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Water ingress and water leaks can be found in almost any building and property due to many different reasons. In this article, you can read about its definition, how to identify the most common causes and locations, as well as whose responsibility it is to rectify water ingress, and how to take immediate action to preserve your building.
Water ingress is the denomination of water making its way into a building due to several reasons and that can affect houses, large buildings, and any kind of property. If not treated correctly with appropriate waterproofing work, it can severely affect the structure of your edifice, such as fungal decay, long-term damage with damp as well as your health. Quickly taking action and engaging with a waterproofing repair solution group is the best course of action to ensure your and others’ safety, as well as preserve the building as much as possible.
Identifying common locations of water ingress can be done by having in mind the following considerations, although letting a professional building inspector examine the area is highly recommended.
1. Flat Roof: In the case of roofs, it is important to assess the possible water leak on a dry day to ensure it is located directly above that spot. For a flat roof, the most common sign of water entrance is a low spot surrounded by a circle of dirt, indicating pooling water.
Water ingress on a flat roof is something to take care of as soon as possible. Ignoring the problem can cause spreading and water accumulation which potentially can result in further waterproofing issues.
2. Planter Box: Planter boxes are extremely common on many residential and commercial properties and they provide a nice decoration and touch to the environment. Although, if not sealed properly, they can suffer from water leaks and potentially damage other surfaces as well as promote the growth of fungus and bacteria. Identifying a planter box water leak can be done by carefully taking a look at its exterior sides and examining for signs of water staining.
If the planter box is located in a balcony, terrace or podium, it can potentially leak water to other areas and cause major damage. This can be avoided if investing in a professional waterproofing repair solution provided by a certified group that complies with the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and Australian Standards.
3. Door/Window Sub Sill: Window and door water entrances are another very common type of leak that can severely damage your property and your health, even if they were properly installed, thus over time small gaps and cracks can be formed. To check if your door/window has water damage you can either inspect the wall for signs of water pooling or closely pay attention when it rains to see if water starts entering through your window/door.
It is essential to have in mind the materials used in your door or window sub sill as well as the ones close to it, thus wooden sub sills, for example, will likely show more signs of water damage in the forms of delamination which can rot the sill and cause further structural damage. Aluminium sub sills are still vulnerable to water entrances but tend to last longer before needing professional waterproofing work.
There are other areas prone to having water leaks such as plumbing, basement, and balcony leaks that need special attention just like the ones previously mentioned. Calling a professional building inspector in Sydney to investigate and elaborate a report about your building is the best thing to do to take care of the problem efficiently. MJ Engineering Projects offers safety inspections for building deficiencies to help you understand and identify the cause of your property status, including highlighted defects found in the edifice as well as a recommendation if identified.
What’s more, MJ Engineering Projects’ investigation reports for building deficiencies solutions include all the pertinent information about the property that allows owners to understand the condition of their building and take the best course of action.
A major concern among property and asset owners relies on the responsibility for rectifying water leaks, in which there are generally three different people to go to when a water leak is found.
For instance, it is the builder’s responsibility to rectify water leaks if it’s found within the 6-year liability period. Private unit owners might be responsible for water leak rectification depending on the requirements set by building bylaws and, the strata committee might be liable if the water leak is found outside the building defects liability period.
Repair services for your leaking issues are not something to pass by, thus they are extremely important to keep people and the building safe. For instance, a water-damaged surface can produce mould, which can quickly sparse and produce even more damage, as well as turn into a health threat for occupants. Mould exposure has been studied and stated to increase allergies and make people sick, as well as irritate your eyes, nose, skin, throat, and lungs.
Further, ignoring necessary repair work can produce potential propagation of concrete spalling, in which the concrete starts cracking, resulting in an unpleasant building look and a possible hazard due to falling debris and further structural implications.
Another reason to invest in remedial waterproofing services in Sydney is to avoid damage to internal finishes such as your carpet, walls, furniture, and belongings, which can all be affected by water ingress if not treated correctly.
MJ Engineering Projects offers first-class remedial waterproofing repair services in Sydney, including certified building inspection reports with detailed information about the state of your property and the best course of action to take immediately to avoid further damage.
What’s more, MJ Engineering Projects elaborates a list of aspects owners should pay attention to as soon as possible such as concrete spalling, magnesite flooring corrosion, façade rejuvenation, and waterproofing system inspections. Choosing MJ Engineering Projects for any waterproofing repairs will provide you and your property with the latest tools and knowledge to fix your building, avoiding further damage and possible threats. From small-scale developments to large-scale developments, MJ Engineering Projects is ready to help you maintain a safe and healthy edifice.
There are many potential sources of water damage beyond your roof. For instance, your walls also have to manage water when it rains. Most of the rainfall is typically managed at the top of your property, but if your structures, particularly the walls, are not waterproof, they may eventually let rain seep in.
If your residence is at a lower level than your neighbour or close to a construction site, the likelihood of water ingress into your property is higher. This situation may have happened previously or could be a consequence of repairs carried out by your adjacent neighbor.
To curb this issue, you must promptly seal any small holes or cracks present in the concrete, blockwork, or floor-to-wall joints that could allow water from the outside to seep in.