What Damage Can Lack of Waterproofing Cause?

Water and moisture are persistent forces. Without proper, well-executed waterproofing, water always finds a way and can cause significant damage to different parts of your home or building. In extreme cases, this may even lead to deterioration of the structure and permanent damage.

Beyond structural issues, water’s destructive impact does not only reduce comfort but can also pose serious health risks.

In this article, we’ve collected what risks you face if you neglect waterproofing, as well as the most common signs that indicate trouble has already started.

Not only tiles suffer from poor waterproofing

In tiling work, one fundamental truth is that waterproofing ensures the long-term durability of coverings. Indoors, it prevents deeper layers from being damaged—for example, moisture seeping in behind shower tiles can weaken the structure. Outdoors, waterproofing stops water from penetrating the construction, where freezing and expansion in winter can cause cracks and fractures.

Waterproofing also protects against other destructive processes, helping to prevent:

  • water rising from the ground and penetrating main walls,

  • weakening of wall structures that can ultimately lead to collapse,

  • damp and leaking basement walls,

  • mold growth on walls and in interior spaces,

  • salt efflorescence,

  • plaster detachment, frost damage, and paint peeling on wet walls,

  • failures in pipes and electrical systems running inside water-damaged walls.

What are the warning signs of faulty waterproofing?

Let’s start with the lowest part of a building: the basement. Persistent musty odors and mold are clear signs that waterproofing is missing. If groundwater rises and pools on the floor—or if after rainfall you’re wading through standing water—there is no doubt that serious intervention is needed.

If you notice persistently high humidity indoors without reason, or visible mold growth, it is also a likely sign of water entering walls from one direction or another. The moisture then evaporates, creating ideal conditions for mold and fungi to spread.

Other warning signs include plaster that won’t stick, peeling paint, or wallpaper falling off damp walls. Even the best plasterer or painter cannot solve these issues until proper waterproofing is in place.

Cracks appearing on walls also deserve careful attention. While they may have several causes, inadequate waterproofing is often among them, and if left unresolved, can lead to serious deterioration and structural damage. This risk is particularly high in traditional adobe houses.

Cemix waterproofing solutions and materials are available on this page.