Check out our guide on how to resolve wall seepage!
Every construction professional must have already needed to know how to resolve a wall seep. After all, this is one of the most common pathological manifestations in all types of projects, from residential to commercial. However, the solution is not always simple, requiring prevention and correction actions.
This problem not only compromises the aesthetics of the building, but also causes important structural problems if a measure is not taken quickly. In addition, they may reduce the comfort of construction users, who will be subject to an excessively humid environment. If mold hits the area, it can cause respiratory diseases, such as asthma and allergic rhinitis.
For these reasons, we have prepared an article to let you know how to protect your project from infiltration. Follow it to the end!
How to identify the infiltrations and the extent of the damage?
Generally, people discover the seepage after the first signs of damage occur, such as:
- stains and irregularities on the walls;
- coating plastering;
- ink displacement;
- formation of water droplets on the surface, among others.
In some cases, it is possible that more serious consequences have already occurred and a wider reform is necessary.
Construction companies, in particular, must be aware of this, as infiltrations are often silent and are installed at a very slow pace. Then, they deliver a seemingly perfect design to the clients, but the defects start to appear shortly after use. This is a cause of significant dissatisfaction and should be avoided.
In the case of construction companies, it is possible to make an early detection with the use of infrared thermography sensors. Humid areas have a different temperature than normal regions.
We cannot perceive with our senses, but the equipment can. With this, you can do quality control. Renovation professionals can also use them to identify the extent of damage and avoid breaking large wall extensions.
What are the main causes and ways to prevent infiltration?
Infiltration is usually not the problem itself, but consequences of larger ones. Let's look at the main ones below.
Pipeline rupture
When a pipe through which liquids pass breaks, a leak may start. If it is small, it is possible that the waterproofing of the wall be able to avoid infiltration. However, if it is extensive, there will be a significant amount of liquid, making it necessary to break the entire tube path to find the location and make the replacement.
Tile breakage or loosening
A very common cause is the displacement of roof parts. As a result, rainwater seeps into the slab and penetrates through the structure. That's what we call weather humidity. In this regard, the main preventive action is the flexible or semi-flexible waterproofing of the slab with appropriate, high-quality materials.
Poorly done coating and covering
It occurs mainly in flats and storey buildings. Even if there isn't a leak, bath water can seep through the floor. To do this, it is necessary to use semi-flexible or flexible waterproofing agent in the humid and wet areas of the apartments.
Fissures or Trincas on the facades
Possible structural problems in the outdoor area can open cracks that bring the accumulation of water to more permeable materials, such as bricks. In order to avoid this problem, waterproofing of facades it's an excellent prevention strategy. This type of waterproofing provides the necessary protection so that the facade structure does not absorb water and transmits moisture into the rooms.
Poorly executed foundation
If the underpinning If buildings are not done with proper planning and execution, moisture from the soil can penetrate the floor through capillarity process. The main forms of prevention, in this sense, are the correct calculation of the depth of the foundation and the use of quality and correctly dosed rigid waterproofing agents on the mortar and the concrete used.
How to solve wall seepage?
If you haven't adopted the appropriate prevention strategies, you're probably already experiencing the problems of infiltration. So, you need to take a few steps to fix it.
- identify the cause of the problem and take direct action to correct it. It's no use trying to make amends and the famous “gambiarras”. You have to go to the root: if it's the piping, replace the part or the entire system if it's bad. If it's the waterproofing with low-quality material, replace the plastering and the waterproofing of the entire wall by a new one;
- the second step is to remove all the paint and the plastering from the region hit by humidity until you see the brickwork;
- Look for crack or break spots and apply locally waterproofing agents or sealants;
- So, it's time to prepare the Chapisco, which must contain a good correctly dosed additive. Strictly follow the manufacturer's recommendations;
- Once the chapisco is dry, it's time to plaster it with a mortar with additives such as waterproofing agents;
- the finish can be done with ordinary paint, with waterproofing paints or another coating preferred by the customer.
What is the role of waterproofing in the fight against infiltration?
Waterproof surfaces and structures are certainly the most important strategy to prevent infiltration. However, it is not enough to use any material or make an incorrect preparation to “save”. It is necessary to find a manufacturer/supplier with high-tech products, since, in recent years, engineering has developed much more efficient materials to prevent moisture in buildings.
Next, we will see how waterproofing can be implemented at each stage of a project.
Planning
You must identify all wet areas (subject to the formation of water slides for longer) and wettable areas (they do not accumulate sheets, but are exposed to splashes) and plan the type of waterproofing used in each one: rigid, semiflexible and flexible. The first two are made on surfaces with little thermal expansion, while the last is for regions subject to cracks and fissures due to expansion or movement.
Outturn
Application of waterproofing additives to masses, such as concrete, plaster and the mortar. On surfaces, you can use the blankets, the inks and the membranes.
Use
Once users are already using it, you can use the techniques we explained earlier.
By following these tips, you already know exactly how to solve wall seeps by going directly to the root of the problem. This type of pathology requires a quick and precise solution instead of “tricks” and “tricks”. Otherwise, your customers will be dissatisfied.
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