Water damage is a common problem in high-rise residences, hotels and other commercial structures. In fact, leakages can cause property owners extensive financial losses due to structural repairs and business disruptions.
Commercial buildings tend to have a larger number of waterproofing problems. This can be due to the overall size of the buildings, their age and lack of regular maintenance.
As an expert waterproofing contractor in Sydney, Titan Waterproofing has prepared these tips to help you avoid serious water damage being done to your property.
Frequent roof inspection is a must
Whether flat, pitched, composite or asphalt, roofs are always susceptible to water intrusion. It is critically important to have the roof inspected at least twice a year by a professional.
During the inspection, ensure the contractor checks all elements where water can penetrate through. Including the vents, drains and satellite dishes, just to name a few.
It is also a great idea to include monthly or two monthly general inspections. This can be conducted by you or your building maintenance crew. Have them do a basic inspection looking for signs of water stain marks, cracks or flashings. These can be a great early indication of a future source of a leak.
Waterproofing the roof
If your building has a pitched roof that allows water to run off. It is important to ask a professional if waterproofing is necessary.
For flat roofs even without leakage issues. Experts recommend torch on membrane waterproofing since flat roofs are more susceptible to water pooling in places. The modified bitumen will seal the roof efficiently for a durable watertight surface.
Always check the drains, plumbing and irrigation
Plumbing and drainage leaks can often be hidden or hard to notice. Have all plumbing and drainage systems regularly checked for any drips and clogs. Then ensure all occupants of the building report any leaks, drainage issues or blocked pipes immediately.
Even the smallest leaks can result in serious deterioration over time. If a plumbing issue is found, take immediate action and seek expert help to fix the problem and prevent further damage.
Prevention is always better than a cure. That means early detection of a leak, drainage issue or blocked pipes will ensure you prevent major damage from occurring.
Ensure that wall systems are sealed
Concrete walls are porous and commonly the source of water penetration. Even if the leaks are not visible, the wall still allows vapour and moisture to seep through. If water seeps into the concrete, it can cause rust to the reinforcing steel within. This will cause what is commonly known as ‘concrete cancer’.
Regular inspections help address potential problems and minimise repair costs. If water damage is found, waterproofing Sydney specialists can help solve the issue and get your wall back in good shape.
The best way to protect your building is to have a regular maintenance program that reviews all the building elements including walls, balconies, the roof, floors, plumbing, irrigation and drainage. A solid inspection program will help with the early identification of any issues. It will also monitor the progression of any minor cracks. This will ensure they are repaired before they become a major problem.
Titan Waterproofing can help you with regular maintenance, inspection and repairs for commercial buildings in Sydney. Call their expert team on 1300 761 219 to arrange an inspection or a quote.
