Editors Note

PUBLISHED BY
Pidilite Industries Ltd.

EDITOR
Murgesh Bhustali

SUB-EDITOR
Dipika Shetty

DESIGNED BY
Parag Chinchkar, Better Communications Pvt. Ltd.
Cover page by Ogilvy & Mather Pvt. Ltd.

Dear Friend,
MUMBAI
Ramkrishna Mandir Road, P.O.Box No.17411,
Andheri (East) MUMBAI - 400 059.
Ph : (022) 2835 7000
AHMEDABAD
Paritosh 4th Floor, Near Darpan Academy,
Usmanpura, AHMEDABAD - 380 013
Ph : (079) 27552043 / 1483
BANGALORE
H.V.S. Apartments, Edward Road, BANGALORE - 560 052.
Ph : (080) 22204238 / 4239
CHENNAI
306 (Old No. 244), Llyods Road, Gopalpuram,
CHENNAI-600 086.
Ph : (044) 28350338 / 1614
COCHIN
Ellikkal Estate, N.H. 47, Pathadipalam,
Edappally P.O, Ernakulam, Cochin - 682 024.
Ph : (0484) 2543978 / 3979

The monsoon is around the corner, and we need to take care and get prepared for
the onslaught of rains. Pre-monsoon preparations like proper cleaning of terrace
and rainwater outlets needs to be done to ensure proper flow of water and avoid
ponding
This issue of Building Blocks focuses on solving the common problem of leakages in
bathrooms and toilets. It provides a set of complete solutions for dealing with
leakages in bathroom and toilets, on long-term basis. Mr. K. Padmakar and
Mr. Dhananjay Kulkarni have written in a lucid manner how to tackle problem related
to new and old bathroom constructions.

DELHI
6th Floor, Vikas Deep, Laxmi Nagar, District Centre,
Vikas Marg, DELHI - 110 092
Ph : (011) 22440890, 22541970

The common problems in waterproofing and on rising dampness are answered in the
ASK THE EXPERT column

HYDERABAD
Sunrise Apartment, Flat No.101,102 & 103,
183, Dwarkapuri Colony,
Panjagutta, HYDERABAD - 500 082.
Ph : (040) 23351250 / 1308

In the other regular columns, we have highlighted on our recent initiatives like new
product launches, the opening of additional Dr. Fixit Service Centre. We are also
out-lining the schedule of various types of engineer, architect, contractor & dealer
meets.

KOLKATA
Everest House, 10th Floor, 46/ C, Chowringhee Road,
KOLKATA - 700 071.
Ph :(033) 22888844 / 7610

We hope you will enjoy reading this issue and give your feedback to enable us make
Building Blocks still more interesting for your reading.

Pidilite Industries Ltd.

Murgesh Bhustali
Head - Training
Construction Chemicals Division
Pidilite Industries Ltd.

Previous Issue

The previous issue of Building Blocks carried an article on terrace waterproofing by

K. Padmakar - G. M- Products & Services which was in continuation to the 8th issue of
Building Blocks.
It also carried details of our new products launched in the coatings range

Some encouraging responses ...

We received you latest issue of Building Blocks, being a professional civil engineer and working as a contractor for building
construction & repairing work, I liked it very much. I have found it very informative and useful in my day-to-day work.
- Jayesh Shah (Trinity Group, Borivali)
Keep it up ! I have been reading your magazine regularly right since its first issue. I appreciate the efforts
taken in coming out with this magazine. I must say the total magazine as a package is informative and well
summarized. Please keep the efforts going. - By email Vishal Akila (Mumbai)
I would like to congratulate your team on your well-researched magazine. Your article on terrace waterproofing
using Dr. Fixit New coat and Dr. Fixit Heat shield was really of great interest. The article carried valuable inputs which we have
considered while getting our society repaired. - By email Ashok Sharma (Bank Employee, Ajmer)

Contents
1

FROM THE COVER

Leak Free Bathrooms

(New & Old construction)

INDUSTRY PROFESSIONAL SPEAKS

Kurian Philip - An experienced applicator &
his association with Pidilite

ASK THE EXPERT

You ask your doubts, we will clarify them

DR FIXIT INSTITUTE
Programs conducted by Dr. Fixit Institute
Some of our recent projects

NEWS
Training Programs conducted for
Contractors, Painters, Dealer,
& Site Engineers
Exhibition & Trade Fairs conducted
Dr. Fixit Service Centre inaugurations
Level II Applicator Training Program
New Product Launches
3

Cover Story

TM

WAT E R P R O O F I N G S O L U T I O N S

Leak Free Bathrooms

K. Padmakar & D.K. Kulkarni
Construction Chemicals Division
Pidilite Industries Limited

athroom waterproofing, whether new or old is always

a subject during seminars & workshops
In new construction, although is only identified with only
doing a brick-bat-coba treatment in the sunken portion,
there is much more to be done, than just this treatment.

