Waterproofing buildings used to be an annual pre-monsoon affair but the evolution of real-estate development has changed that approach. In new developments, developers are weaving waterproofing solutions into both the design and construction phases, an approach that Nikhil Madan, Managing Director, Mahima Group, says, “is all about ensuring lasting durability [of the building] and keeping lifecycle risks including water seepage and extensive maintenance to a minimum.”

Aluminium formwork systems aren’t commonly thought of as a waterproofing tool but at the Mahima Group, these systems and a carefully designed concrete mix help to reduce permeability and fortify structural integrity, he explains. Thereafter, “during the finishing stages, we use fabric mesh reinforcement in plastering to control cracks that could otherwise allow moisture to seep in.”