Is Dr Fixit 101 Enough for an Old Completed House with Seepage and Cracks in Ghana? (Expert Waterproofing Guide)
Is Dr Fixit 101 enough for damp old walls in Ghana? Learn the best waterproofing system for seepage, cracks, and rising damp in Accra.
If you live in Ghana, you’ve probably seen this problem before—especially during the major rainy season. A homeowner in Accra finishes painting their house beautifully. Then after heavy rainfall, they notice dark damp patches forming on the wall. Sometimes the paint starts peeling. In worse cases, the wall develops cracks, the plaster becomes soft, and moisture begins to smell musty inside the room.
This is a very common situation in Ghana because many homes are built with:
- sandcrete blocks
- cement plaster
- normal emulsion paint finishes
- no external waterproof coating
- poor drainage around the building
And once the wall starts absorbing moisture, the damage becomes progressive.
That’s why many homeowners begin searching online for solutions like:
- how to stop wall seepage in Ghana
- how to stop dampness in old houses in Ghana
- best waterproofing solution for walls in Ghana
- waterproofing for cracks in walls Ghana
Often, the first product people hear about is Dr Fixit 101 Pidiproof LW+.
But here is the truth as a waterproofing professional:
Dr Fixit 101 is not a complete waterproofing solution for an old plastered house with seepage and cracks.
It can help, but only as part of a full waterproofing system.
2. What Dr Fixit 101 Really Does (Explain Simply)
Let’s start by clearing the confusion.
What is Dr Fixit 101?
Dr Fixit 101 Pidiproof LW+ is an integral waterproofing admixture. That means it is a liquid chemical additive mixed into:
- cement mortar
- plaster mix
- screed
- concrete
Its purpose is to reduce water absorption inside the cement matrix and improve workability.
What Dr Fixit 101 is designed for
Dr Fixit 101 works best when:
- you are plastering a new wall
- you are screeding a floor
- you are doing rendering repairs
- you are doing blockwork and want to improve mortar quality
In simple terms:
It strengthens and waterproofs the plaster mix from inside.
What Dr Fixit 101 is NOT
Dr Fixit 101 is NOT:
- a waterproof paint
- a surface waterproof membrane
- a crack sealant
- a coating that stops rainwater penetration on old walls
That’s why many people asking “can Dr Fixit 101 stop seepage in walls?” get disappointed if they use it wrongly.
3. Why Dr Fixit 101 Alone Won’t Solve an Old Completed House
A completed house with seepage and cracks is already suffering from external water penetration.
And in Ghana, seepage often happens due to:
- rainwater splash near foundations
- leaking gutters
- water flowing down unplastered parapet walls
- cracks from settlement
- porous plaster mix (too much sand, low cement ratio)
- poor external paint system
- blocked drains around the house
If your wall is already plastered and painted, adding Dr Fixit 101 alone won’t magically stop moisture, because:
Key issue: water is already entering through the surface
The water is coming in through:
- hairline cracks
- open shrinkage cracks
- plaster pores
- block joints
- weak external corners
Dr Fixit 101 does not create a surface barrier. So rainwater will still penetrate.
That is why for a finished building, you need:
- crack repair
- bonding reinforcement
- surface waterproof coating
- waterproof paint finishing
So if your house is old and plastered, the best waterproofing for a completed house in Ghana is not just an additive—it is a full surface waterproofing system.
4. Difference Between Integral Waterproofing vs Surface Waterproofing (Very Clear)
Many homeowners don’t understand the difference between these two concepts. But once you understand it, you will never waste money again.
Difference between integral waterproofing and surface waterproofing
| Feature | Integral Waterproofing (Admixture) | Surface Waterproofing (Coating/Membrane) |
| Where it works | Inside mortar/plaster mix | On the wall surface after plastering |
| Main function | Reduces water absorption in cement | Blocks water entry completely |
| Best used for | New construction or re-plastering | Completed houses with seepage |
| Stops active seepage? | Not reliably | Yes (when properly applied) |
| Stops cracks? | No | Can bridge micro cracks |
| Typical products | Dr Fixit 101, Dr Fixit 105, Sikalite, PERMAFLEX | Polyurethane coating, waterproof paint, bitumen emulsion |
Professional takeaway:
If your building is old, cracked, and damp, you need surface waterproofing—not only integral admixture.
5. What Causes Wall Dampness & Seepage in Ghana Homes
Before buying waterproofing products in Ghana, you must identify the cause.
A. Rainwater penetration through cracks
This is common in Accra, Kasoa, Tema, Kumasi, and Cape Coast where rainfall is heavy and wind-driven rain hits walls directly.
Cracks may come from:
- settlement of foundation
- weak blockwork mortar
- vibration from nearby roads
- poor lintel reinforcement
- thermal expansion
This leads to waterproofing cracked external wall in Accra becoming a common homeowner concern.
