Waterproofing 101: Comparing Terrace, Wall, and Basement Solutions for Commercial Properties.

For commercial property managers and owners, water damage is not just an inconvenience—it's a threat to business continuity, inventory, and structural safety. In high-rainfall regions, a simple leak can lead to catastrophic damage and massive repair bills.

Effective waterproofing is about applying the right solution to the right surface. Different areas of a commercial property—the roof, external walls, and the subterranean basement—face unique forms of water exposure and require specialized strategies.

Here is a breakdown of the three critical waterproofing zones and the best solutions for each.

Solution Type :- Polymer Modified Cementitious Coating

Description :- A highly flexible, two-component coating applied directly to the slab.

Best For:- Small to Medium Commercial Buildings. Cost-effective, good adhesion, and relatively easy to apply.

Solution Type :- Bituminous Sheet Membranes

Description :- Pre-formed sheets (often modified with APP or SBS polymers) that are torched or adhered onto the surface.

Best For:- High-Traffic Areas or areas beneath heavy installations (like solar panels or machinery). Provides a tough, thick, physical barrier.

Key Takeaway: For terraces, the product must be highly elastic to manage the thermal expansion and contraction of the roof slab.

Solution Type :- Water Repellent Coatings (Silane/Siloxane)

Description :- Clear, solvent-based liquids that penetrate the pores of the masonry, making the surface hydrophobic.

Best For:- Heritage Structures & Stone/Brick Facades. Preserves the look of the wall while preventing water penetration.

Solution Type :- High-Performance Exterior Paints

Description :- Specialized acrylic or elastomeric paints that create a waterproof, yet breathable film on the surface.

Best For:- Quick Maintenance & Cost-Effective Solutions. Provides waterproofing and a final color coat simultaneously.

Key Takeaway: The wall system needs to repel water from the outside while allowing internal moisture to escape, preventing paint bubbling and dampness.

Solution Type :- Crystalline Waterproofing (Negative Side)

Description :- Chemical compounds applied to the interior (negative) side that react with water and concrete to grow crystals, blocking capillaries.

Best For:- Existing Basements where external excavation is impossible. A highly reliable long-term solution against seepage.

Solution Type :- Pressure Grouting/Injection

Description :- Injecting specialized polyurethane or epoxy resins into cracks or joints to seal active leaks under pressure.

Best For:- Emergency Repairs & Targeted Leak Fixing. Used to immediately stop running water before a permanent repair is applied.

Key Takeaway: Basement waterproofing is best done on the positive side (exterior), but crystalline and injection grouting are effective solutions for existing structures.