Frequently Asked Questions

Common warning signs include damp patches or discolouration on ceilings below the terrace, peeling paint or plaster on interior walls after rain, a musty smell in the rooms below, and visible cracks or ponding water on the terrace surface. If you notice any of these, it's worth getting the surface inspected before the next monsoon rather than after damage sets in.

A properly applied waterproofing system - surface preparation, crack treatment, and the coating or membrane itself - typically lasts 7-10 years, though this depends heavily on surface preparation quality, drainage, and how much foot traffic or ponding the area sees. Skipping proper surface prep is the most common reason waterproofing fails early, more so than the product used.

Hairline cracks generally need to be routed out and filled with a flexible crack filler before a waterproofing coat is applied, otherwise the crack will eventually telegraph through the new coating. Larger structural cracks should be assessed for their cause first, since waterproofing treats surface water ingress but doesn't fix underlying structural movement.

A 'waterproof' exterior paint mainly resists rain penetration on vertical walls and is applied like a regular paint. A dedicated waterproofing coating or membrane is a thicker, purpose-built system used on horizontal surfaces like terraces, bathrooms, and basements, where standing water and constant moisture need a much higher level of protection than a wall paint is designed to provide.