LEAK FREE BATHROOMS IN NEW CONSTRUCTION

By having a look at what are the areas that definitely need
waterproofing treatment, one will be surprised to the extent, one
needs to detail into for a properly waterproofed bathroom-toilet.
Waterproof treatment to base slab
Tiling
All the plumbing and sanitary joints
Sealing gaps around wash basin / bath tubs
Lets look at all the above areas in detail now

WATERPROOFING TREATMENT TO BASE SLAB

The base slab of bathrooms and toilets shall be treated with Dr. Fixit
Pidifin 2K , a flexible, heavy duty, impermeable, seamless,
2-component, Cementitous polymer modified coating.

Surface Preparation
Surfaces to be applied upon, must be clean, reasonably dry, free from
dirt and loose material, and be as smooth as possible. Pre-wet the
surface with water and allow surface water to evaporate.
Application
Apply by brush or roller a coat of Dr. Fixit Pidifin 2K after mixing
2-components mechanically over the prepared surface at a rate of
12-14 square meters per kg at a thickness of 500-600 microns and
allow to dry for 4 -6 hours. Apply second coat in the opposite direction
4

at the same rate. After application of second coat of

Dr. Fixit Pidifin 2K it gives the total thickness of
1-1.2 mm. The treatment is left as it is for 72 hours for
air cure before carrying out the ponding test. Ponding
test shall be carried out at a depth of 50 mm to
determine water tightness.
The waterproofing shall be carried at least 300 mm on
vertical surfaces, or at least 150 mm above the floor finish level. The
membrane shall be applied to the internals of the down pipes before
laying of the tiles, bedding and floor traps. Upon successful
completion of the ponding test, a layer of 10mm Cement-sand (Ratio
1:4) protective screed, using Dr. Fixit Pidiproof LW Integral
Waterproofing Compound @ 200ml/ 50 kg bag of cement, shall be
applied on top of the membrane. Care shall be taken w hile laying the
protective screed so as not to damage the waterproofing membrane
below.

TILING
The tiling in wet areas like bathrooms / toilets etc shall be done with
waterproof, non shrinking, ready to use polymerized tile adhesive
Dr. Fixit Fevimate XL/ ROFF Non-Skid Adhesive and the tile joints shall
be filled with waterproof, non cracking, coloured, ready-to-use tile
joint material Dr Fixit Fevimate TG/ ROFF Rainbow Tile Mate.

Surface Preparation
Once the leveling screed (PCC) is laid in wet areas, it shall be cured for
a minimum 7 days. Remove all water & clean surface to receive the tile
adhesive.
Application
Dr Fixit Fevimate XL/ ROFF Non-Skid Adhesive is mixed with potable
water at the proportion of 3:1 (Powder : water) with trowel / slow
speed drill (50-100 rpm) until a homogenous lump free paste is
obtained. Care should be taken that the quantity, which can be
consumed within 2hrs at 30C, should only be mixed. Adhesive is then

spread to a thickness of approx, 3-6 mm and comb with a notched

trowel. The tiles are placed on the surface to be tiled and tapped
properly for ensuring complete coverage of the backside of tiles
without any air voids. The joints between two-tiles is kept with the
2 mm spacers provided with Dr. Fixit Fevimate XL/ ROFF Non-Skid
Adhesive bag. The tiling is allowed to set for 24 hours before
application of waterproof tile grout Dr Fixit Fevimate TG/ ROFF
Rainbow Tile Mate.

PLUMBING & SANITARY JOINTS

All the tile joints shall be filled with polymer based tile grout Dr. Fixit
Fevimate TG/ ROFF Rainbow Tile Mate which is available in different
colours.

