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Why Dr Fixit 101 Alone Is Not Enough for Old Houses in Ghana – Best Waterproofing Solutions (Expert Advice from CETECH Ghana)

ByCETECH Ghana

Introduction: Why Damp Walls Are So Common in Ghana

If you live in Accra, Kasoa, Tema, or any part of Ghana where rainfall and humidity are high, you have probably seen these common house problems:

  • Paint peeling off the wall
  • Black mould stains or green patches
  • Damp marks rising from the floor level
  • Water stains after rainfall
  • Cracks on plastered walls
  • Seepage through blocks during the rainy season

Many homeowners in Ghana experience these issues especially in completed houses and older buildings. Sometimes the house looks fine during the dry season, but once the heavy rains start, the walls begin to “sweat” and paint starts bubbling.

Because of this, many people start searching online for waterproofing solutions in Ghana and quickly hear about Dr Fixit 101 uses in Ghana.

Yes, Dr Fixit 101 is useful. But the truth is: Dr Fixit 101 alone is not enough for completed houses with dampness and cracks.

In this article, CETECH Ghana will explain why, and also guide you on the best waterproofing products in Ghana you can use to permanently reduce seepage, wall dampness, and moisture penetration.

What Causes Dampness and Seepage in Ghanaian Homes?

To understand how to stop wall dampness in Ghana, you must first understand the real causes.

1. Poor Waterproofing During Construction

Many houses in Ghana are built without proper waterproofing. Some developers focus only on blocks and plaster, thinking paint alone will protect the wall.

Common mistakes include:

  • No damp-proof membrane (DPM) under foundation
  • Poor external plastering
  • No waterproofing at window edges and parapet walls
  • Using low-quality sand or too much water in mortar

Once the house is completed, moisture begins to enter slowly over time.

2. Cracks in Old Plaster and Blocks

Cracks are one of the biggest causes of wall seepage solution in Accra homes.

Cracks may be caused by:

  • Settlement of the building
  • Weak plaster mix
  • Poor curing
  • Expansion and contraction from heat and rainfall
  • Roof vibration and structural stress

Even hairline cracks allow water to penetrate, especially during long rainy periods.

3. Heavy Rainfall and High Humidity

Ghana’s weather conditions make waterproofing a serious issue.

In places like Accra and Cape Coast:

  • Humidity stays high for many months
  • Rain can fall continuously for days
  • Walls remain wet for long periods
  • Poor ventilation makes dampness worse indoors

This is why waterproof coating for buildings in Ghana is not optional—it is necessary.

4. Rising Damp from the Ground

Many older houses experience rising damp where moisture travels upward from the foundation.

Signs include:

  • Damp patches starting from floor level
  • Salt stains on the wall (white powdery marks)
  • Paint peeling close to the skirting area

This usually happens when foundation waterproofing was not done correctly.

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

Dr Fixit 101 is a waterproofing additive mixed into cement mortar or plaster during construction.

What Dr Fixit 101 Actually Does

Dr Fixit 101 helps reduce water absorption in:

  • Plastering mortar
  • Screeding mortar
  • Blockwork mortar

It improves the mortar’s resistance to moisture by reducing the pores that allow water to pass through.

Dr Fixit 101 Uses in Ghana (Correct Uses)

In Ghana, Dr Fixit 101 is best used for:

  • New wall plastering
  • Replastering old walls after hacking
  • Floor screeding
  • Repair works where mortar is being remixed

So yes—Dr Fixit 101 is a useful construction chemical.

But you must understand something clearly:

Dr Fixit 101 is not a surface waterproof coating. It works inside mortar, not on top of paint.

Why Dr Fixit 101 Alone Is Not Enough for Completed Houses

This is where many Ghanaian homeowners make costly mistakes.

They buy Dr Fixit 101, mix it into small cement, patch a crack, then paint over it. After a few rains, the dampness returns.

1. Completed Walls Already Have Moisture Pathways

Old plaster and cracked walls already have:

  • capillary pores
  • weak bonding areas
  • micro cracks
  • moisture trapped inside

Adding Dr Fixit 101 to small repair mortar cannot seal the entire wall surface.

