How to Repair Leaky Joints in Masonry Walls –

Determine defective joints through which water travels.Remove mortar from deteriorated joints to a depth of around 1.6cm, Fig.2.Clean joints with water to remove dust and dirt from both joints and bricks.When the wall is still damp, but with no visible water, repoint the joints with suitable mortar.Place the mortar tightly into the joint. The mortar should have a stiff consistency to take its place correctly. To reduce shrinkage, wait for 1 hour or more before the application of the mortar into the joints, Fig.3.After repointing, keep the masonry in a damp condition for 2 to 3 days. If the bricks are highly absorptive, they may contain a sufficient amount of water to aid materially in curing.Use grouting when less expensive treatment method is desired, but it is less effective, durable, water-resistant than the repointing technique.A grout consists of an equal quantity of Portland cement and sand.Wet the masonry wall sufficiently, and apply a thin coating of grout over the joints in the masonry when it is in a damp condition.As the grout gains heavy cream consistency, scrub it into the joint with a stiff bristle brush, and increase the apparent thickness of the masonry joints.Remove excess grout from smooth-textured brick with a damp sponge, before the grout hardens.Care should be taken not to remove grout from between the edges of the brick and the mortar joints.

Fig.2: Remove Mortar from the Joint Fig.3: Prepare Mortar Mix

What is the best water sealer for brick?

Selecting the Right Brick Seal – When it comes to selecting the finest masonry sealer for sealing stone, brick or concrete, it’s crucial to first understand the numerous types of sealers. Understanding the many forms of masonry sealers can help you determine which one is best for your project.

Do brick sealers work?

Bricks are commonly used to clad the walls of chimneys, homes and businesses. They are also a popular material for building stairs, steps, patios and sidewalks. Most brick masonry installations are held together with cement mortar between the bricks. This mortar is the “glue” that holds the whole structure together.

• Unfortunately mortar is also very porous, and will quickly absorb water and moisture.
• It is actually very common to see substantial amounts of water go completely through a brick wall or chimney and cause huge amounts of damage to the underlying walls, sheathing and insulation.
• Efflorescence is also a big problem on brick.

It is caused by moisture absorbing into the bricks and dissolving the natural salts and minerals inside. as the moisture evaporates from the surface, it then leaves the white powdered minerals behind. A brick sealer will greatly reduce water penetration and can often stop the effects of efflorescence completely.

• Sealing your brick is easy, simple and will also protect the color of your brick while stopping water penetration into the brick and mortar.
• Most brick sealing is done with a high performance penetrating sealer that seals and waterproofs while leaving a completely natural sheen and appearance.
• These products work 100% below the surface to protect from within.

They leave no film or coating on the surface, and will never flake or peel. Sealing Option 1: Penetrating Brick Sealers This is the type of sealer we recommend for most brick sealing applications. This type of sealer penetrates deep into the surface, sealing out water and contaminates.

• Penetrating sealants work 100% below the surface to protect your brick and mortar from within, while still remaining breathable.
• These sealers do not form a film or change the sheen of the surface.
• Some such as WB-75 and SB-100 leave a completely natural appearance, while others like Enhancer Shield provide color enhancement for more of that “wet look” many people desire.

These sealers do not become slippery when wet, and can never flake, peel or chip like film-forming sealers. These are very effective, long lasting and offer easy application and maintenance. The life-span and level of protection you get from this type of sealer will depend on the quality of the product you choose.

Penetrating sealers should never be applied over an existing sealer, unless the previous sealer was a similar and compatible penetrating sealer. Sealing Option 2: Wet Look Water Based Urethane Sealers We include this option only because some customers demand both a wet-look and gloss sealer for brick.

If you MUST HAVE a wet-look glossy product for your brick, this is our best recommendation. These urethanes are two-component products that chemically harden like an “epoxy” after you mix part:A and Part:B together. This makes them hard, durable and chemical resistant.