SEALING GAPS AROUND WASHBASIN / BATHTUBS

Gaps around washbasin and bathtubs require special sealant that
should withstand the temperature variations and movement. The
ordinary sealant / cement filled joints will crack and leak with the
passage of time. The joints look ugly and spoil the aesthetics.
Such gaps / joints should be filled with non-shrinking, crack free
acrylic based sealant Dr. Fixit Gapfill. Available in easy to use tubes of
200 ml, one can clean the joint surface and apply manually into the
joint. After application of Dr. Fixit Gapfill, tooling should be done
immediately with the help of suitable tooling knife. This will ensure the
required compaction and adhesion with the surface. The joints applied
with Dr. Fixit Gapfill will remain intact for a long time without showing a
sign of deterioration.

REPAIRING BATHROOMS FOR A LEAK FREE SITUATION

Dr Fixit Fevimate TG/ ROFF Rainbow Tile Mate is mixed with water in
ratio of 2.5:1 (Fevimate TG/ RTM : Water) until a homogenous and
desired consistency is achieved. The prepared paste is then filled into
the gaps and excess material is removed by tooling.
All the plumbing and sanitary joints with polymer modified cement
mortar. For this all the joints must be cleaned and made dry. Prepare
polymer modified mortar by adding 6 to 8 % Dr. Fixit Pidicrete URP by
weight of cement.

Skipting
Boards &
Covings

Bathtubs
&
Washbasins

Bathrooms & toilets can leak due to the following reasons:

1. Negligent work in plumbing and sanitation
2. Conventional tiling methods that actually do not waterproof
3. Through joints sealed with white cement.
4. Through joints between ceramic sanitary units such as wash
basins / bath tubs.
5. Poor quality of construction and concrete with age or honeycombs
& voids
6. Renovation of these areas without proper advice.

NEGLIGENT WORK IN PLUMBING AND SANITATION

Plumbing and sanitary fittings require some fore thought while
planning for a leak free bathroom. But often on sites, the works are
done in isolation, i.e. no co-ordination between the waterproofing
contractor. This results in dampness and leakage, much after the
owner has moved in. Since plumbing pipes are nowadays concealed,
leakage in the joints show up as dampness in walls.

Kitchen sinks
& UPVC down
pipes

Cover Story

TM

WAT E R P R O O F I N G S O L U T I O N S

Reiterating treatment of 'rising damp' in Walls of stone masonry and concrete

Plumbing lines must be checked by a plumber for leakage through
joints or elbows / bends in the pipes.
It may require breaking open to expose the exact point of leakage.
Fix up the joints, elbows or nipples with an effective caulking
material. (Check for its ability to withstand high temperatures of
the geysers, in case of hot water lines.)
If the pipeline is being put back into the walls and re-concealed,
use a polymer modified mortar made with either Dr. Fixit Pidicrete
URP or MPB to seal it back. This will ensure water-tightness.
Nahani traps must be inspected for leakages. Fill up all the gaps
around the pipes in the traps with an effective material like M-Seal
Wet Set.

LEAKAGE THROUGH CONVENTIONALLY TILED SURFACES

Traditionally tiling does not use waterproofing materials. It is done
with grey or white cement, which will shrink and crack. The tiling
fixing material comprises of a neat cement paste made with water,
which is applied partially on the back of a tile. This practice does
not give a 100 % waterproof tiling solution.

JOINTS BETWEEN CERAMIC SANITARY UNITS

Joints between ceramic sanitary units like wash basin, bathtub etc. are
traditionally grouted with white cement, which crack and allow
seepage of water. Besides white cement starts looking shabby and
often show up collection of dust / bacteria.
Such joints can be raked out, and re-filled with Dr. Fixit Gapfill, an
acrylic based sealant that is easy in application. The product comes in
a tube that can be pressed into the gaps and finished / tooled with a
spatula or a metallic scale.

DOWNTAKE PIPES ON THE EXTERIOR WALLS

Downtake pipes often leak at the joints allowing water to seep into the
interior of the bathroom / toilet, resulting in dampness internally.
These points can be re-done with a polymerised cement-sand mortar
prepared with Dr. Fixit Pidicrete MPB that will ensure no leakage. This
joint will be waterproof joint that is now effect due to the use of the
polymer, Dr. Fixit Pidicrete MPB.

It is therefore important to COMPULSORILY user a tile adhesive like

Roff NSA/ Fevimate XL for this.

THROUGH JOINTS SEALED WITH WHITE CEMENT

Tile joints are still being grouted with white cement mixed with
colour to match tiles. White cement shrinks and is a potential
source of leakage to the gaps behind the tiles and the walls of the
bathrooms.
Rake out all the existing tile joints with a paste made with Roff
Rainbow Tile Mate/ Dr, Fixit Fevimate TG added with Dr. Fixit
Pidicrete MPB that ensures a water-tight grouting system.