2. Dampness Comes Through the Surface, Not Only the Mortar

In completed houses, seepage usually enters through:

  • external wall surfaces
  • roof parapet cracks
  • window corners
  • exposed blockwork
  • unprotected foundation zones

That means you need a surface waterproof barrier, not only an internal additive.

3. It Does Not Stop Water Pressure from Outside

When rainwater sits against the wall for hours, it creates moisture pressure. Dr Fixit 101 cannot resist this alone unless the whole wall is replastered properly.

4. Many Damp Walls Need Coating + Crack Repair + Protective Paint

If your goal is how to fix cracks and damp walls in Ghana, you need a full waterproofing system.

That system includes:

  • crack filling
  • bonding agents
  • waterproof coating
  • final waterproof paint

This is why CETECH Ghana recommends combining the right products instead of relying only on additives.

Recommended Waterproofing Solutions from CETECH Ghana (Best Options)

If you are looking for the best waterproofing products in Ghana, CETECH Ghana provides professional-grade solutions suitable for Ghana’s rainfall and building conditions.

Below are the top recommended waterproofing products available on the CETECH Ghana online store.

1. Polyurethane Waterproof Coating (For Strong External Protection)

A polyurethane waterproof coating is one of the best modern solutions for seepage problems.

What It Is

Polyurethane coating is a flexible waterproof layer that forms a protective membrane on surfaces.

Where It Works Best in Ghana

  • external walls exposed to rainfall
  • balconies
  • roof slabs
  • parapet walls
  • gutters and roof edges
  • terraces and flat roofs

Why It’s Excellent for Old Houses

Unlike cement patches, polyurethane is flexible. It can expand and contract without cracking easily.

This makes it a top option for waterproofing for old houses in Ghana.

CETECH Ghana recommends polyurethane waterproof coating when seepage is persistent and the wall is exposed to heavy rain.

2. Ezzy Waterproof Paint (Waterproof Paint for Walls in Ghana)

If your house walls are already plastered and you want a protective finish, waterproof paint is a smart option.

What It Is

Ezzy Waterproof Paint is a protective coating designed to resist rain penetration while giving the wall a neat final appearance.

Best Uses

  • exterior walls
  • boundary walls
  • compound house walls
  • interior walls with mild dampness after repairs

Why It Is Important

Many people in Ghana paint directly with normal emulsion paint, but normal paint is not designed for waterproofing.

Ezzy Waterproof Paint provides extra resistance against:

  • rainfall penetration
  • humidity
  • paint bubbling
  • stains

This makes it a strong choice if you want how to stop wall dampness in Ghana without rebuilding your whole wall.

3. Bitumen Emulsion (Best for Foundations and Ground-Level Damp Zones)

Bitumen is one of the oldest and most reliable waterproofing materials used worldwide.

What It Is

Bitumen emulsion is a black waterproof liquid used mainly for substructure waterproofing.

Where It Works Best

  • foundation walls
  • retaining walls
  • underground structures
  • ground floor dampness zones
  • areas where rainwater collects near the base of the building

Why Bitumen Waterproofing Matters in Ghana

In Accra and other coastal areas, water can stay around foundations because of:

  • poor drainage
  • clay soil
  • waterlogged compounds during rainy season

Bitumen waterproofing for buildings helps block moisture from entering at ground level.

For homeowners experiencing rising damp, CETECH Ghana often recommends bitumen emulsion as part of the solution.

4. Waterproof Bonding Agents (For Repairs and Plaster Strength)

A bonding agent is a key product many artisans ignore.

What It Is

A waterproof bonding agent helps new plaster or repair mortar stick strongly to old concrete or old plaster.

Why It Is Necessary

When you patch cracks without bonding agent:

  • the patch becomes weak
  • water enters around the edges
  • cracks reopen after a few months

Where It Should Be Used

  • wall crack repairs
  • plaster repairs
  • floor repairs
  • screeding over old concrete

Bonding agents are a major part of professional construction waterproofing advice in Ghana, and CETECH Ghana supplies them for both contractors and homeowners.

Step-by-Step Expert Waterproofing Advice for Old Houses in Ghana

If your building is completed and already showing dampness, follow this proper method.

Step 1: Inspect the Source of the Dampness

Before buying materials, check:

  • is it from the roof?
  • is it from the external wall?
  • is it from the ground (rising damp)?
  • is it from plumbing leakage?

Many seepage problems in Ghana are wrongly treated because the real source was not identified.

