10 Waterproofing Mistakes to Avoid in Ghana (Number 4 Costs Most Homeowners GHS 20,000+)
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MISTAKES TO AVOID
The ten most expensive waterproofing mistakes we see across Ghanaian buildings. None are complicated to avoid, and every one costs homeowners tens of thousands of cedis.
Every waterproofing failure we’re called to fix falls into one of ten patterns. Here they are.
1. Using Waterproof Paint on a Leaking Roof
Cost when it fails: GHS 5,000–15,000 (redo with proper coating + interior damage repair)
See our paint vs coating guide.
2. Skipping the Waterproof Membrane Before Tiling a Bathroom
Cost when it fails: GHS 15,000–40,000 (rip out tiles, repair slab, re-tile)
See our bathroom waterproofing guide.
3. Tiling Over Uncured Membrane
Cost when it fails: GHS 8,000–25,000 (bond failure = tile pops off = re-tile)
4. Sealing a Wall From the Inside When the Damp Is Rising From Outside
Cost when it fails: GHS 12,000–60,000
5. Applying Coating in Wet Weather
Cost when it fails: GHS 7,000–15,000 (recoat entire area)
6. Using Silicone at Corners That Grout Cannot Handle
Cost when it fails: GHS 3,500–10,000 (rip out, re-do)
7. Cheap Sealants at Roof Penetrations
Cost when it fails: GHS 5,000–20,000
8. Ignoring the Parapet Because “It Looks Fine”
Cost when it fails: GHS 12,000–50,000
See our Madina parapet case study.
9. One Coat Instead of Two
Cost when it fails: GHS 6,000–12,000 (early recoat within 2–5 years)
10. Hiring a General Contractor Instead of a Waterproofing Specialist
Cost when it fails: GHS 10,000–150,000+ (redo entire job + damage repair)
Bonus Mistake: No Warranty in Writing
If the quotation doesn’t include a workmanship warranty in writing, there isn’t one. Any legitimate waterproofing contractor will offer at least a 3-year warranty on workmanship.
How to Avoid Every Mistake on This List
- Use waterproof coating, not paint, on any surface that sees water pressure
- Install the membrane before tiling
- Wait for cure before continuing work
- Fix damp at the source, not the symptom
- Check the forecast before application
- Silicone at internal corners; grout only at tile joints
- Butyl tape at all penetrations, membrane over the top
- Include the parapet in every roof job
- Two coats minimum, perpendicular to each other
- Hire a specialist — or a contractor with a certified waterproofing installer
Get a Free Second Opinion Before You Sign
- Phone: 0555 548 001 or 0241 737 026
- WhatsApp: Send us your quote for a review
- Read next: Cost Guide · 7 Signs
Festghana Waterproofing Solution Company Limited provides waterproofing services across Ghana. Workmanship warranty on every job.