Urethanes are also UV stable and will never turn yellow due to UV exposure. Since these urethanes are also water-based, they offer an easy and safe application. So far, we have only found one of these urethanes that performs to our standards, Trident’s Hurricane CAT-5. CAT-5 comes in a concentrate form, applies easily by sprayer, is legal for sale in all 50 states and is compatible for use over many types of existing sealers.

To maintain protection and appearance, this sealer should have a maintenance coat every 3-4 years.

Can water seepage be fixed?

Wall dampness or seepage solution cannot be repaired just with putty or paint. When the seepage is really bad, it causes water to trip from the walls and ceiling. It cannot be fixed with putty and paint only. Seepage happens due to poor quality construction and lack of water proofing measures during house construction.

How do you fix brick without drilling?

Two ways to hang art on a brick wall without drilling holes Q: A couple of years ago, I had the drywall removed in a few rooms in my home to expose the brick walls behind it. I live in a late-19th-century rowhouse on Capitol Hill, and I absolutely love the new look.

1. I have a pretty extensive art collection, however, and I like to move the pieces around from time to time.
2. Now most of the pieces are just sitting around on the floor.
3. Is there a way to re-hang these pieces without drilling holes into the brick? A: Devices called brick clips or brick hangers allow people to hang pictures, mirrors and other objects on walls without drilling into the brick.

Two examples are Brick Clips by a company called Tuopu (10 for $14.99 on ) and OOK Brick Hangers (two for $2.48 at ). Hardware stores and home centers carry similar products with different names, especially in the lead-up to winter because the clips are often used to support strings of holiday lights.

1. The clips are designed to grip bricks where they project beyond the mortar.
2. Designs vary, but there is always a saw-toothed edge at the top and two metal tabs at the top or bottom that spring into place against the lip of an adjoining brick.
3. The clips are rated to support different weights up to 30 pounds, but if you need to hang something heavier, you can use two or more hangers.

A bigger issue is making sure the fasteners will work with the bricks in your wall. The fasteners are all labeled for the suitable brick height, because the saw-toothed and spring-fit grips won’t work if the bricks are too tall or short. And that’s not the only issue.

The bricks must have relatively square edges, and the mortar between bricks must be far enough back from the face of the brick. The Tuopu fasteners require a setback of one-eigth of an inch, according to the listing on Amazon. The OOK fasteners need at least a quarter of an inch, and preferably a bit more, said Al Marchetti, product manager for OOK, a brand owned by the Hillman Group.

The picture you sent shows numerous bricks with chipped edges and with mortar joints that appear to be close to the face of the bricks. So these fasteners might not grip your wall well, especially if you want to hang pictures in precise locations. They might work if you’re willing to hang pictures only where you can find bricks with intact edges on the top and bottom.

When a brick wall isn’t suitable for clip-on hangers, another option is OOK’s Plastic Hardwall Hangers (three for $2.39 at,) Each hook has three thin nails pre-started into the back, ready for you to tap into brick with a hammer. You’d have to test whether your bricks are soft enough to hammer into, but there’s a good chance they are.

Bricks used for walls are usually softer than the super-hard bricks suitable for outdoor paving, because those need to be fired at higher temperatures to make them less porous and therefore more frost-resistant. The nails used for the Hardwall Hangers are less than one-sixteenth of an inch in diameter, Marchetti said, so they don’t crack bricks and they don’t leave noticeable holes if you later decide to pry off a hook.

There is another alternative you may want to consider, especially because you want to change your artwork periodically: Install picture rail, a type of molding, usually around two inches deep, that runs horizontally across the wall. The top edge sticks out from the wall, creating a crevice where you can slip in a special clip that has a hook on the front to hold the wire on the back of a painting or mirror.

Before easy-to-patch drywall replaced lath-and-plaster as the standard wall finish, picture rail was a common part of the trim in living rooms and dining rooms because it allowed people to hang pictures wherever they wanted without having to hammer into the plaster, which could cause cracks.

• Traditional picture rail is wooden and often installed 12 to 20 inches below the ceiling.
• Especially in a room with a low ceiling, it can also go nearly against the ceiling or at the lower edge of crown molding.
• In Craftsman-style interiors, it usually runs at the same height as the upper edge of door and window trim, creating a unified look.

