7 Ways to Identify a Water Leak Before it Becomes Catastrophic
All buildings are built with waterproofing measures installed. These measures can last for years, but at some point, waterproofing systems begin to wear out, allowing water to leak into both obvious and inconspicuous spaces. Watching for the beginning signs of an invisible water leak can save you time and money. Here’s what you should look for:
1. Interior Finish Damage
Keep an eye out for peeling wallpaper, bubbling paint, acoustical ceiling tile damage, carpet staining, and saturation. Water leaking toward the interior of a building will show signs along with ceilings, walls, and floors, so take note of any unusual changes to interior finishes.
2. Brick Spalling
In climates that experience below-freezing temperatures, brick defacing is not uncommon and can indicate that water is trapped within the masonry cavity. Look for areas of brick that are becoming damaged or are uneven compared to the rest of the surface.
3. Wall Staining
As water comes in contact with wall surfaces, it can be absorbed and leave stains on interior and exterior walls. Watch for areas of walls with discoloration and As water comes in contact with wall surfaces, it can be absorbed and leave stains on interior and exterior walls. Watch for areas of walls with discoloration and no obvious causes for the discoloration. Make a note of the size of the stain so you know if the stain is increasing in size, which is a sign of an active leak.
4. Mold and Mildew Development
Mold and mildew develop when the watertight building barrier has been compromised. Mold and mildew can be a variety of colors, so watch for new spots that are black, green, blue, yellow, brown, gray, or white. If you see new growths of mold or mildew, you may have a water leak that needs attention.
5. Corrosion Staining
Corrosion staining on masonry and concrete surfaces can be an indication that the structural steel is corroding. This type of staining is typically rust-colored and indicates a leak beneath the surface of the structure.
6. Bubbly Sealants and Coating
Sealants, paints, and other coatings often show water leak damage as bubbles or peeling. If you notice an area that suddenly has a bubbly appearance or an uneven texture compared to the rest of the surface, it can be an indication that a leak is beneath the seal or coating.
7. Residue Rundown
Leaching is the result of water entrapment within a surface. In this particular case, the water now contains a biological or atmospheric contaminant and leaves a residue as it exits the cavity space within the wall, ceiling, or floor. New residues that appear to originate from within a structure can be a sign that a leak is lurking beneath the surface.
Leaks can be scary, but Dominion Property Restoration can make your property as good as new.
We understand that property management is a big job, and unexpected leaks can cause stress and worry. Our goal at Dominion Property Restoration is to identify and fix water leaks as quickly as possible while restoring your property to a like-new state. Proper building waterproofing is vital to preventing water leaks, and Dominion has been waterproofing for decades in the Virginia, Maryland, and DC areas. Our experienced team of technicians is based out of Alexandria, Virginia, and will come to you to identify the source of a leak, guide you through the entire process, restore your property, and waterproof to protect your building in the future. Read more about our story and call us today at (800) 971-6995 to learn more. If you have a project in mind already, click this link to receive a quick quote so we can get to work for you right away.
