Roof, waterproofing, cladding and paint systems compared
How the main roof and façade systems used in Indian homes compare on how they are priced, what they suit and what to watch for.
This table compares types of system, not brands or contractors. It shows how the cost of each system is usually built up in a quotation, which buildings and situations it tends to suit, and the points that most often cause problems. The rupee ranges in the second column are illustrative examples for supply and application, before GST, on an accessible surface in reasonable condition. They are not market data; real rates depend on city, height, access, preparation and product grade.
Use the table to narrow down options, then ask two contractors to quote the same system so that you compare like with like.
Select a column header to sort.
| System | Illustrative rate per sq ft (before GST) | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cementitious waterproof coating | ₹25–60 | Small terraces, water tanks, sunken areas, under tiles; low budget | Brittle on moving cracks; needs good preparation and curing; limited UV and foot traffic resistance unless protected |
| Acrylic / elastomeric liquid membrane | ₹40–90 | Exposed RCC terraces with hairline cracks; also reflects heat when white | Thickness depends on coats applied; ponding water shortens life; recoating every few years |
| Polyurethane (PU) liquid membrane | ₹70–150 | Exposed terraces with movement, complex shapes, many pipes | Needs dry surface and correct primer; poor adhesion if moisture is trapped; check UV-stable top coat |
| APP / SBS bituminous membrane | ₹60–130 | Large flat roofs, under a protective screed or tiles | Laps and edges must be sealed well; torch work is a fire risk; usually needs a protective layer |
| Brickbat coba with finish | ₹70–160 | Traditional slope correction on flat terraces in many regions | Heavy load on old slabs; cracks let water in and the layer holds it; removal adds cost |
| Colour-coated or Al-Zn coated metal sheet | ₹90–180 on existing frame | Sloping roofs, terrace sheds, extensions, industrial-style roofs | Check thickness (TCT/BMT), coating mass and BIS marking; noise and heat without insulation; fixing and flashing quality |
| Insulated sandwich panel roof | ₹220–420 with structure | Rooms under the roof where heat and noise matter | Core type and fire behaviour; panel joints; higher cost; structure design for wind uplift |
| ACP cladding | ₹250–550 with sub-frame | Shopfronts, low-rise façades, covering uneven walls | Fire-retardant (FR) core versus plain core; local fire rules for taller buildings; sealant joints age |
| Exterior-grade HPL cladding | ₹450–900 with sub-frame | Premium façades, balconies, wood-look panels | Ventilated cavity and fixing system matter; fire classification; colour fade claims depend on grade |
| Exterior paint (emulsion, elastomeric, texture) | ₹18–100 | Repainting plastered walls every few years; crack bridging with elastomeric systems | Preparation decides life; dampness behind paint causes blistering; scaffolding or rope access may be extra |
All ranges are illustrative and exclude GST. For supply-and-apply contracts GST is generally 18% on the contract value; materials bought separately are taxed at the rate for each product, and cement moved from 28% to 18% from 22 September 2025. Check rates on the CBIC GST portal and the GST Council. For product standards, look for BIS certification marks on coated steel sheets and check the Bureau of Indian Standards. Fire rules for cladding on taller buildings are set by the National Building Code and local fire services; ask your municipal body before choosing a cladding system.