Waterproofing

Damp problems

Damp in a property can show up in several ways — stains on ceilings or walls, recurring mould, deteriorated finishes or visible water ingress after rain. These signs point to the need for an assessment, but rarely allow the exact cause of the problem to be identified on their own.

Diagnosis before work begins

Before proposing any solution, an on-site diagnosis is carried out to understand the real source of the water ingress. This matters because the area where the damp appears doesn't always match the point where the water gets in — a stain on an interior ceiling, for example, may originate in a roof or terrace several metres above. Proceeding without this prior diagnosis increases the risk of the problem coming back.

Terraces and roofs

Terraces and roofs are particularly exposed to water and temperature changes, which makes them common areas for older waterproofing systems to deteriorate. Work in these areas usually involves removing the existing system, assessing the substrate and applying a new system suited to the exposure and intended use of the space.

Façades

On façades, damp problems are often linked to cracks, deteriorated joints or porous finishes that have lost their protective capacity over time. Treating these situations can involve a localised repair or a more extensive intervention, depending on the extent identified during diagnosis.

Bathrooms

In bathrooms, waterproofing is mainly concentrated in shower and floor areas, applied before the final finishes. This topic is also covered on the kitchens and bathrooms page, where waterproofing fits into a broader sequence of works.

Waterproofing systems and finishes

Depending on the area and its exposure, different waterproofing systems are available — the choice depends on the diagnosis carried out and isn't decided in advance without that assessment. Once the system has been applied, the planned finishes follow, always coordinated so as not to compromise the protection put in place.

No absolute guarantees, but follow-up

We don't give absolute technical guarantees that a damp problem will be permanently resolved, since its source can be complex and, in some cases, involve several causes. What we do guarantee is a serious assessment before proposing any solution, and follow-up after the work to check how the treated area behaves over time.

This approach of assessing before acting follows the same principle applied to other projects, described in the Rigor Method: the price only changes if the scope changes — and always in writing.

When it's part of a wider refurbishment

In many cases, a waterproofing problem comes up in the context of a wider intervention on the building. In those situations, the waterproofing work is treated as part of a building refurbishment project, integrated into the overall planning of the works.

Assessment and location

Every waterproofing project is assessed according to location and the nature of the problem identified. We carry out projects across Greater Porto and other locations, subject to an assessment of the nature and size of the works — namely in areas such as Porto, Maia, Matosinhos, Vila Nova de Gaia and Gondomar.