Diagnose source. Rising damp: remove plaster, apply crystalline coats, re‑plaster polymer‑modified. External ingress: crack repair + elastomeric coating. From adjacent wet areas: treat source side and re‑plaster.
LQ-WALL
Diagnose source → if rising damp: remove plaster → apply crystalline negative-side coats → re-plaster polymer-modified; if exterior ingress: seal cracks → elastomeric exterior coat; if wet area source: treat bathroom/terrace per SOP → re‑plaster wall.
Moisture meter trend down over 2–3 weeks. No reappearance of damp patches. Adhesion checks on coatings where applicable. Photo evidence of sealed cracks and replastered areas.
Summary
Wall leakages commonly arise from rising damp, exterior ingress through cracked or weak plaster, and seepage from adjacent wet areas. Aim for breathable negative-side solutions when the source face is inaccessible and fix root causes on the source side when accessible.
Symptoms
- Efflorescence up to ~1 m from floor
- Patchy dampness on internal walls
- Dripping or damp ceiling below bathrooms or terraces
Probable causes
- Missing or failed DPC and saturated plinth
- Exterior cracks and weak paint/plaster systems
- Leakage from adjacent bathrooms, kitchens, or services
Standard remedy overview
1) Fix or cut off the source where accessible
- Exterior cracks: repair and apply elastomeric façade coating
- Wet area sources: remedial waterproofing of the bathroom/terrace on the positive side
2) Negative-side breathable barrier where source is inaccessible
- Crystalline slurry or breathable cementitious coats on SSD substrate
- Local crack repair and polymer-modified re-plastering as needed
Recommended technologies
- Crystalline slurry coatings for breathable negative-side treatment
- 2K cementitious membranes for positive-side wet areas
- Polymer-modified mortars and elastomeric exterior coatings
Quick SOP
1) Diagnose source: external vs. adjacent wet area vs. concealed services.
2) For rising damp: remove plaster → apply crystalline coats → re-plaster with polymer mortar → improve plinth drainage.
3) For external ingress: seal cracks → apply elastomeric coating with correct film build.
4) For wet-area source: treat bathroom/terrace as per SOP → re-plaster wall.
Decision guide
- Rising damp with no positive access → crystalline negative-side system
- Exterior façade cracks → crack repair + elastomeric coating
- Adjacent wet areas leaking → treat wet area on positive side first; only then address the wall
Acceptance criteria
Video Masterclass
SpecX Masterclass: Wall Leakages — Coming soon
Disclaimer
SpecX is an industry initiative & a neutral resource, compiled from industry references and best practices. It is not brand-specific. Always cross-check with project requirements and local codes before finalizing specifications.