Most Buildings in Bali Aren’t Built to Last. Here’s How We Fix That.

Despite Bali’s reputation for stunning architecture, many homes and villas suffer from serious water ingress issues due to poor construction practices. The tropical climate, with its heavy rainfall, high humidity, and strong winds, exposes weaknesses in building techniques that lack proper weatherproofing.

Common Problems in Bali’s Construction & Climate Challenges

1. Poor Roof Detailing & Weak Waterproofing

• Lack of proper flashing, underlayment, and expansion joints leads to cracking and leaks at roof joints, valleys, and eaves.

• Many roofs lack ridge caps or storm barriers, allowing wind-driven rain to penetrate.

• Expansion and contraction of roofing materials (tiles, metal, and timber) cause cracks in roof mortar and pointing, leading to water ingress over time.

• Cheap sealants break down rapidly under UV exposure and moisture cycles, losing flexibility and allowing water to seep through.

2. Poorly Designed & Installed Windows & Doors

• Large gaps around window and door frames expand and contract, worsening over time due to moisture absorption and heat fluctuations.

• Humidity causes timber frames to swell, making doors and windows stick, warp, or misalign, leading to air and water leaks.

• No weather seals or flexible joints mean water easily seeps inside during storms.

• Poor-quality adhesives and fastenings fail over time, especially when exposed to high humidity and temperature swings.

3. No Wind-Driven Rain Protection

• Minimal or no roof overhangs leave walls and openings exposed to heavy rain.

• Lack of storm resistant cladding or flexible rain screens results in water tracking into the structure.

• Open jointed materials (such as bamboo or untreated timber) absorb moisture and expand and contract inconsistently, leading to warping and cracks.

4. Poor Guttering & Drainage Systems

• Cheap, undersized, or missing gutters and downpipes lead to water pooling and internal leaks.

• Many gutters are rigidly installed, with no room for expansion and contraction, leading to cracks and water overflow.

• Rainwater runoff from roofs often floods doorways, terraces, and structural walls due to poor drainage planning.

• Many buildings lack properly graded surfaces to direct water away from the foundation.

5. Weak Wall Waterproofing & Rising Damp

• Most structures use unsealed concrete or plaster, which absorbs water and cracks over time due to expansion cycles.

• No Damp Proof Course (DPC) between concrete slabs and walls means moisture rises through capillary action, leading to mould, rot, and weakened structural integrity.

• In high humidity areas like rice fields or jungle plots, buildings are even more vulnerable to moisture creeping in.

• Render coatings expand and contract differently from the wall surface, causing delamination and cracks that allow water penetration.

6. Weak Points Where Concrete Meets Timber

• Many Bali homes use concrete for structural elements but exposed timber for roofing or window frames, creating a weak point where two materials with different expansion rates meet.

• Without flexible sealing or expansion joints, concrete shrinks and cracks, pulling away from timber and leaving gaps for water ingress.

• Changes in humidity cause timber to swell and shrink, breaking the seal between materials and leading to rot, mould, and termite infestation.

7. Inferior Material Selection & Workmanship

• Low quality timber absorbs moisture unevenly, leading to swelling, warping, and splitting when dried out.

• Cheaply sourced sealants, adhesives, and coatings lack flexibility, causing them to crack and fail within months.

• Many builders use rigid installation techniques that don’t account for natural movement, leading to early deterioration of materials over time.