THIS EXPERIENCE is nothing out of the world. In fact, it happens whenever and wherever a few basics are ignored. And it is always human to error. So, instead of sulking, a little advance preparation now to protect your home from the monsoon's rampage will certainly be better.

It is the law of nature that concrete is porous and that any concrete structure will develop a crack here or there, courtesy the unpredictable games of weather. The result, in most cases, is that as you sit by the window, enjoying the raindrops pattering on your windowpane, a few drops find their way through such cracks and dampen your spirits. That's why all those building experts keep saying that waterproofing is always a wise option.

If you forgot that word while building your home, it is not too late. As they say, in some cases, a second chance is always there. So, first trace the stealthy water drops to where it is leaking. Those who have decided to get a fresh layer of waterproofing to get rid of water leakage should remember that they have less than a week to get it done. Otherwise, they have to put up with the irritation for another season. The waterproofing exercise is no big deal these days since waterproofing compounds are available in the market.

If rainwater enters the walls it can cause structural damage and can make your interiors look ugly. So start from the top, we mean the terrace, which has to be cleaned out. Remove all the trash that is usually dumped on the terrace and make sure there is enough space for the water to flow through the rainwater outlets. Water, in no case should stagnate. Once that happens, the terrace is damaged and water will invariably seep in.

Sunshades that helped you during summer can turn villains if the slope on top of the shade is not even. These have to be corrected with concrete. Water can seep in through hairline cracks at the lintel levels too.

These need waterproofing compounds, which again are available in the market with experts to do the work for you.

Clay tiles on the terrace allow water through the joints, the junction of parapet and terrace or through cracks if the tiles are broken. Search for weak joints and administer tile joint filler to fill them up.

Replacing damaged tiles with new ones also can solve the problem. Parapet walls too need attention. Cracks on the top and sides of these have to be cut open and filled with sealants. Use waterproof external wall paint for the top and inner sides of the parapet wall. Larger cracks may need bigger plans.

Fight fungus
Another fact to be taken care of is the stain caused by fungus. Different types of anti-fungal crack-bridging wall coatings are available. Consult waterproofing experts to get the right one. Also take care that pipes carrying electric cables are not exposed.

It is important to ensure that water never enters the sensitive electric cable network. Even water-logging around your house has to be addressed.

The grills of the railing and the gate too should receive a little bit of attention. So rust-proof them with red oxide and give them a fresh coat of painting.