Kanpur's buildings take a lot from the weather. Summer heat bakes external walls until the plaster cracks, and then the monsoon pushes water into every crack. In the older parts of the city, closely built houses and shops share walls and drains, so water from one building often ends up in the next. The industrial side of the city has its own water problems: tannery effluent pits, godown basements and large storage tanks. Each of these calls for a different waterproofing method.

Heat-cracked external walls

After a Kanpur summer, many external walls have a network of fine cracks. Rigid exterior paint cracks with them. For these walls we:

  1. clean off loose and flaking paint
  2. open and fill cracks with a flexible filler
  3. prime the wall
  4. apply two coats of elastomeric waterproof coating

Elastomeric coatings stretch with the wall's movement and keep bridging fine cracks. A light colour also reduces how hot the wall gets.

Old city buildings

In older areas, damp often comes from places that aren't obvious: a shared wall with a neighbour's bathroom, a blocked drain between buildings, or old pipes buried in thick walls. We trace the source with moisture readings before recommending any coating. Some fixes are on your side, and some need a neighbour's cooperation. We'll be clear about which.

Tannery effluent pits and channels

Effluent pits and channels in tanneries hold water that is acidic or alkaline, salty and full of chemicals. A standard waterproof coating breaks down quickly in these conditions, and a leaking pit contaminates the ground. These structures need chemical resistant linings selected for the effluent. We look at the effluent's typical chemistry before specifying. See also our chemical resistant flooring page for process floors around them.

Godown basements

Basement godowns storing leather goods, textiles and general stock are at risk during heavy rain. From inside the basement, we seal active leaks by injection and apply crystalline or cementitious waterproofing to walls and floors. These work within the concrete and aren't pushed off by water pressure like surface paints.

Water tanks

Overhead and underground tanks in homes, hospitals and factories leak at corners, joints and pipe entries. After draining and cleaning, we repair cracks, seal joints and pipes, round off corners and apply a waterproof coating. Drinking water tanks get potable-water certified coatings.

Timing

WorkBest season
External wallsOctober to March
BasementsSurvey in monsoon, treat when dry
Tanks and bathroomsYear-round
Effluent pitsDuring planned shutdowns

In May and June, external walls get too hot for coatings to cure properly, so we avoid external coating then.

FAQs

Why do our walls crack every summer?

Intense heat and cooler nights make plaster expand and shrink. An elastomeric coating moves with the wall better than ordinary paint.

Can a normal waterproof coating be used in a tannery pit?

No. Effluent pits need a chemical resistant lining.

How soon can a tank be refilled after coating?

Usually after a few days of curing, depending on the product.

Call +91-8755475716 or send photos of the problem on WhatsApp. More details are on our waterproofing page.

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