Today, there are also picture rails made of metal, which look especially good in interiors with modern styling. The website carries different styles of molding and picture hangers that work with them. Picture rail would need to be installed securely, which means fastening it to the bricks with nails or screws.

How do you fix brick without cement?

Home Improvement : Repair Loose Brick Fast Without Use of Mortar If you have decorative brickwork around your home, odds are that sooner or later you will have to deal with a recalcitrant brick that decides to let go of its mooring. Not only is this problem unsightly, but it can be dangerous if it occurs on a step or walkway.

The standard repair procedure of resetting the loose brick with new mortar mix does, of course, do the job, but can be a bit of a hassle. It is sometimes tough to remove the old mortar and can be tricky to mix the new material to the proper consistency. As a quick, easy alternative to the old method, try this technique.

The only material you will need is clear silicone sealant, available at any hardware store. First, make sure that the loose brick and its anchor point are both completely dry and swept free of any loose debris. Do not remove any old mortar that is still bonded to the bricks.

• Next, apply the silicone sealant to both the brick and the anchor point.
• Cover all contact surfaces with a “squiggly” line of material about one-quarter inch in diameter.
• Place the loose brick back into position.
• Check for proper alignment with the surrounding bricks.
• Once it looks right, apply pressure to compress the silicone sealant.

Wipe any excess sealant that squeezes from the joints with a rag. If you are working on a step or walkway, form an X with masking tape over the newly repaired brick to warn pedestrians not to step on it while it cures overnight. Once cured, the silicone sealant will form an incredibly strong, waterproof bond that is probably tougher than the original mortar compound.

What can I fill a hole in a brick wall with?

Using Caulk or Sealant – A simple way to repair a hole in brick is to use a silicone caulk or a sealant. You simply need to clean the area first, so that it’s free from dirt or brick dust. You can use a stiff brush to do this, or blast compressed air over the affected area.

Does Flex Seal work on brick?

How To Use Flex Seal Spray Put the phone down. Aren’t you tired of calling your repairman for every leak or break around the house? That gets expensive. Unless you don’t mind wasting thousands of dollars, there’s another way you can fix those pesky leaks without breaking the bank.

1. Is a liquid rubber sealant coating that’s perfect for almost any DIY project inside or outside your house.
2. Flex Seal can be used on almost every surface: wood, metal, tile, concrete, masonry, fabric, glass, plastic, aluminum, porcelain, drywall, rubber, cement, and vinyl.
3. Plus, it won’t sag or drip in the summer heat, and it won’t crack or peel in the winter cold.

It even prevents corrosion. There are many practical and creative ways to use Flex Seal. But what counts most is that you use it properly. Make sure to have all of the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.

How long does Thompson’s water seal last on brick?

FAQ Should I use Water Seal before plastering? No Water Seal should not be used before plastering or in any interior applications. Water Seal will not seal a porous surface or act as a bonding agent to increase the adhesion of plaster. Can I paint over Water Seal? No.

• The hydrophobic properties of Water Seal will negatively affect the adhesion of any paint applied over it.
• Can Water Seal be applied to painted surfaces? No.
• Water Seal can only be used on bare and uncoated brick, stone or concrete.
• How long will Water Seal last? If applied correctly, Water Seal will last up to 4 years.

This is dependent on conditions such as orientation of the wall and local climate. I’ve just applied Water Seal and after the first initial rainfall there is no evidence of beading, what’s gone wrong? Water Seal contains additives to reduce beading during application because of its water based formulation.

1. Allow the surface to weather, and after a few days beading will become apparent.
2. Can Water Seal be used on wood? Applying Water Seal will not damage wood, but the level of waterproofing protection will vary depending on the type of wood being treated.
3. For best results, we would recommend a dedicated preserver to protect exterior timber from rot.

