Water Leaks to Balcony, Basement & Roofs and Fixing the Problem
The first step is to find where these water leaks are from.
Water can track a long way from the source of entry, making it difficult to diagnose the problem if balcony, basement or rook is leaking.
The following signs and symptoms can help to determine the source of water leaks in a building:
1. Ceiling linings begin to sag.
2. Fixings, such as nails and screws start to corrode.
3.The lifting of vinyl and other floor surfaces look and feel uneven.
4. Fungi or mold form on surfaces, but these signs are normally because of poor ventilation.
5.The building smells musty.
6. Some materials, such as architraves and skirting appear swollen.
7. Surfaces and items in the building have some stains and discoloration.
8.The carpet is either stained or rotting, as well as the carpet fixings.
Every smart builder should know that a small water leak is typically a sign of a much bigger problem. It is vital that water leaks are fixed right away; otherwise, may lead to severe structural problems.
Balcony leaks can lead to collapse of the subfloor. Read here case of deaths due to balcony water leaks: BBC News
Damage Caused by Water Leaks
Water is destructive whether it is seeping from a loose fixture or it jets from a broken main pipe. If left unnoticed, it can lead to some serious damage, such as:
A simple leaking pipe can result in significant water damage in several areas of the building.
It can lead to indoor flooding that means it requires more money for cleaning and repairing.
Mold, due to water damp, is probably the biggest problem, and it will keep growing with time, mainly if the area has sufficient moisture.
Rising damp can also be a large problem as well as water leaks.
Treatment for Rising Damp in Melbourne
There are several methods to treat rising damp - but first of all need to diagnose the source and the problem accurately.
Require an expert Melbourne Contractor and experienced in rising damp treatments and with a reputable company to provide services for treatment of rising damp.
If water leaks are within wall spacing, they can cause deformation issues, since water will remain stagnant in that spot for a long time.
Leaks can cause floors to start getting weaker, and mold will appear where water is in the building. Such problem can also deteriorate the walls.
If it is a huge seepage, it can cause a flood that may not be noticeable for some time because it may begin at the basement. In some cases, floods can be on the upper floors of the building. If water keeps accumulating at a certain part of the balcony area, the floor or wall will eventually perish.
Leakage can also reduce or lessen water pressure from the fittings, usually pointing toward the existence of chokes in the pipes.
When there are leaks, they typically result in rusting of metal pipes. If such a thing happens, it will be quite tricky to replace the pipes. Trying to loosen them will only cause these pipes to burst.
Fixing Water Leaks in Melbourne
Melbourne Roof waterproofers can be contacted HERE
Water leaks can create a huge problem in which they not only cause financial losses but can also lead to wear and tear of natural resources.
Water leaks can be repaired, but the difficulty and the cost will depend on the specific circumstance. On average, restoring or repairing a portion of a building due to water damage can be between $1,130+ and $4,280+ with an average of $2,590.
A licensed professional can always help determine the cause of the destruction while examining the extent of the damage. Typically, the expert will categorize the damage and classify it to figure out the final bill.
Roof Leaks
Rectifying roof leaks can depend on the type of roof material used.
Roof waterproofing membranes are usually the best way to fix roof leaks - either metal or concrete roofs.
A concrete roof with leaks should be repaired right away because the material is susceptible to cracking, scaling, and a host of other regular wear and tear issues. Timely repairs, as with other parts of the building with leakage, can help reduce the instance of structural damage.
A flat concrete roof is often easy to repair when there are leaks. The quick fix is to usually apply waterproof cement or sealant at the site. If there are cracks, they can be filled with caulking materials to stop further damage.
Meanwhile, if it is a metal roof, particularly a corrugated one, it is vulnerable to damage and moisture. Each panel is attached to metal or wood trusses using screws or steel nails, which can rust. Over time, they can lead to leaks, which can be repaired when you locate the source of the problem. The solution will depend on the cause.
Commercial buildings like like apartments and shopping centers usually have an architectural roof system, which can have design mistakes that can lead to leaks. Often, repairing the roof includes replacement of fasteners and using a rust inhibitor.
Sometimes, you have to decide whether to repair or replace the roof. If the problem is minimal, the solution is to simply repair the roof, since it is more affordable.
However, if there are signs of water damage or the area was recently hit by a storm or hurricane, it may be time for a replacement.
Roof waterproofing contractor based In Melbourne with experienced with commercial, industrial concrete and metal roof repairs.
More articles about waterproofing roofs in Melbourne
Leaking Balconies
Balconies, especially tiled ones, should be properly waterproofed.
However, some instances can cause waterproofing failure in balconies, leading to water leaks:
-An inadequate waterproof detailing of the balcony and wall interfaces, which is poor preparation.
- Using low quality waterproofing products .
- Lack of installation experience by the waterproofing contractors .
- Balcony defects of the building not being picked up through the building surveyors’ inspection procedure .
To ensure water leaks are remedied and will not come back again, use the right waterproof material that is suitable for the conditions and the design of the balcony. Also, install the correct membrane to make water tighter in all the interfaces and surfaces of the balcony.
More articles about waterproofing balconies in Melbourne
Basements Leaks
A wet basement can smell nasty, but the bigger problem is that it poses a great risk to the building’s value. Moisture can damage floors, walls, and even roofing while encouraging mold to grow.
Some basements are easy to fix by simply clearing the gutters and diverting water away from the building’s foundation.
However, if the problem stems from other sources, such as water seeping in from underground, it calls for more aggressive action.
Below ground tanking to solve leaking basements can be an expensive exercise.
Negative waterproofing membranes are used on the inside of a basement; positive waterproofing is on the outside of the basement or retaining wall.
Using the correct basement waterproofing product, system and local contractor is important for fixing basement leaks.
A metal or plastic gutter extension can be helpful in guiding water away from the building. If there are openings, plugging them using polyurethane caulk or hydraulic cement can be useful.
Findlay-Evans Waterproofing Video Case Study - Retaining Wall Waterproofing Melbourne.
More articles about basement tanking in Melbourne
Rising Damp in Australia
A relatively rare type of damp, rising damp affects buildings’ walls and happens when moisture from the ground travels to the partitions. Walls have porous materials like timber and plasterwork that absorb water easily
It should be treated immediately to avoid structural problems.
The most effective and affordable method of treating rising damp is through a proofing injection cream, which can come in individual cartridges or complete kits. You can inject or hand-pump the cream into the holes, which will penetrate through the bricks and attain complete absorption.
When to Call a Professional to Fix the Problem - Findlay-Evans Waterproofing
If you have a water leak, you have two choices: you can either call a plumber or a waterproofer. The decision will depend on your situation. If you cannot control or stop the incoming water, you should call the plumber quickly to tend to the water system, including drainage pipes and sewage. Meanwhile, if the issue occurs after rainfall, a waterproofer may be the best person to call.
It is essential to contact the professional right away, especially if there are problems like unusually high water bills, constantly wet yard, water spots on the walls, and a musty smell in the building.