Water can easily infiltrate the house or the condominium following the rains through the roof, the facade, or the walls. Very uncomfortable situation, isn’t it? An effective solution is necessary to avoid damage to your belongings and installations. What effective solutions should be sought when faced with a wall leak?
Identify the Nature and Origin of the Infiltration
Before any attempt, it is essential to detect the origin of the infiltration. Knowledge of the infiltration’s origin allows for a better choice of adequate repair technique.
Types of Infiltration
Water infiltration in a façade is characterized by the slow passage of water or any other liquid through the pores of a wall. These undesirable events occur when the walls crack or when the waterproofing of the envelope is faulty at the time of construction.
During the rainy season, discomfort sets in, and you might as well take steps to remedy the situation. The work will be charged to the owner or the tenant according to the agreement at the time of the signature of the lease (in case of lease of course). Nevertheless, the building insurance generally covers the repairs in the following cases:
- Seepage through the façade;
- Seepage through the roof;
- Seepage through the windows.
Detecting the Origin of the Infiltration
Waterproofing problems are generally easy to identify in the walls of a building. Infiltration leaves traces of water that can be seen and felt. Nevertheless, common signs are, among others, the cracking of the walls, the dampness of the barriers to the touch, white, brown, greenish, and other traces, and the crumbling of the paint on the facades.
This is the reason for the option of waterproof paint by knowledgeable builders. Identifying the problem allows one to know better which solution is suitable for repairing imperfections in an effective and durable way.
Combating Seepage Problems
The technique for repairing wall waterproofing problems involves work specific to each type of infiltration.
Infiltration Through the Walls
The facade restoration is done regularly. When faced with a waterproofing problem in the walls, a waterproofing expert can be hired. However, it is essential to ensure that the problem does not come from significant cracks in the masonry. The nature of the crack may direct the application of mastic, a waterproof coating, or a waterproofing treatment.
Infiltration through the foundations
The foundations of construction are the parts most exposed to porosity problems. Indeed, the buried parts of the walls are confronted with hydrostatic pressures and can easily let water infiltrate. The solutions at this level are relatively more important and consist of installing a bituminous coating, a waterproof membrane, or drainage.
Infiltration Through Gutters or Joints
Defective gutters can be the cause of infiltration. It is therefore recommended to clean or replace the porous ones. In case of cracks, filling in the cracked parts will be useful. The joints of the doors and windows are regularly checked, redone, or replaced if necessary. Wooden cladding is also an effective method of reinforcing the waterproofing of walls.
Infiltration Through the Roof
Deterioration of the roof is also a cause of infiltration. Preventive measures do not involve anything complicated. A few regular and frequent actions will keep the roof in good condition. It will suffice to constantly clear the roof covering dead leaves, moss, and stagnant water. However, in the event of a waterproofing defect, a repair expert would be a significant asset.