B. Rising damp (capillary moisture from the ground)
This happens when:
- no DPC (damp proof course) was installed
- foundation waterproofing was ignored
- ground level is higher than internal floor
Water rises through sandcrete blocks like a sponge.
If you are searching how to treat rising damp in Ghana, you must know that surface paint alone may not solve it unless foundation waterproofing is addressed.
C. Poor drainage and water splashback
Many Ghana homes have:
- no proper concrete apron
- soil touching the wall
- water pooling near foundation
- downpipes discharging directly on the wall base
This makes the wall stay wet for long periods.
D. Poor plaster mix
Some plaster in Ghana is done with a weak mix such as:
- too much sand
- low cement ratio
- poor curing (plaster dries too fast)
This creates porous plaster which absorbs water easily.
E. Roof and gutter issues
Blocked gutters and broken downpipes cause water to flow down the wall continuously.
This is one of the biggest hidden causes of seepage in Ghana.
6. Best Waterproofing System for a Completed House with Damp & Cracks (Step-by-Step)
If your building is old, completed, plastered, and has seepage, the correct method is not guesswork. Waterproofing must be systematic.
See all list of waterproof products CETECH Ghana is selling
Below is the best way to stop rainwater seepage through wall in Ghana.
Step 1: Inspection and moisture diagnosis
Check:
- where the damp patch starts
- whether it increases after rainfall
- whether it appears even in dry season (possible rising damp)
- whether gutters are leaking
- whether cracks run vertically or diagonally
Step 2: Remove loose plaster and paint
Any waterproofing applied over weak plaster will fail.
Remove:
- loose plaster
- bubbling paint
- salt deposits (efflorescence)
Step 3: Open and treat cracks properly
Do not just “patch” cracks with mortar.
Professional crack repair requires:
- opening the crack with grinder/chisel (V-cut)
- cleaning dust
- dampening the surface
Step 4: Use a waterproof bonding agent in the repair mortar
This is where PERMAFLEX Waterproof Bonding Agent becomes extremely important.
PERMAFLEX improves:
- adhesion between old wall and new plaster
- waterproofing performance
- flexibility and durability
This is why PERMAFLEX bonding agent Ghana is one of the best products for renovation waterproofing.
Step 5: Re-plaster with waterproof additive
After crack repair, you can re-plaster affected areas using:
- Dr Fixit 101
- Dr Fixit 105 powder
- Super Sikalite powder
- plus PERMAFLEX bonding agent
This ensures the plaster itself is water resistant.
Step 6: Apply a surface waterproof coating
This is the most important part.
A completed house needs a waterproof membrane barrier such as:
Polyurethane Waterproof Coating
This forms a durable waterproof layer that blocks rainwater entry.
Step 7: Finish with waterproof paint
After waterproof coating cures, apply:
This improves:
- long-term water resistance
- appearance
- UV protection
- micro-crack bridging
This is why many people searching best waterproof paint in Ghana end up choosing Ezzy Waterproof Paint Ghana for external walls.
7. Best CETECH Ghana Product Recommendations (Explain Each Product)
CETECH Ghana stocks a practical range of waterproofing products in Ghana suitable for both new and old buildings.
Below is what each product is best used for.
A. Dr Fixit 101 Pidiproof LW+ (Liquid Integral Admixture)
Best use:
- plaster repairs
- screeding floors
- mortar for rendering
- internal waterproofing improvements
Best for:
- improving water resistance inside cement mix
- reducing shrinkage cracks
Limitation:
Not a surface membrane.
So if you’re asking how to apply Dr Fixit 101 on plastered walls, the correct answer is:
You don’t apply it like paint. You mix it inside mortar/plaster.
B. Dr Fixit 105 Powder Waterproof
This is similar in concept but in powder form.
Best use:
- plastering works
- rendering and repairs
- masonry mortar
Why it’s useful:
- easy to measure and store
- improves waterproofing inside plaster
But still:
not a surface coating.
C. Super Sikalite Powder Waterproofing Admixture
This is a good alternative to Dr Fixit 105.
Best use:
- mortar waterproofing
- internal plaster waterproofing
- budget-friendly waterproof additive option
If you want a cheaper powder option, this is a strong choice.
D. PERMAFLEX Waterproof Bonding Agent (Liquid Admix)
This is one of the most important products for old buildings.
Best use:
- crack repair mortar
- re-plastering old damp walls
- bonding new plaster to old concrete
Why PERMAFLEX is superior for repairs:
- improves adhesion
- reduces future cracking
- enhances waterproofing
- increases durability in Ghana’s harsh climate
This is truly a top waterproof bonding agent in Ghana for renovation works.
E. Polyurethane Waterproof Coating
If someone asks:
“What is stronger than Dr Fixit 101 in Ghana?”