Can interior walls be overpainted after the application of Stain Block Damp Seal? Yes you can paint or apply wallpaper over the wall however, you will need to leave the coating to dry for 8 hours before overpainting. Does Thompson’s Patio & Block Paving Seal change the colour of the stone? Patio & Block Paving Seal Natural finish will not change the colour of the stone.

Wet Look and Satin finishes are clear but the colour of the stone will darken after application, as the seal enhances the natural grain and colouring. We recommend testing a small inconspicuous area first with your chosen finish before application. Can Thompson’s Roof Seals be used on all types of roofs? All of our Roof Seal products can be used on pitched roofs, such as sheds and outbuildings.

They can be used on slates, tiles, felt and corrugated metal surfaces. Can chippings be replaced after the application of Thompson’s Roof Seals? No, there is a danger that the chippings will puncture the dried membrane leading to failure. What’s the maximum floor depth I can level using Thompson’s Floor Levelling Compounds on? Our Floor Levelling Compound can be used to level depths from 3 mm to 5 mm.

Latex Levelling Compound can be used to level depths from 3mm to 10mm. Deep Fill Floor Levelling Compound should be used for depths above 10mm Can I use Flexible Rapid Set Floor & Wall Tile Adhesive to bond ceramic floor tiles over an electric heating mat? Yes. The latex content in Flexible Rapid Set Floor & Wall Tile Adhesive gives enhanced strength, making it ideal for use over underfloor heating.

Existing underfloor heating should be turned off and cool before applying the adhesive. If you are installing new underfloor heating, our Latex Floor Levelling Compound should be used to embed the elements, and leave the surface level and ready for tiling.

1. Can I use Flexible Rapid Set Floor & Wall Tile Adhesive on exterior projects? Yes.
2. The water resistant formulation is suitable for both interior and exterior use.
3. Can I build up multi coats of Epoxy Patching Mortar? Yes.
4. The surface should be primed when any additional coats overlap onto weathered or porous areas.

How do you prepare Fast Set Cement? This product is supplied as a powder. Take the required quantity of powder and mix with water (see pack for mix ratios) This product should be mixed and applied within 20 minutes as mixing or applying once the cement is setting may impact the strength of the cement.

Can I use Powder and Liquid Cement Colour with lime mortar? Yes. Usage levels are based on a combination with OPC and may need to be adjusted. As with any mix, a small test batch should be made to check colour intensity. Can I brush Liquid Cement Colour on to concrete? No. Liquid Cement Colour is not designed to be applied as a top coat.

It should be used in the mix and bound into the hardened concrete. In what temperature can I use Chloride Free Frostproofer & Rapid Hardener? Chloride Free Frostproofer & Rapid Hardener can be used in the mix from -4⁰C and above. However, the temperature must be above +4⁰C to lay the concrete After using Concrete Dustproofer & Rapid Hardener can the surface be overpainted? No the surface will not accept a paint coating after application.

What will the surface look like after application of Concrete Dustproofer & Rapid Hardener? Concrete Dustproofer & Rapid Hardener dries clear, although it can give the surface a slightly darker appearance. Does a mortar need to set before SBR Waterproof Bonding Agent will resist freeze thaw cycles? Yes SBR Waterproof Bonding Agent will resist freeze thaw cycles in the set mortar, but it will not accelerate curing times.

Can SBR Waterproof Bonding Agent be applied in damp conditions? No, this product needs to be applied in dry conditions before it will become water resistant. Can Thompson’s Admixtures be used with all cements, not just Ordinary Portland Cement? Yes. Usage rates are based on a combination with OPC.

• When using other types of cement, their properties, including hardening rate, should be taken into account when considering addition rates.
• Can SBR Waterproof Bonding Agent be used as a primer prior to plastering and rendering? Yes, although the render or plaster should be applied onto the top coat of SBR whilst the SBR is still tacky.

Can Integral Waterproofer be used in a screed to act as a damp proof membrane? No. Integral Waterproofer is designed to improve water resistance in external masonry mortar and render. It is not suitable for use in damp proof courses. Can Acid Brick Cleaner be used on stone or tarmac? Yes.

