Waterproofing Services for Industrial & Commercial Buildings
Membrane, coating, crystalline and injection systems chosen by area — terraces, basements, wet areas and tanks — starting with finding the leak.
Water getting into a building damages finishes, stock and, in time, the structure itself. We provide waterproofing for terraces, roofs, basements, wet areas and water tanks on industrial and commercial buildings — and every job starts with finding out where the water is really coming from.
- Best for
- Stopping leaks and protecting concrete from water on new and existing buildings
- Typical sites
- Terraces and roofs, basements, toilets and wet areas, water tanks, podiums
- Often combined with
- Epoxy Flooring, Concrete Floor & Slab Cutting, Concrete Floor Polishing
What does industrial waterproofing involve?
Waterproofing puts a continuous barrier between water and the structure. On a terrace it keeps rain out of the slab below; in a basement it resists groundwater pushing in from outside; in a water tank it keeps water in without seeping through the concrete.
Concrete is porous and almost always cracks to some degree, so it cannot be relied on to be watertight by itself. Once water reaches the reinforcement, the steel corrodes and expands, cracking the concrete further — which is how a leak that starts as a damp patch ends as structural damage.
Most failures happen at details rather than across open areas: where floor meets wall, around drains and pipe penetrations, at construction joints and along cracks. A waterproofing system is only as good as the treatment of those points and the preparation of the surface beneath it.
Choosing a waterproofing system by area
There is no single best waterproofing product. The system is chosen for where the water comes from, whether the surface is exposed, and what will go on top of it.
| Area | Main challenge | Systems commonly used |
|---|---|---|
| Terraces and flat roofs | Rain, UV exposure and thermal movement | Liquid-applied membranes (PU, acrylic elastomeric) or bituminous membranes, with a protective screed where needed |
| Basements and retaining walls | Groundwater pressure from outside | Crystalline and cementitious systems, membranes, and injection grouting for active leaks |
| Toilets, kitchens and wet areas | Constant wetting and many pipe penetrations | Polymer-modified cementitious coatings, carefully detailed at drains and pipes |
| Water tanks and sumps | Continuous water pressure | Cementitious and crystalline systems — products approved for potable water where drinking water is stored |
| Podiums and balconies | Traffic on top and drainage falls | Membranes laid under a protective screed and finish |
| Cracks and joints | Movement and water paths | Crack sealing, injection grouting and flexible joint sealants |
Benefits of Waterproofing
- Leaks traced to source The cause is found before anything is applied, so the repair targets it rather than the symptom.
- Reinforcement protected Keeping water out of the concrete protects the steel inside from corrosion.
- Stock and equipment protected Dry roofs and basements protect the goods, machinery and finishes below them.
- The right system for each area Terraces, basements, wet areas and tanks each get a system suited to their conditions.
- Details done properly Corners, drains, penetrations and joints — where most leaks begin — are treated first.
- New and remedial work Systems for new construction and for repairing leaking existing buildings.
Where it is used
- Terraces and flat RCC roofs
- Basements, pits and retaining walls
- Toilets, kitchens and wash areas
- Water tanks and sumps
- Podiums, balconies and chajjas
- Expansion and construction joints
Our Waterproofing process
-
01
Leak investigation
The source of the water is traced by inspecting the area, its drains, cracks and any earlier treatment, so the repair targets the cause.
-
02
Surface preparation
Loose material, failed coatings and contamination are removed; cracks are opened and repaired; falls to drains are corrected where needed.
-
03
Detailing
Corners, junctions, drains, pipe penetrations and joints are treated and reinforced before the main application.
-
04
Application
The system is applied in the specified number of coats and thickness, with proper overlaps at joints.
-
05
Testing
Horizontal areas are flood-tested where practical to confirm the barrier before finishes are laid.
-
06
Protection
A screed, tiles or a wearing coat is laid wherever the membrane would otherwise be exposed to traffic or sunlight.
Quality and safety considerations
- Waterproofing will not bond to a wet or contaminated surface, so preparation and moisture conditions are checked before application.
- Coverage and thickness are what make a membrane work. Applying less than specified is one of the most common causes of failure.
- Manufacturer's curing and recoat times are followed, not shortened.
- Drains and outlets are cleared and falls checked, because standing water finds any weakness.
- Roof work is carried out with edge protection and fall-prevention measures.
- Materials are stored and handled according to their safety data sheets, with ventilation for solvent-based products in enclosed spaces.
Why work with us on this
- We find the cause before we quote the cure.
- Each area gets a system suited to it, not one product for everything.
- Waterproofing is coordinated with flooring and cutting work, so penetrations and joints are never left unsealed.
Frequently asked questions
What is industrial waterproofing?
Industrial waterproofing protects factories, warehouses and commercial buildings from water — on roofs and terraces, in basements, pits and wet areas, and in water tanks. It uses membranes, coatings, crystalline treatments and joint sealing, chosen to suit each area.
Which waterproofing is best for a terrace?
It depends on the terrace. An exposed terrace generally needs a flexible, UV-resistant liquid or bituminous membrane that can move with temperature changes; a terrace that will be tiled or screeded can use a system protected by that finish. Drainage falls and the detailing at parapets and outlets matter as much as the product.
How long does waterproofing last?
It varies with the system, its exposure, the quality of preparation and how well it is maintained. Membranes protected by a screed or tiles generally last longer than those left open to sun and traffic, and regular checks of drains, joints and upstands extend the life of any system.
Can a building that is already leaking be waterproofed?
Yes. Remedial waterproofing starts by finding the actual source of the leak, which is often some distance from where the water appears. The area is then repaired and treated, and active leaks can be stopped with injection grouting before the new system is applied.
When is the best time to waterproof?
Ideally before the monsoon, while surfaces are dry and materials can cure properly. On new construction, waterproofing should be planned before finishes go down — treating a basement or terrace afterwards means removing them.
How much does waterproofing cost?
It depends on the area, the system required, the condition of the existing surface, the extent of repairs and detailing, access, and whether old coatings or finishes have to be removed. We inspect the site and trace the leak before giving a price.
Planning a Waterproofing project?
Tell us about the site, the finish you need and your programme. We will visit, assess and quote.