This is one of the best answers.
Best use:
- external walls
- parapet walls
- balconies
- flat roofs
- damp-prone wall sections
Why polyurethane is excellent:
- forms a waterproof membrane
- bridges hairline cracks
- withstands UV and rainfall
- long lifespan
This is why polyurethane waterproof coating in Ghana is considered a professional-grade solution.
F. Emulzer Emilkote Bitumen Emulsion Waterproofing
Bitumen emulsion is ideal for foundation protection.
Best use:
- foundation walls
- retaining walls
- underground areas
- base of external walls
If you’re researching bitumen waterproofing for foundation walls in Ghana, this is the right product category.
Important note:
Bitumen should often be used before plastering or behind protective layers.
G. Ezzy Waterproof Paint
Ezzy Waterproof Paint is one of the most practical surface finishing solutions.
Best use:
- external walls
- internal damp-prone walls after repairs
- areas exposed to rainfall
Advantages:
- easy to apply (roller/brush)
- fills micro cracks
- improves aesthetics
- adds water resistance layer
It is a good answer to people searching best waterproof paint in Ghana.
H. Waterproof Leak Seal Tape
This is a quick fix product.
Best use:
- temporary leak patching
- sealing joints
- emergency roof leaks
Limitation:
Not a full waterproofing system.
8. Which Is Stronger Than Dr Fixit 101? (Answer Directly)
To answer clearly:
Yes—there are stronger alternatives than Dr Fixit 101 for a completed house.
Dr Fixit 101 is mainly a cement additive. But for old plastered walls, stronger solutions are:
Polyurethane Waterproof Coating
This is a true waterproof membrane system and the best product for sealing cracks and damp walls.
Ezzy Waterproof Paint
A practical surface waterproof paint that protects walls and improves appearance.
So if your main issue is seepage through cracks, the stronger alternative to Dr Fixit 101 in Ghana is a surface waterproof coating system, not just admixture.
9. How Many Litres of Dr Fixit 101 Do You Need for a 6-Room House + Hall?
This is one of the most common customer questions:
“how many litres of Dr Fixit 101 is needed for a 6 bedroom house?”
The truth is: it depends on how much plastering or repair work you are doing.
Key factors affecting consumption
- total wall area to be replastered
- thickness of plaster (12mm, 15mm, 20mm)
- mix ratio used
- wastage and workmanship quality
Rough practical estimate (Ghana realistic example)
If you are re-plastering and repairing external walls of a typical 6-room + hall house, you might use:
- 2 to 5 bags of cement per room section depending on damage
- total cement consumption could range 40 to 100 bags for major external repair works
Dr Fixit 101 is typically dosed per bag of cement (varies by specification).
Realistic guidance
- For small repair works: 5L may be enough
- For major wall replastering: 20L (big gallon) may be needed
- For full external wall replastering: you may need 2–4 big gallons
So if your goal is full re-rendering, one 20L gallon may not cover everything.
This is why a professional inspection is better than guessing.
10. Application Guide (What to Apply Before and After)
If you are waterproofing an old wall properly, follow this sequence.
Before applying any waterproofing
- Fix drainage and gutter leaks
- Remove peeling paint and loose plaster
- Clean efflorescence salts
- Open cracks properly
- Repair cracks using mortar + PERMAFLEX bonding agent
- Cure plaster properly (minimum 3–7 days wet curing)
After repair plaster is cured
Apply waterproofing in this order:
Option 1: Professional system (recommended)
- Polyurethane waterproof coating
- then Ezzy waterproof paint finishing
Option 2: Foundation damp protection
- Bitumen emulsion on foundation wall
- protective plaster layer
- then waterproof paint finish
Drying and curing timeline
- crack repairs: allow at least 24–48 hours
- new plaster: allow 7–14 days curing
- polyurethane coating: allow curing as specified before painting
- waterproof paint: apply 2 coats
Skipping curing time is one of the biggest reasons waterproofing fails in Ghana.
11. Common Waterproofing Mistakes Ghana Homeowners Make
Here are costly mistakes that waste money:
Mistake 1: Painting over damp walls
This traps moisture inside and causes blistering.
Mistake 2: Ignoring cracks
Even hairline cracks can allow rainwater in.
Mistake 3: Using Dr Fixit 101 as a surface paint
Many people misunderstand and try to “apply” it directly.
Mistake 4: No proper surface preparation
Dust, algae, and old paint reduce bonding.
Mistake 5: No curing time
Plaster must cure properly or it will remain porous.
Mistake 6: Not fixing the source of water
If gutter leaks are not repaired, waterproofing will still fail.
12. When to Use Bitumen Emulsion Waterproofing in Ghana
Bitumen emulsion is excellent for substructure protection.