Thompson’s Acid Brick Cleaner can be used to remove stains from brick, stone and tarmac. However, a small test area should be cleaned first to check for any surface damage or discolouration. Contact with calcareous stones (for example travertine and marble) should be avoided. Can Acid Brick Cleaner be used internally? Yes.

Acid Brick Cleaner is suitable for internal and external use. When working internally, care should be taken to ensure thorough rinsing after use. Metal work (including taps etc.) should be protected, as contact with the cleaner will cause corrosion. Can Acid Brick Cleaner be used on limestone or sandstone? No, the application of Acid Brick Cleaner on limestone or sandstone is not recommended as there is a risk that the acid in the cleaner will react with the stone and cause staining.

We would recommend Advanced Patio & Block Paving Cleaner for this application. If Multi Purpose Putty has skinned over in the tub is it still usable? Yes. If the putty under the skin is still a workable paste then it is still usable and the skin may be discarded. Does Multi Purpose Putty need to be over painted? Our Putty is available in Natural and Brown, but can be overpainted if required.

Can Butyl Glazing Compound be used to bed in double glazed units? Yes, but it must be used with Dow Corning 796 when installing sealed units to conform with the requirements of the following standard: BS: 8000: Part 7: 1990, Glass and Glazing Federation Manual Section 4.2 and NHBC Standard 6.7c July 1995.

Can you spray Thompson’s water seal on brick?

Thompson’s Water Seal, offers superb weather protection for bricks, mortar, stone & concrete. Its advanced silicone micro emulsion soaks in deep to provide long lasting protection against rain damage.

How long will brick sealer last?

– Q. Does it leave a finish? Emperor Masonry Creme does not alter the appearance of masonry at all. Some brick sealants create a ‘wet look’, which is not the case with this product.Q. Can you paint over masonry & brick sealers? In no way should you mix sealers/masonry creams with paints.

1. A masonry cream for example will repel moisture, meaning any paint that is applied on it will not adhere.
2. Further to this, if you apply a non-breathable paint over the top of a masonry cream, you will lose the water repellent and breathable properties.
3. Further to this, you cannot apply a masonry cream over the top of paint as it must be able to penetrate into the brick.

If you want to waterproof an exterior wall that has been previously painted or that you are planning to paint, opt for a waterproof masonry paint. Emperor Masonry Paint contains the same super hydrophobic technology as Emperor Masonry Creme, but in a coloured masonry paint.

• While it will not penetrate into the brick, it will still remain breathable and completely waterproof.Q.
• How long does brick sealer last? Many brick & masonry sealers have a lifespan of under 5 years, although first-hand accounts of using some products has indicated they can only last a matter of 12 months on occasion.

Masonry creams last between 10-25+ years depending on the one you opt for. Emperor Masonry Creme for example has a 25 year proven performance, although it is extremely likely to far exceed this which is why it comes with a lifetime guarantee.Q. How much masonry cream do I need? You need to know a few things when painting or coating an exterior wall; the coverage of the product, the area of the surface and the number of coats.

Masonry cream is a one-coat product, that in the case of Emperor Masonry Creme has a coverage of 3-5m² per litre. This makes it much easier to work out how much you will require when compared to paints that require multiple coats. On a property of 40m², you will expect to need roughly 10 litres of masonry cream.

We hope this guide has answered any questions you may have had regarding brick sealers & how to waterproof brick walls. If you have more questions, we are here to help with our full technical support from our in-house team of experts. Talk to one of our experts today or find out more about Emperor Paint products,

Should I seal my exposed brick wall?

Do you need to seal interior brick walls? – Sealing surfaces to prevent airborne dusting is important in commercial environments. It prevents dust from travelling through air conditioning systems contaminating electrical systems and the general working environment.

Soft historic brickwork typically sheds dust when a building dries during or after renovation. Sometimes this occurs slowly as the ambient temperature within the building increases. Dustproofing these soft friable surfaces stabilises surfaces preventing airborne particles. It is beneficial to seal any internal brick and masonry surface to prevent dusting and prevent staining.