TOILETS DRIPPING WITH WATER FROM THE ROOF SLAB

If dripping from the upper side (roof slab) is persistent, drill hole to fix
nozzles as advised by Dr. Fixit team, and grout Dr. Fixit PU Foam
Injection 150 with a user-friendly pump. This injection will expand on
contact with the water bearing cracks and permanently seal the
leakage.
Over a period of time the entire roof slab will become dry.

To summarise, if all the necessary care is taken during construction of bathrooms and toilets, the bathrooms will remain
waterproof for a longer time saving all the hassles of rectification at a later stage. And one achieve this with a negligible
additional cost by using high performance modern materials.
6

Applicator Speaks

TM

WAT E R P R O O F I N G S O L U T I O N S

An expert at structural repairs & his association with Pidilite

OBJECTIVE : Restoration of St. Thomas Marthema Church, Thiruvalla to stop leakage & restore the beauty of the church
SITE DETAILS : St. Thomas Marthema Church, Thiruvalla
NAME OF APPLICATOR : Kurian Philip
NAME OF FIRM : Blooms Engineers & Contractors
QUALIFICATION : Diploma in Civil Engineering
SPECIALISATION : Construction & Repair
OBSERVATIONS:
-

The Church was built approximately 20 years ago in the heart of Thiruvalla Town in Pathanamthitta district.
For the last 8 years the building was continuing in a dilapidated stage and it was leaking all over.
The entire front area was dripping from inside during rain & fungal growth formations were seen throughout the structure.
Vegetation growth was seen above the porch slab and Sunshade
Lot of methods had been applied to stop the problem of leakage at the church
Joint inspection was conducted by the applicator and by the company sales in charge, the below mentioned points were noticed during the
inspection:

SITE INSPECTION RESULTS:- Some weak areas in the structure were identified
- Drawbacks in the design itself which enhanced the possibility of water to get trapped in between the walls
- Plastering was not done properly
- It was a critical area and workers were helpless to do anything there. The only possible way was to cover it up from the top.
PRODUCTS RECOMMENDED
1. Dr. Fixit Pidifin 2K
2. Dr. Fixit Pidicrete URP
3. Dr. Fixit Pidicrete MPB
4. Dr. Fixit Pidiproof LW
METHODOLOGY
- The bottom face was plastered by modified mortar Dr. Fixit Pidicrete URP over 2 coats of
Site: St. Thomas Marthoma Church, Thiruvalla
Dr. Fixit Pidifin 2K.
Applicator: Blooms Engineers & Contractors
Product used: Dr. Fixit Pidifin 2K, URP, MPB,
- The external areas were treated with Dr. Dr. Fixit Pidifin 2K after removing all the plaster. After
Crack-X & Dampguard
application of key coat of Dr. Fixit Pidicrete MPB with Cement in the prescribed ratio; the entire
external vertical walls were replastered.
- The roof of porch was also applied with Dr. Fixit Pidifin 2K and plastered.
- From the inside, all the honeycombs in the un-plastered area were filled with Dr. Fixit Pidicrete URP modified mortar and then plastered by using
Dr. Fixit Pidiproof LW.
- The damp patches which were caused due to water seepage through the sunshade were treated with Dr. Fixit Dampguardf and the cracks were
filled up with Dr. Fixit Crack-X paste.
- After giving required time for the treatment to cure the entire church was re-painted.
Mr. Kurian Philip Says,
After we repaired the structure we have not noticed any kind of leakage or dampness at the site, this had made me even more confident on the
usage and recommendation of Dr. Fixit range of products.

Dr. Fixit Institute

Launch Program of Dr. Fixit Institute

Program conducted
for LIC Engineers-Akurdi, Pune

Program conducted
for DFS Dealers, Kolkata

Some of our recent projects

Program conducted
for IICM Engineers, Ranchi

Program conducted for

BMC Engineers, Borivali-Mumbai

Some of our recent projects

Before

After

Site: Lord Datta Temple", At Post Bambawadi, Kolhapur District

Applicator: Prassana Shah
Product used: Dr Fixit Elastomeric ,
Crack X + URP , MPB and internal treatment by
Dr. Fixit Dampguard

