Rainfall Can Impact Your Building Structure, Handy Tips To Avoid Damage

While most people complain about the deteriorating condition of roads, drainage and sewage system during rainy season, the concrete structures like houses and offices also suffer similar impact due to torrential rains and water flow. Most of us remain unaware of this fact while the structure which we are staying in suffers internal damage during the season.

• Water entering through seepage or leakage damages the internal structure due to corrosion. The corroded steel rod used inside the structure weakens the structural strength of the building. Most of the structure collapses due to corrosion of reinforcement structure as the steel rods cannot be restored once rusted.
• If the structure is made up of concrete block has more chances of getting damaged as these are porous in nature and water seepage could be easier in such buildings.
• The fungal growth on the walls due to rain is a cause of several health ailments.
• Stagnant water on the roof can enter into the structure through cracks and joints, ultimately damaging the structural strength.
• If the building basement is more prone to water logging, there are more chances of water logging in the foundation base.

Though there is no cure, you can hire a structural engineer and take his opinion. Here are some precautions that you can take for avoiding the situation:

• To prevent fungal growth, add fungicides in the paint to repaint the wall.
• Install two layers of insulated coating on the terrace flooring to prevent seepage. The first layer of concrete should be laid flat. Use a waterproofing coat on this slab, followed by the next layer in sloping fashion to avoid rain water collection.
• Use waterproofing chemical compound in the mortar mixture for two-layered plastering of the external walls.
• Newer and modern ways of waterproofing can be used for better protection. This includes liquid brush applied solutions that can be bitumen based, acrylic based, PU based or pre-formed membranes which are loosely laid or torched or self-adhesive membranes.
• While waterproofing, make sure the material used is of superior quality and the professional you have hired for the process follows the procedure. The effectiveness of the process is only when the solution is ideally prepared and not diluted. Otherwise, it may wear off after a rainfall.
• Always check for seepage, leakages, cracks and joints at terrace, roof, external walls while the structure is under-construction.

Also Read: Enjoying The Monsoons? Make Sure Your Home Is Ready For The Rains