It is also possible to slightly enhance the colour of some natural stone or soft brickwork.

What is the difference between seepage and leakage?

Identify the root cause first Jagvir Goyal Dampness, seepage or leakage of any sort in a wall or roof of the house is something that a house owner dreads the most. Remedies are available for these problems and locating the source of these is more important than plugging a leakage or covering seepage or dampness.

• In a three-part series on this most common problem in flats as well as in individual houses, we will be covering different aspects of this problem: Spot the difference First of all it is important to know the difference between leakage and seepage.
• Seepage doesn’t require any cracks or passage in walls or roof of the house.

It occurs when the wall or slab is porous and water appears on its surface by escaping through the wall or slab. Leakage occurs when there is a crack or hole in the wall or roof. So leakage occurs when water has a clear passage to pass through. In general, seepage leads to damp patches while leakage leads to drippings.

1. Causes: Leaking of a water supply pipe joint, crack in a sanitary pipe or leakage of its joint, blockage of a drainage pipe are common causes of appearance of damp patches on the walls.
2. Often, a rainwater pipe gets blocked and rain water finds its way into the porous brickwork of the wall through some hair line crack in the pipe or its not-so-water-tight joints.

Sometimes, the mouth of the rainwater pipe gets choked with dust or leaves or some debris on the roof. In that case, the rain water accumulates on the roof and finds its way into the slab through a broken grout in tile or stone joints in the terrace surface and appears on the ceiling.

In some cases, the water gets trapped on concrete slab surface below the terrace topping and then begins to drip through a crack or a fan hook. Such a problem, when not attended to for a long time, leads even to the corrosion of reinforcement in the slab. Areas : Wall areas containing water-supply pipes, rainwater pipes or sanitary pipes are the most prone to leakage or seepage of water.

Roof slab corners near the rainwater pipes are also common areas for these problems as water collects on the roof slab due to blockage of its entry to rain ater pipe. Dripping of water from a fan hook or a crack in the roof slab is also common. In such a case, locating the exact spot of the leakage takes the maimum time.

It is not necessary that the entry of water is exactly above the dripping point. Sometimes, water keeps accumulating in a hidden gap and starts dripping when sufficient pressure gets built while the terrace gives no signs of the point of its entry. Sunken slabs of toilets are also vulnerable areas from where leakages may happen.

Avoiding leakages : Prevention they say is better than cure. The same is applicable to the house also. The best remedy for avoiding leakages and seepages is to take extra care during construction of the house itself and eliminate all chances of occurrence of these by making susceptible areas water-proof.

The areas to be given special attention are the Basement; Damp Proof Course (DPC); sunken slabs, if any, water -supply pipes, sanitary pipes, rain water pipes, AC drain pipes, roof slab, parapet joints and floor joints with walls. Still, if leakage or seepage occurs somewhere in the house, the right method of stopping it is to locate the root cause and plugging it instead of simply treating the damp or dripping surface with some chemical as such treatment will give only temporary relief.

(Part II— Avoiding leakage and seepage in pipes and roof slab) This column is published fortnightly

Preventive measures Let us consider the various elements of the house and the preventive measures to be taken in each of them:

Basement: While constructing a basement, care has to be taken to build a damp-proof structure that doesn’t allow ingress of water. For it, the walls of the basement should be raised in Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) only. The concrete used in RCC should be M20 or of ratio 1:1.5:3 for cement, coarse sand and crushed stone.

Proper vertical and horizontal reinforcement should be provided on both faces of RCC walls to bear the vertical loads from the structure and the earth pressure on the outer face of walls to avoid any cracks in them. Water proofing compound should be added to all the concrete laid in basement foundation and walls.

The water proofing compound should be from a reputed company and shouldn’t have crossed expiry date. For a 50 kg cement bag, 1 to 1.5 kg of water proofing compound is required. It should be mixed in concrete as per directions of the supplier written on the container.