Best places to apply bitumen waterproofing
- foundation external wall (below ground)
- retaining walls
- waterlogged areas
- base of building where water splashes
Why it is important in Ghana
Ghana has areas with:
- sandy soils
- poor storm drains
- flooding during rains
- water pooling around foundation
In these cases, bitumen waterproofing prevents moisture from entering the wall from below.
However, bitumen should be protected because UV exposure can degrade it.
13. Quick Product Selection Table (Very Important)
| Problem | Best Product | Why | Where to Apply |
| Wall cracks causing seepage | PERMAFLEX + repair mortar | Strong bonding + waterproof repair | Crack zones, plaster repairs |
| Damp external wall after rain | Polyurethane waterproof coating | Forms waterproof membrane | External walls, parapets |
| Hairline cracks and paint failure | Ezzy waterproof paint | Bridges small cracks + protects | External walls |
| Foundation moisture / rising damp | Bitumen emulsion waterproofing | Blocks ground moisture entry | Foundation walls, retaining walls |
| Waterproofing new plaster mix | Dr Fixit 101 / Dr Fixit 105 / Sikalite | Improves water resistance inside mix | Mortar, plaster, screed |
| Emergency leak patch | Waterproof leak seal tape | Quick temporary sealing | Roof holes, joints |
14. Where to Buy Genuine Waterproofing Products in Ghana
When buying waterproofing products in Ghana, quality matters because fake products can fail quickly.
If you want genuine products such as:
- Dr Fixit 101
- Dr Fixit 105
- PERMAFLEX bonding agent
- polyurethane waterproof coating
- Ezzy waterproof paint
- bitumen waterproofing emulsion
You can get them from CETECH Ghana Departmental Hardware Store.
Why CETECH Ghana is trusted
- Located at Ashaley Botwe, Accra
- Products available in multiple sizes
- Same-day delivery within Accra
- Payment before delivery policy (clear and secure)
Confirmed Dr Fixit 101 Price in Ghana (CETECH Ghana)
For customers asking about cost:
- Dr Fixit 101 5 Litres price in Ghana: GHS 450
- Dr Fixit 101 20 litres price in Ghana (big gallon): GHS 1,400
So yes—the “big gallon” customers ask for is the 20L gallon at GHS 1,400.
This helps eliminate confusion for buyers searching online for Dr Fixit 101 price in Ghana.
15. Conclusion (Strong Expert Advice + Call to Action)
So, is Dr Fixit 101 enough for an old completed house with seepage and cracks in Ghana?
Final professional answer:
No—Dr Fixit 101 alone is not enough.
Dr Fixit 101 is an excellent integral waterproofing additive, but it does not seal an already plastered wall against rainwater penetration.
Best waterproofing solution for walls in Ghana (for old houses)
To stop seepage permanently, you need a complete waterproofing system:
- Fix cracks properly
- Use PERMAFLEX waterproof bonding agent in repair plaster
- Re-plaster with waterproof admixture (Dr Fixit 101 / Dr Fixit 105 / Sikalite)
- Apply polyurethane waterproof coating
- Finish with Ezzy waterproof paint
This is the professional method used for long-lasting results.
If you want the correct waterproofing products in Ghana, CETECH Ghana waterproofing shop in Ashaley Botwe, Accra provides the key materials needed to solve seepage problems properly.
FAQs (Ghana Waterproofing Questions Answered)
1. Can Dr Fixit 101 stop seepage on an already plastered wall?
Not by itself. Dr Fixit 101 is mixed into mortar/plaster. For an already plastered wall, you need crack repairs and a surface waterproof coating.
2. Is Dr Fixit 101 good for external walls?
Yes, but only when used inside plaster or rendering mix during repairs or replastering. It is not a surface sealant.
3. What is the strongest waterproofing product for cracks in Ghana?
A combination of proper crack repair plus polyurethane waterproof coating is one of the strongest options for external wall seepage control.
4. Can Ezzy waterproof paint stop dampness?
Ezzy waterproof paint can reduce water penetration and protect walls, but dampness caused by rising damp or deep cracks must be repaired first.
5. How long does polyurethane waterproof coating last?
If applied properly on a well-prepared surface, polyurethane waterproof coating can last 5–10 years or more, depending on exposure and maintenance.
6. What is the best waterproofing for old houses in Ghana?
The best waterproofing for old houses is a full system: crack repair + bonding agent + waterproof plaster additive + polyurethane coating + waterproof paint finish.
7. Can bitumen waterproofing be used on walls?
Yes. Bitumen emulsion is best used on foundation walls, retaining walls, and damp-prone lower wall sections, especially before backfilling.
8. How do I know if dampness is rising damp or rain seepage?
- Rising damp usually starts from the bottom and rises upward.
- Rain seepage usually appears after rainfall and often around cracks or exposed wall sections.