Site: State Bank of Saurastra

Applicator: Hareshbhai Chavda
Product used: Dr. Fixit Fevimate XL

Ask the expert

TM

WAT E R P R O O F I N G S O L U T I O N S

You ask your doubts, we will clarify them

Can your product Dr. Fixit Pidifin 2K replace brick bat coba in toilets ?
Ans. Dr. Fixit Pidifin 2K is a high performance impermeable coating and suitable for wet
areas. The sunken portion in toilets can be filled with normal PCC to match the final floor
finish level. Since the coating of Dr. Fixit Pidifin 2K is applied on the slab directly, it ensures
complete water tightness unlike brickbat coba, which is laid just below the floor level after
laying all the concealed plumbing lines.
Brickbat Coba

How does one arrest leakage from the underside of toilet slab with your system?
Ans. There are instances where top floor is not accessible or cannot be accessed due to
various reasons for inspection and carrying out necessary treatment. In situations like this,
the treatment from underside becomes inevitable.
You can solve the problem by injection low viscous Dr. Fixit PU Foam Injection 150 from the
underside of the slab. This foam type injection will spread into the slab due to its low
viscosity and block all the pores / capillaries.
Use special 'packers' available for this work as the grouting is done against gravity. These
packers have non-return valve, which will not allow material to flow back.

Injection Grouting

Why do you say that use of tile adhesive is beneficial and effective in bathrooms
and toilets?
Ans. One should always ensure that wet areas are 100% waterproof. Tiles adhesives apart
from fixing the tiles, provides waterproofing due to its properties. They are specially
designed for tile fixing which does not require curing unlike normal cement. Tile adhesives
and grouts are made from cement and special polymers that offer good waterproofing
properties. The leakage through tile joints is most common cause in the wet areas. Tile
grouts when applied into the tile joints do not crack and leave the surface and makes joints
waterproof.

Your DAMPFREE has worked well in may of our brick masonry walls however, we
could not fix rising dampness problem in old lime and stone masonry walls. What do
you suggest for it?
Ans. Dr. Fixit Dampfree works well in brick masonry walls. But for lime and stone masonry
walls one should use very low viscous highly reactive PU based injections. Dr. Fixit PU
Injection 1403 is low viscous plane injection which, when injected, travels into the fine
capillaries of masonry there by cutting / blocking it.
For method of drilling and locations of packers, please refer our figures in current issue.

Your problem is our problem. Feel free to write to us at drfixit@pidilite.com or

Pidlite Industries Ltd., Construction Chemicals Division, Ramakrishna Mandir Road, Andheri (E), Mumbai 400 059.

News
l Inauguration

of Dr. Fixit Service Centre

Training programs organised

l New

Product Launches

Inauguration of Dr. Fixit Service Centre

Medit Renotech, Trichy

Evershinne Traders, Coimbatore

Those interested in this Dr. Fixit Service Centre venture,

may get touch with us on 022-2835 7000 or email at drfixit@pidilite.com with complete profile

Level II Applicator Training Program - Chennai, Tamilnadu

New Product Launches

Dr. Fixit Krystalline & Dampfree Launch - Guwahati

Dr. Fixit Krystalline Launch - Surat

Dr. Fixit Krystalline Launch - Ahmedabad

Post Launch Placement Campaign

Karickal Hardwares, Vyttila, Cochin

If you wish to recommend someone to whom we should mail this copy or if you have any suggestions, please feel free to contact us at
Pidilite Industries Ltd., Construction Chemicals Division, Ramkrishna Mandir Road, P.O.Box No.17411, Andheri (East), Mumbai-400 059.
Phone : 2835 7000, 2835 7111 Fax : (022) 2835 7008 email: drfixit@pidilite.com Website: www.doctor-fixit.com

News
Training programmes organised

Exhibition & Trade Fairs

For Contractors, Dealers, Painters & Masons

Cement Dealer Meet

Dealer Meet

Aluva, Cochin

Abott Hotel, Vashi-Mumbai

Contractors Meet

Dealer Meet

Juhu Gymkhana, Andheri-Mumbai

Petty Contractors Meet

Ranny, Cochin

Project Site Managers Meet

Engineers Meet

Cochin

Mallapally, Cochin

Vadakara, Calicut

Petty Contractors Meet

Vadarappally, Cochin

Dealers Meet

Paint Contractor Meet

Dealer Meet

Tamarassery, Calicut

GCC Club, Mira Road-Mumbai

Kuttoor, Cochin

Exhibition & Trade Fairs

Sthapatya Exhibition 05-06

10

ICON 2006, Noida

Architech Thailand 2006