture has accumulated. This can make living spaces uncomfortable and is often the result of the development of mould or dampness within the walls.
Wall Seepage Solutions:
There are various wall seepage solutions available, such as:
- Fixing Leaky Pipes:
If the water seepage is caused by a leaking pipe, the first step is to locate and repair the leak. This may include opening up walls or floors to gain access to the pipes and then replacing or sealing any damaged areas.
- Improving Drainage:
Proper drainage around the building is critical to preventing water from gathering near the foundation. This can include installing or upgrading gutters, downspouts, and drainage systems to divert water away from the building.
- Waterproofing Walls:
Waterproof coatings or sealants are one of the most effective ways to keep water out of walls. Applying water-repellent coatings to walls or roofs that are exposed to rain can reduce the occurrence of seepage. Consider using a waterproof coating or membrane on the inner walls of existing buildings. These wall seepage solutions create a protective layer on the outer surface, preventing water from reaching the walls. Also ensure that the joints are sealed properly.
- Seal Cracks:
Sealing cracks in walls and foundations is critical to preventing water seepage in walls. To seal any minor cracks, use high-quality sealant, cement, wall putty, or, in rare cases, epoxy resin. Larger cracks may necessitate the assistance of a specialist to achieve a complete and effective repair.
- Maintaining Roof and Gutter Systems.
Proper roof maintenance is essential to preventing water seepage. Ensure that roofs are in good shape, with no cracks or gaps, and that gutters are free of obstructions.
How to Prevent Water Seepage:
These are some common measures to prevent water seepage:
- To reduce the likelihood of water seepage during construction, use high-quality, water-resistant materials.
- Inspect plumbing, roofing, and drainage systems on a regular basis to detect any problems early on.
- Ensure that rooms are properly ventilated to avoid moisture build-up.
- Pipelines and other rooftop installations should be cleaned on a regular basis to avoid water accumulation on the roof.
- Rapid repair of emerging cracks using cement, mortar, or other water-resistant materials.
- Long-term protection from seepage can be achieved using modern procedures like grunting, pressure grouting, or damp-proofing installation.
Water seepage may appear to be a minor issue initially, but it can cause serious damage to the house if not addressed immediately. Homeowners and builders may safeguard their houses from the effects of water seepage by knowing its causes and applying proper preventive and corrective measures. Application of proper wall seepage solutions, efficient drainage, and building system maintenance are essential for preventing and resolving water seepage problems.