Best Waterproofing Solutions for Completed Houses in Ghana: Why Dr Fixit 101 Alone Cannot Stop Damp Walls, Seepage, and Cracks

Introduction: The Ghana Rainy Season Problem Most Homeowners Know Too Well

If you live in Accra, Tema, Kasoa, or Kumasi, you have probably experienced this common situation: the rainy season starts, and suddenly your walls begin to show damp patches. Paint starts bubbling and peeling. Some rooms develop a mouldy smell. Cracks that looked harmless in the dry season begin to widen, and after heavy rainfall you may even see water marks running down the wall.

Many homeowners assume the problem is just “bad paint.” Others think the wall only needs cement patching. Some contractors recommend using Dr Fixit 101, mixing it into mortar and plaster, believing that will solve everything.

But in reality, a completed house with dampness and cracks needs more than just an additive. If your walls are already plastered and water is already penetrating through cracks, joints, or porous sandcrete blocks, then Dr Fixit 101 alone will not stop seepage.

In this guide, CETECH Ghana explains why Dr Fixit 101 has limitations, and what the correct waterproofing system should be for completed buildings. You will also learn the best waterproofing products in Ghana that are available from the CETECH Ghana Departmental Hardware Store online store.

This article is written for homeowners, masons, contractors, and property developers who want practical construction waterproofing advice Ghana professionals actually use.

What Causes Dampness and Seepage in Ghanaian Homes?

To understand how to stop wall dampness in Ghana, you must first understand why it happens. In Ghana, dampness problems are common because of climate, building materials, and construction practices.

Heavy Rainfall and High Humidity

Coastal areas like Accra and Tema experience long periods of humidity. Even when it is not raining, the air contains moisture. During the rainy season, walls can stay wet for days, especially if the building is poorly ventilated or shaded.

Once moisture penetrates into a wall, it becomes difficult for the wall to dry out naturally.

Poor Drainage Around the House

Many completed houses in Kasoa and parts of Kumasi are built on land with poor drainage. Water collects around the foundation after rainfall. If the foundation is not properly protected, moisture slowly rises into the wall.

This is one of the main causes of rising damp, where dampness begins from the bottom of the wall and climbs upward.

Cracks in Old Plaster and Blockwork

Cracks are one of the biggest causes of wall seepage solution in Accra homes. Cracks allow water to enter the wall during rainfall. Some cracks are caused by:

• Weak plaster mix
• Too much sand and too little cement
• Poor curing after plastering
• Settlement of the building
• Heat expansion and contraction

Even hairline cracks can allow moisture into sandcrete blocks over time.

Porous Sandcrete Blocks

In Ghana, many sandcrete blocks are produced locally with inconsistent quality. Some blocks are very porous, meaning they absorb water easily like a sponge. When rain hits an external wall, the blocks soak up water and transfer moisture inside the building.

Roof Leaks and Parapet Wall Seepage

Sometimes dampness is not from the wall itself but from the top. Common sources include:

• Cracks in parapet walls
• Poor roof flashing
• Broken gutters
• Water splashing directly onto walls from roof runoff

In such cases, painting alone will never solve the issue.

Poor Waterproofing During Construction

Many developers focus on completing the building quickly, without proper waterproofing layers. Common missing items include:

• Damp-proof membrane (DPM) at foundation level
• Waterproof render on external walls
• Protective coatings on exposed concrete
• Proper sealing around windows

This is why waterproofing for old houses in Ghana becomes necessary even if the building looked fine when it was new.

What Is Dr Fixit 101 and When Should It Be Used?

One of the most searched terms online today is Dr Fixit 101 uses in Ghana. Many people hear about it from artisans and building suppliers, but they do not fully understand what it does.

What Dr Fixit 101 Pidiproof LW+ Really Is

Dr Fixit 101 Pidiproof LW+ is an integral waterproofing additive. That means it is added into cement mortar, concrete, or plaster during mixing.

Its purpose is to reduce the water absorption of the cement mixture. It improves the quality of plaster and helps reduce shrinkage cracks when used correctly.

Correct Dr Fixit 101 Uses in Ghana

Dr Fixit 101 is best used for:

• New plastering works
• Floor screeding
• Block laying mortar
• Re-plastering and rendering works
• Concrete works such as beams, columns, and slabs

It is especially useful when you are building from scratch or when you are hacking off old plaster and re-plastering.

What Dr Fixit 101 Is Not

Dr Fixit 101 is not a surface waterproof coating. It does not form a waterproof membrane on the wall surface. It works inside the mortar, not on top of the wall.

That is why it is important to understand that Dr Fixit 101 is only one part of a complete waterproofing system.

