Water damage presents a great danger to the quality and structure of your building. As such you need a good waterproofing system to protect your roof structure, walls, ceilings and electrical wiring from the damaging effects of water leaks and moisture. What do you do on the off chance that you aren’t sure whether your home or office building is at risk?
Repairing or replacing a waterproofing system is 9 out of 10 times cheaper than the potential damage leaks & moisture can cause. Therefore it is always advisable to properly maintain your waterproofing system especially in areas with a high UV index.
Here are the 5 most probable signs it’s time to redo your building’s waterproofing:
- There is a leak
Well we all could have guessed this one, but it’s knowing where to search for the leaks that are not necessarily dripping directly on your head. Start in rooms where water is probably going to accumulate such as bathrooms, kitchens and basement parking’s. Some of the key spots to look out for are the corners of the walls, roof and floor. Water tends to try and find the path of least resistance and it has been found that water can travel great distances in a building from the original leak spot on the roof vs where the leak became visible inside the building. In addition, checking the places that you don’t constantly see, such as around your foundation and behind appliances.
Look for “wet spots” or areas that look damp or have made a light “ring type” mark.
2. Evidence of Mold or Moldy smell
Unfortunately for most homeowners, office or warehouse managers, it doesn’t take much for mold to grow within the building. Once it happens, it can start to spread quickly. Mold grows in wet environments from moisture, humidity or water leaks which is therefore a good indication of water damage. If you see evidence of mold or start to smell a musty smell, contact a professional to conduct a roof and building survey.
3. It’s past your 3-year Maintenance check up
For commercial buildings and homes, it’s important to undertake maintenance on your roof every 3 years. This is key because your waterproofing membrane/s can start to deteriorate due to UV damage, especially if they weren’t professionally installed. Along with conducting a roof survey at least once a year to clean out leaves and debris which tend to clog and block outlets leading to puddles of water on your roof.
4. Concrete that is bubbling or blistering
Blisters found on concrete are normally hollow, low-profile bumps that sit on the concrete surface. When concrete is poured, a contractor normally uses a layer of mortar which covers an underlying void that moves around the surface during towelling. Blisters may form on that surface when either bubbles of air or bleed water become trapped. This can make your concrete start to blister or appear stained and discoloured, which can ultimately be water leaking from somewhere that is trying to escape. Therefore, to prevent any further damage, contact a professional to investigate further.
5. A higher utility bill
Although not the most direct tell-tale sign, a higher utility bill due to heating or cooling costs can be an indication that the building is losing energy due to damaged or poor waterproofing insulation. Waterproofing is part of moisture & temperature control in a building which protects the building from water and moisture as well as providing insulation and reflection of the sun’s rays during the hotter seasons. If you start to see an unusual climb in your utility bill, it’s worth getting a professional to survey your roof and building for any discrepancies.
Various leak entry points are also found where larger fixtures have been installed i.e. Air-conditioning Compressor on the roof, to which same is bolted on the roof and those bolts have not been properly sealed, thus creating a place for water ingress to occur.
With any of these signs that it’s time for a new waterproofing system, it is best to contact a professional company. With qualified individuals and specialized equipment’s for these types of scenario’s, they will be able to investigate each area and provide the best option for you.