The joints in walls should be treated with acrylic polymer bonding agent mixed with cement and silica. The outer surface of RCC walls should be painted with two coats of water proofing epoxy paint. Such paints are better than bitumen as these become rubber-like on drying while bitumen turns hard. The basement flooring should include laying of double layer of polythene sheet over the compacted sand before laying RCC layer over it.12 mm thick thermocole sheet pieces should be inserted between the RCC layer and the basement walls all along the periphery of the basement area.

Damp Proof Course: The provision of a damp proof course (DPC) at plinth level of the house saves its walls from ‘rising dampness’ through capillary action as the bricks used in foundations are porous in nature. For house area, where RCC basement has not been provided and brick foundations have been raised, a 1.5-inch thick concrete Damp Proof Course (DPC) should be laid on foundation walls at plinth level.

The concrete used should be 1:1.5:3 and water proofing compound should be added to it. Only 10 mm size coarse aggregate should be used in the concrete in view of its small thickness. Its water content should be kept low to avoid flowing out of cement slurry. All external walls should be provided with vertical DPC on their inner side.

Vertical DPC is in 1:3 cement mortar and not in concrete. It is very important to provide vertical DPC to prevent rise of moisture. After the curing of DPC is over and it has become dry, two layers of bitumen should be applied over the DPC by using 85/25 grade bitumen.

1. Immediately after applying bitumen, sand should be applied over it.
2. Preference should be given to use of polymer modified material coating instead of bitumen over the DPC.
3. It can be applied with a brush and on wet surface also.
4. Sunken floors: Sunken floors are provided in the toilets to accommodate the depth of Indian type water-closets.

Sunken floors are often a cause of leakage and dampness in houses if proper water-proofing treatment is not given to them. As more and more Indians prefer to provide European pans only, the concept of sunken floors is fast vanishing. Yet some Indians living at upper floors choose to have an Indian seat only and in their case, the slab of the toilet area is sunk to a lower level.

Sunken floors should be treated with a water-proofing cream like paste prepared by mixing of 1 part of acrylic emulsion (liquid) and 2 parts of polymer modified cement (powder).2 coats of this paste should be applied with brush on the slab surface and walls up to 6 inch height above toilet floor level.

This mix can be applied even on wet slab. On drying, it forms a flexible water proofing film. Otherwise, a readymade synthetic membrane can be laid on the slab. Such membranes however need to be notched into the walls. The water proofing application should now be covered with a ½ inch thick 1:3 cement sand plaster and cured well.

1. Over the cured plaster surface, two coats of 85/25 grade bitumen should be applied after the drying of plaster.
2. After the application of bitumen, a PVC sheet should be laid over it immediately so that the sheet sticks to the surface.
3. Only after this treatment, should the sunken area be filled with clinker or foam concrete up to the bottom level of the flooring sub base.

: Identify the root cause first

How do you stop water leaks instantly?

Rubber Wrap With A Pipe Repair Clamp – Take a thin piece of rubber and wrap it around the leak once. Then, tightly wrap the rubber with electrical tape to hold it in place. Once this is done, fasten a C-clamp around the patch to create pressure with the seal. This should hold off the leakage temporarily.

Why is there water coming through my wall?

1. Penetrating Damp – Summertime brings us heavy rainfalls, sometimes combined with driving winds that push rain and moisture through the brickwork or masonry. Penetrating damp (or lateral damp) is usually caused by water entering the exterior envelope of the building.

The dampness form isolated patches on walls that typically increase in size after a storm. Penetrative damp can affect at any level of a building, predominately areas that are exposed to severe weather conditions. In lack of impermeable insulation in the wall cavity, the moisture held in the cavity wall insulation will gradually travel to the inside wall pushing dampness through the plaster coat, paint or wallpaper.

Penetrating damp may take place where there is a defect in the roof, render, brickwork, clogged or damaged gutters or downpipes and window frames that allow for water to enter the building materials. Commonly, penetrating damp occurs on external walls where the external ground levels are higher than the internal floors or there is an incorrect fall away from the building.

