The Terrace Leakage Issue in Kerala

### The Terrace Leakage Issue in Kerala: A Comparative Analysis of Old and New Roofing Technologies

Terrace leakage has emerged as a prevalent issue in Reinforced Concrete (RC) houses across Kerala, especially during the monsoon season. This pervasive problem often results in wet roofs and water droplets penetrating living spaces, causing considerable distress to homeowners. Despite various attempts to mitigate the issue using roofing compounds, the leakage persists, prompting a shift towards an alternative solution: the installation of metal sheet roofs on truss structures. This essay explores the reasons behind the terrace leakage in modern RC houses, the efficacy of the current remedial measures, and a comparison with the performance of traditional tiled roofing systems.

#### Causes of Terrace Leakage in RC Houses

The fundamental cause of terrace leakage in RC houses can be attributed to the inherent characteristics of concrete and the construction practices employed. Concrete, while strong and durable, is also porous, allowing water to seep through cracks and micro-pores, especially under heavy rainfall conditions. Poor construction practices, such as inadequate waterproofing, substandard materials, and improper curing, exacerbate this issue. Additionally, the flat design of terraces in modern houses does not facilitate quick drainage of rainwater, leading to water stagnation and increased seepage.

#### Ineffectiveness of Roofing Compounds

Homeowners initially attempt to tackle terrace leakage with various waterproofing compounds. These compounds, often applied as a coating over the concrete, aim to create a water-resistant barrier. However, their effectiveness is frequently short-lived due to factors such as:

1. **Degradation Over Time**: Exposure to UV rays, temperature variations, and the physical stress of rainwater gradually degrade the protective layer.
2. **Improper Application**: Inadequate surface preparation and uneven application can leave gaps in the protection.
3. **Structural Movements**: Thermal expansion and contraction, along with building settlements, can create new cracks in the concrete, bypassing the waterproofing layer.

#### Rise of Truss Work and Metal Sheet Roofing

As a result of the persistent leakage problems, homeowners are increasingly resorting to installing metal sheet roofs supported by truss structures above their terraces. This solution offers several advantages:

1. **Leakage Prevention**: The metal sheets act as a secondary roof, effectively preventing rainwater from reaching the concrete surface.
2. **Thermal Insulation**: The air gap between the metal sheets and the terrace helps reduce heat transfer, keeping the interior cooler during the hot summer months.
3. **Durability and Low Maintenance**: Metal roofs, especially those made of galvanized or coated steel, are durable and require minimal maintenance.

This trend has significantly boosted the truss work and metal sheet businesses in Kerala, providing a robust economic boost to these industries.

#### Comparing Modern RC Houses with Traditional Tiled Houses

In contrast to the leakage-prone RC houses, traditional tiled houses in Kerala exhibit remarkable resilience against rainwater infiltration. The superior performance of these older structures can be attributed to several factors:

1. **Sloped Roof Design**: Traditional houses typically feature sloped roofs, which facilitate efficient rainwater drainage, minimizing water stagnation and seepage risks.
2. **Material Properties**: Clay tiles are less prone to cracking compared to concrete and possess natural water-resistant properties.
3. **Longevity and Repairability**: Tiled roofs, with periodic maintenance, can last several decades. Minor repairs, such as replacing broken tiles or reapplying a waterproof layer, are relatively straightforward and cost-effective.

The durability and effectiveness of tiled roofing systems suggest that traditional construction practices might offer valuable insights for modern building techniques. By integrating the advantageous elements of old technology, such as the sloped roof design and better material choices, with contemporary construction methods, it may be possible to develop more resilient and sustainable housing solutions.

#### Conclusion

The terrace leakage issue in RC houses in Kerala highlights the challenges associated with modern construction practices and materials. While temporary measures like roofing compounds have proven inadequate, the adoption of metal sheet roofs on truss structures has provided a practical, albeit costly, solution. In contrast, traditional tiled houses, with their effective design and material properties, demonstrate the enduring value of older construction techniques. A hybrid approach, leveraging the strengths of both traditional and modern methods, could potentially offer more robust and sustainable solutions to address the leakage problems in contemporary homes.

Popular posts from this blog

M T Vasudevan Nair

My entry into the world of Malayalam literature was through the masterful writings of M. T. Vasudevan Nair, whose passing today feels like a deeply personal loss. It was his novel Manju (Mist) that first drew me into this literary universe. The story, much like its title, was enveloped in an atmosphere of melancholy and mystery. It unraveled slowly, like mist clearing in the morning light, revealing truths that were profound yet heartbreakingly simple. The characters, their struggles, and their silences lingered in my mind long after I turned the last page. It was not just a novel; it was an experience. I returned to it over and over, each time discovering something new, as though the book was speaking directly to the depths of my soul. To this day, I cannot count how many times I have read Manju—it became, and remains, a companion to my thoughts. After Manju opened the door, M. T.’s other works beckoned me forward. I was soon engrossed in Nalukettu, a story that painted a vivid portra...
Read more

The concept of ghost writing

  Ghostwriting in the industry 1. _Common practice_: Ghostwriting is a common practice in the publishing industry, where a person hires a writer to create content on their behalf. 2. _Celebrity autobiographies_: Many celebrity autobiographies are written by ghostwriters, who work closely with the celebrity to capture their voice and story. 3. _Thought leaders and influencers_: Thought leaders and influencers often hire ghostwriters to help them create high-quality content, such as books, articles, and blog posts. Benefits of hiring a ghostwriter 1. _Time-saving_: Hiring a ghostwriter saves the vlogger time and effort, allowing them to focus on their core activities, such as creating content for their YouTube channel. 2. _Quality content_: A ghostwriter can bring a high level of writing expertise, ensuring that the content is engaging, well-researched, and polished. 3. _Consistency_: A ghostwriter can help maintain a consistent tone, style, and voice throughout the book, which is es...
Read more

Elephant Migration

** The Escalating Conflict Between Humans and Elephants: An Analysis of the Impact of Climate Change** The increasing incidences of elephants encroaching into human settlements in search of water and food present a vivid manifestation of the broader environmental crisis fuelled by climate change. This essay explores the complexities of this escalating conflict, which not only threatens the survival of the majestic Asian and African elephant species but also poses significant risks to human communities. The fundamental issue at the heart of this conflict is habitat loss, driven largely by climatic fluctuations and exacerbated by human activities such as deforestation and the expansion of agricultural and urban areas. As natural forests dwindle and water sources dry up, elephants, which are known for their large home ranges and dependency on vast quantities of water, are forced to venture into human-dominated areas. This migration is driven by a desperate search for the necessities of su...
Read more