Why Dr Fixit 101 Alone Is Not Enough for Completed Houses

This is the biggest mistake many homeowners make. They see dampness on an already plastered wall, buy Dr Fixit 101, mix it into small cement, patch the crack, and expect the wall to stop leaking.

After some weeks or after the next rainfall, the dampness returns.

1. Completed Walls Already Have Moisture Entry Points

A completed house already has existing cracks, weak joints, and porous plaster areas. Water is already entering through multiple points. Mixing an additive into one patch area does not stop water penetration across the entire wall surface.

2. Dampness Often Comes Through the Wall Surface

Most seepage problems in Ghana occur because rainwater penetrates the external wall surface. A surface barrier is required to stop water from entering. Dr Fixit 101 does not create that barrier.

3. Existing Plaster and Paint Layers Are Not Waterproof

If the wall has already been painted with normal emulsion paint, moisture can still pass through. Once water enters behind the paint, the paint begins to peel.

A waterproof coating for buildings in Ghana must form a protective layer on the surface, not inside the mortar alone.

4. Additives Cannot Resist External Water Pressure

During heavy rains, water sits on external walls, especially on walls facing the rain direction. That creates constant water pressure. If there is no waterproof membrane, water will eventually pass through.

5. The Correct Solution Is a System, Not One Product

A completed house with seepage needs:

• crack repair
• bonding and strengthening of plaster
• surface waterproof coating
• protective waterproof paint finish

This is the professional approach used for how to fix cracks and damp walls in Ghana.

Best Waterproofing Products Available at CETECH Ghana (Recommended Options)

If you are searching for waterproofing solutions in Ghana, CETECH Ghana provides a complete range of products for both new construction and completed house repairs.

All the products listed below are available on the CETECH Ghana Departmental Hardware Store online store.

1. Dr Fixit 101 Pidiproof LW+ (Integral Additive Waterproofing)

Dr Fixit 101 is useful when you are:

• replastering damaged areas
• rendering external walls
• screeding floors

It improves mortar strength and reduces shrinkage cracks. However, it must be combined with surface waterproofing for completed houses.

2. Dr Fixit 105 Powder Waterproof (Powder Admixture for Plaster and Concrete)

Dr Fixit 105 Powder Waterproof is another integral waterproofing additive. It is mixed into cement and sand mortar to reduce water absorption.

It is suitable for:

• plastering works
• mortar repairs
• concrete works

Like Dr Fixit 101, it is not a surface membrane, so it is not enough alone for seepage on finished walls.

3. Super Sikalite Powder Waterproofing Admixture

Super Sikalite is a powder admixture used for similar purposes. It improves water resistance of plaster and concrete mixes.

It is ideal for contractors who prefer powder admixtures during rendering and plastering works.

4. PERMAFLEX Waterproof Bonding Agent (Liquid Admix)

One of the most important products for completed house repairs is PERMAFLEX waterproof bonding agent Ghana contractors use for repair works.

PERMAFLEX is a latex-based liquid admixture that improves bonding between old plaster and new repair mortar. It also increases water resistance.

PERMAFLEX is recommended for:

• patching cracks
• replastering damp wall sections
• improving adhesion of repair mortar
• strengthening render against moisture penetration

If you are repairing damp walls, PERMAFLEX is often a better practical option than using Dr Fixit 101 alone.

5. Polyurethane Waterproof Coating (Surface Waterproof Membrane)

For completed houses with seepage, polyurethane waterproof coating Ghana solutions are among the best options available.

Polyurethane waterproof coating is applied on top of plastered walls or concrete surfaces. It forms a flexible waterproof membrane that blocks water entry.

It is suitable for:

• external walls exposed to rainfall
• roof slabs and terraces
• parapet walls
• balconies
• areas with recurring seepage

Unlike additives, polyurethane coating directly blocks rainwater penetration. This makes it one of the best waterproofing products in Ghana for old houses.

6. Emulzer Emilkote Bitumen Emulsion Waterproofing (Foundation and Damp Zone Protection)

Bitumen waterproofing for buildings is a trusted method used worldwide. Emulzer Emilkote Bitumen Emulsion Waterproofing is a brush-applied coating that provides strong water resistance.

It is recommended for:

• foundation walls
• retaining walls
• ground-level damp zones
• areas where rainwater collects around the building

For houses with rising damp, bitumen emulsion is a strong option to protect substructure areas and reduce moisture movement into walls.

7. Ezzy Waterproof Paint (Protective Waterproof Paint Finish)

Ezzy Waterproof Paint is a waterproof paint for walls in Ghana that provides a protective layer against moisture and helps cover minor surface cracks.

It is recommended for:

• external walls
• compound walls
• internal walls after damp repairs
• finishing after waterproof coatings

Ezzy waterproof paint works well as a final protective coat after repairs and surface waterproofing.