Step 2: Repair All Cracks Properly

Cracks must be opened slightly and repaired, not just painted over.

For best results:

  • clean the crack area
  • remove loose plaster
  • apply bonding agent
  • patch with cement mortar mixed correctly

If you are replastering, this is where Dr Fixit 101 uses in Ghana become helpful—mix it into the mortar during repairs.

Step 3: Apply a Waterproof Bonding Agent

This step ensures your repair mortar and coatings hold firmly.

Without bonding agents, repairs may peel off after rainfall.

Step 4: Apply a Surface Waterproof Coating

This is the most important step for completed houses.

Depending on the area, use:

  • polyurethane waterproof coating (strong protection)
  • waterproof paint like Ezzy (for external walls and finishing)

This creates a barrier that stops rain penetration.

Step 5: Use Bitumen for Ground-Level Dampness

If dampness starts from the foundation or lower wall:

  • excavate small areas if needed
  • apply bitumen emulsion
  • allow proper drying
  • backfill with good drainage material

This is a strong wall seepage solution in Accra, especially in low-lying areas.

Step 6: Apply Final Protective Paint System

After waterproofing coating is dry:

  • apply primer if required
  • apply waterproof paint system
  • avoid low-quality paints that trap moisture

This final stage gives the wall long-term protection and a clean finish.

Common Waterproofing Mistakes to Avoid in Ghana

Many people waste money because they apply waterproofing wrongly.

Mistake 1: Using Dr Fixit 101 Alone on Finished Walls

Remember:

  • Dr Fixit 101 is an additive
  • it is not a waterproof paint
  • it cannot seal an entire wall surface

Mistake 2: Painting Over Damp Walls

Painting over dampness will lead to:

  • bubbling
  • peeling
  • mould growth
  • permanent stains

Always solve the seepage first.

Mistake 3: Ignoring Hairline Cracks

Hairline cracks may look small, but in Ghana’s rainy season they become major entry points for water.

Mistake 4: Not Waterproofing the Foundation Area

Many dampness problems come from below, not from the wall surface.

Mistake 5: Using Only Cement Slurry as Waterproofing

Some artisans use cement paste as “waterproofing.” This is temporary and cracks quickly under heat and rain.

For long-term protection, use proper coatings like polyurethane, waterproof paint, and bitumen systems.

Why Buy Waterproofing Products from CETECH Ghana?

There are many shops selling building materials, but waterproofing requires expert selection. The wrong product will waste money.

CETECH Ghana Offers the Right Waterproofing System

When you shop from CETECH Ghana, you get:

  • professional waterproofing products for Ghana’s climate
  • correct recommendations based on your problem
  • reliable stock for contractors and homeowners

Physical Store in Accra

If you are in Accra, you can visit CETECH Ghana directly to get guidance on what works best for your house condition.

Convenient Delivery Within Accra

CETECH Ghana supports delivery services, making it easier for homeowners and contractors to get materials quickly during repairs.

Trusted Waterproofing Advice

Waterproofing is not about buying one chemical—it is about using the correct system.

That is why CETECH Ghana is trusted for CETECH Ghana waterproofing products and professional recommendations.

Conclusion: The Right Waterproofing Solution Is a System, Not One Product

If you are dealing with damp walls, seepage, cracks, or peeling paint, you must understand this:

Dr Fixit 101 is useful, but it is not a complete waterproofing solution for completed houses.

For old houses and finished buildings in Ghana, the correct approach is:

  • crack repairs with bonding agents
  • proper surface waterproof coating
  • waterproof paint protection
  • bitumen waterproofing for foundation dampness
  • polyurethane waterproof coating for exposed areas

If you want the best waterproofing products in Ghana, CETECH Ghana provides reliable solutions that match Ghana’s rainfall, humidity, and building realities.

Call to Action

Visit the CETECH Ghana online store today to explore:

  • polyurethane waterproof coating Ghana options
  • Ezzy waterproof paint for walls in Ghan
  • bitumen waterproofing for buildings
  • waterproof bonding agents and repair materials

Or visit CETECH Ghana in Accra for expert advice on the best solution for your house.

If you need help choosing the right product for your seepage problem, contact CETECH Ghana and get professional guidance before you waste money on trial-and-error repairs.

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