• Discolouration of the interior decoration with the presence of tide marks
• Damp patches that grow if the water continues to enter, especially during heavy rain
• Depending on severity: Wet surface or droplets trickling on the surface
• Salt deposits
• Blistered (hollow sounding) plaster
• Wet and/or rotting skirting boards are quite often exhibiting corroding nails.
• Random damp patches to any elevation on the walls and ceilings.
• Damp skirting board
• Dark mould on inside walls, near skirting board or near window frames.

Treating Penetrating Damp If the cause of the penetrating damp has been identified as failing guttering, window/door frames or roofing, these need to be repaired as well as replacing damaged plaster and timber work. If the water is entering through the wall to floor joint, an effective and lasting remediation is to inject the joint with flexible hydrophilic polyurethane along the length of the wall to floor joint.

Why is water running down my outside wall?

What is Penetrating Damp? – Penetrating damp is the process of moisture moving from the exterior wall of a building to the interior. It occurs when outside moisture like wind-driven rain impacts a building’s wall. Building materials like brick are porous. They soak up rain to saturate the wall with penetrating damp.

• Rain penetration into masonry can occur in buildings of all ages.
• At its most obvious, it penetrates the wall and displays as a damp patch on the internal wall.
• This causes discolouration, paint and wallpaper peeling and flaking.
• Even if it does not penetrate entirely through a wall, rainwater penetration can be damaging to a property.

Wind-driven rain in masonry can cause moss growth, increased heat loss and frost damage. Water soaks through the exterior wall, where it travels through to the interior walls. There, moisture manifests as wet spots on the wall. These patches of penetrating damp damage wallpaper, plaster and the walls themselves.

• The resulting damp environment causes spores in the air to settle.
• Mould and mildew begin to grow.
• Brick and masonry substrates are especially susceptible to penetrating damp.
• This is due to their interior structure which gives them sponge-like properties of moisture absorption.
• Rain penetration is not a problem that is restricted to single-skin walls.

Poorly installed wall-ties or cavity wall insulation can provide a pathway for rain penetration to track through cavity walls. In many cases, rain penetration is caused by poorly designed or maintained building details (e.g. blocked downpipes or leaking gutters) causing large amounts of rainwater to flow over a small section of masonry. In these cases, the penetrating damp can usually be cured by rectifying the defect.

1. Roof damage can let in moisture, causing damp to take hold.
2. Common things to look for on roofs include damaged flashing and pointing, as well as cracked or missing tiles.
3. The drainage system is also a point of common failure.
4. If exterior drains become clogged, rainwater can collect against the brickwork – leading to hot spots of penetrating damp.

Broken drains can also cause water to fall or collect in irregular areas and cause dampness and mould growth. Door frames are also common points of ingress for moisture. General damage, cracks and a lack of weather protection devices are the points of failure to watch out for to avoid damp getting in through closed doors.

Why would water come out under wall?

Interior Plumbing Issues – If you see a slight increase in your water meter reading, chances are you may have faulty plumbing in your house. Leaks happen when pipes become worn in some places or the joining in between pipes become weak. These require immediate attention, especially if you’re dealing with a pipe leaking through the ceiling, which can be dangerous.

Why does it look like my walls are leaking?

What Causes Water Damage on Walls and Ceilings? – There are several possible causes of water damage on walls and ceilings. Leaking pipes, overflowing sinks or bathtubs, and heavy rains can all lead to water damage in your home. Even a small water leak that may not seem like a big deal can impact your home’s structure if left unchecked.

Water damage can also be caused by excess moisture. Condensation, for example, from high humidity or steam from cooking or bathing, leads to an increase in moisture. In some cases, water damage may be the result of a faulty appliance, such as a dishwasher or washing machine.If you are seeing water spots on your walls or ceilings, it is likely that the drywall has been saturated with water.

Once the drywall is saturated, it can quickly deteriorate and may even need to be replaced. Water damage can also cause wood rot in your walls and ceilings, which can lead to structural damage and may require extensive repairs.