8. Waterproof Leak Seal Tape (Temporary Emergency Repair)

Waterproof Leak Seal Tape is useful for temporary repairs, especially when there is an active leak and you need quick control before permanent work.

It can be used for:

• small roof holes
• leaking gutter joints
• temporary sealing of cracks

However, it is not a replacement for proper waterproofing. It is best used as an emergency support solution.

Step-by-Step Waterproofing Method for Old or Completed Houses in Ghana

If you want the correct wall seepage solution in Accra or any part of Ghana, follow this professional method.

Step 1: Inspect and Identify the Real Source

Check if the dampness is from:

• wall cracks
• roof leakage
• rising damp from foundation
• plumbing leakage
• poor drainage

Without proper inspection, you may treat the wrong area.

Step 2: Remove Loose Plaster and Weak Paint

Scrape off all peeling paint and hack off loose plaster. Waterproof coatings cannot bond well to weak surfaces.

Step 3: Open and Repair Cracks Properly

Cracks should not be covered with paint alone. They must be repaired using mortar and bonding agent.

Best practice includes:

• widening the crack slightly
• cleaning dust and debris
• applying PERMAFLEX waterproof bonding agent
• filling with mortar and smoothing properly

Step 4: Replaster Weak Sections with PERMAFLEX Admix

If plaster is weak or hollow-sounding, remove and replaster using cement mortar mixed with PERMAFLEX.

This strengthens the wall and reduces future cracking.

Step 5: Allow Proper Drying Time

One of the most ignored steps in Ghana is drying time. Plaster repairs must cure and dry properly before applying coatings.

If coatings are applied too early, moisture becomes trapped and dampness returns.

Step 6: Apply Polyurethane Waterproof Coating

After repairs are dry, apply polyurethane waterproof coating over the external wall surface.

This creates the waterproof membrane needed for completed houses.

Step 7: Apply Ezzy Waterproof Paint for Finishing

After the polyurethane coating has cured, you may apply Ezzy Waterproof Paint as a protective and decorative finish.

This improves:

• appearance
• UV resistance
• long-term wall protection

Step 8: Improve Drainage Around the House

If water collects around the foundation, fix it by:

• sloping the ground away from the wall
• clearing gutters
• installing proper drain channels
• preventing roof water from splashing directly onto the wall

This is an important part of how to stop wall dampness in Ghana.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many waterproofing failures in Ghana happen because of avoidable mistakes.

Painting Over Damp Walls

Painting without fixing seepage traps moisture inside and leads to bubbling and peeling.

Ignoring Cracks

Even small cracks can allow water entry. Always repair cracks before coating.

Relying on Dr Fixit 101 Alone

Dr Fixit 101 improves mortar but does not seal finished walls. Surface waterproofing is required.

Applying Waterproof Coatings on Dusty Surfaces

If the wall is dusty or oily, coatings will not bond properly and will peel off.

Not Allowing Drying Time

Coatings must be applied on dry surfaces. Rushing the process is one of the main reasons waterproofing fails.

Why Buy Waterproofing Products from CETECH Ghana?

CETECH Ghana is not just a supplier. CETECH Ghana provides reliable construction waterproofing advice Ghana homeowners and contractors can trust.

When you buy CETECH Ghana waterproofing products, you benefit from:

• expert guidance for choosing the right system
• genuine quality products for Ghana’s climate
• a physical shop in Accra for inspection and consultation
• convenient online ordering through the CETECH Ghana Departmental Hardware Store online store
• delivery support within Accra and other parts of Ghana

For homeowners, masons, and developers looking for the best waterproofing products in Ghana, CETECH Ghana offers both product availability and technical direction.

Conclusion: The Right Waterproofing System Is the Real Solution

If your house is completed and you are seeing damp patches, seepage, mould stains, peeling paint, or cracks, understand this clearly: Dr Fixit 101 alone is not enough.

Dr Fixit 101 is an integral additive. It works best in new construction and replastering, but it does not seal an already plastered wall by itself.

For waterproofing for old houses in Ghana, the correct solution is a complete system:

• crack repair and plaster strengthening
• PERMAFLEX waterproof bonding agent for repairs
• surface waterproof membrane such as polyurethane waterproof coating
• protective finishing using Ezzy waterproof paint
• bitumen emulsion for foundation and ground-level damp zones

If you want the most reliable waterproofing solutions in Ghana, visit the CETECH Ghana Departmental Hardware Store online store or visit CETECH Ghana in Accra for professional recommendations.

For expert guidance on how to fix cracks and damp walls in Ghana, CETECH Ghana is the trusted place to get the right waterproofing products and technical support.