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Water is so essential for life but can also be one of the greatest threats to the integrity of our built environments. Its pervasive nature allows it to seep into the smallest cracks and imperfections. When water infiltration occurs, it can exert tremendous pressure, especially when the water freezes or when it leads to soil movement beneath foundations. Testing, repairing, and preventing water intrusion is critical to your building’s longevity. It’s one of those problems that will only get worse over time. This article aims to help you understand water infiltration and how to address it.

What Happens When Water Infiltrates the Building Envelope?

Water flows without feeling or malice as it respectfully follows the laws of gravity. Your building envelope acts against water to divert it elsewhere and prevent water infiltration. When the envelope or its components fail, and water infiltrates the building envelope, several things can happen, none of which are good for your building.

• Water molecules are sticky, which means they can carry dirt, pollutants, and other contaminants into your building, exacerbating the damage.
• Water dissolves other molecules, further breaking down building materials and facilitating mold growth.
• Water expands and contracts, causing cracks and further damage as temperatures fluctuate.

Common entry points for water infiltration are roofs and ceilings, anywhere there are cracks, such as the facade, foundation, or basement, and where sealant fails around entry points or windows.

Water isn’t taking a nap behind the scenes. It’s tirelessly breaking down building components, making more room for more water until it’s directed otherwise. Ignoring signs of water infiltration will eventually lead to structure damage and health risks.

Effective Strategies for Water Infiltration Management

The two most effective strategies to address water infiltration are being proactive in keeping water out and responding rapidly when you can’t. Waterproofing and replacing sealants according to manufacturer standards are proactive. Conversely, regular maintenance checks of the building envelope, including roofs, windows, and walls, can catch any potential issues early, allowing you to take action.

Testing at Signs of Water Infiltration

While the signs of water infiltration are often obvious, the root causes may not be. Testing ensures you get to the source of the problem. At ProXpress, we accurately pinpoint the leak’s origin to make the necessary repairs. The last thing you want to do is cover up the leak without fixing it properly.

For instance, our technicians perform destructive testing to provide definitive proof that the sealant joints are the entry point for water into the building. We employ water testing to recreate the leak scenario, determining with certainty which hole is causing which leak. This method also helps rule out areas that are not contributing to the problem.

Addressing Water Infiltration

The first stage of repairing damage from water intrusion involves stopping and fixing the cause of the leak. Once this is complete, it’s time to assess the damage and work on restoring your building to its original condition. Depending on the severity of the water damage, you may need to take emergency action to mediate mold or address structural issues with the facade.

If you catch the problem early enough, your building may only need minor facade repair or sealant replacement. After the work is complete, we conduct a post-job follow-up complete with documentation photographs and retest the area.

Staying Ahead of Water Infiltration

If you weren’t taking a proactive approach to preventing water intrusion, it’s not too late. We help you identify waterproofing solutions and can create a maintenance plan to avoid common pitfalls. Our level of proactive planning is a core service you will find with ProXpress that you won’t find elsewhere.

ProXpress: Your Ultimate Strategy for Water Infiltration

ProXpress is your one-stop shop for water infiltration testing, repair, and prevention. You don’t have to rely on other service providers to handle different stages, a common cause of project delays.

When water breaks through your building’s defenses, the rapid response team from ProXpress is there when you need them the most. With a comprehensive approach and professionalism, the team ensures they address the immediate concern and provide you with a path forward to protect your building. This includes identifying other potential building concerns such as safety and compliance risks, facade access, or other wear and tear.

Protect Your Building From Water Infiltration with ProXpress

A proactive approach to water infiltration is your best defense, but sometimes, even the most formidable lines of defense aren’t enough. That’s why it pays to have a reliable partner capable of addressing the problem quickly and efficiently.

If you suspect you may have a water intrusion problem, contact the ProXpress team. Our team of experts will not only address the problem but also provide you with the tools and support you need to proactively protect your building.

 

Water infiltration, a silent yet potent threat to building integrity, demands vigilant attention from property managers. Recognizing and promptly addressing water infiltration is essential to prevent extensive damage and avert costly repairs. For commercial properties, the responsibility for preventing water infiltration and addressing the damage it causes typically falls on the property owner or manager. This guide provides comprehensive insights into spotting and addressing water infiltration effectively.

Understanding Water Infiltration

Water infiltration refers to the unwanted entry of water into a building, typically through its envelope – the roof, walls, windows, or foundation. Common causes include improper sealing, structural damage, and drainage failures.

Prolonged exposure to water can lead to severe risks like structural deterioration, mold growth, and indoor air quality problems, posing potential health hazards and financial burdens.

Signs of Water Infiltration

In most cases, you don’t need fancy equipment to identify water infiltration. Visual, physical, and odor-related indicators offer insights into the extent and nature of the infiltration.

1. Visual Signs: Look for wall discoloration, mold growth, and peeling paint or wallpaper. These are clear indicators of moisture intrusion.
2. Physical Signs: Noticeable signs include warped wood, dampness on surfaces, and visible water pooling in certain areas.
3. Odor and Air Quality Changes: A musty smell is a tell-tale sign of moisture problems, as is an increase in indoor humidity.

Once you or your tenants observe any of these issues, it’s time to take immediate action to investigate the source of the moisture and implement remedial measures.

Critical Areas to Inspect

These critical zones are most susceptible to water damage and can offer early signs of potential issues. Property managers should focus on the following areas for thorough inspections:

1. Roof and Ceiling – Roofs are the number one cause of commercial water damage, and if left untreated, they can lead to collapse. Check for water stains or leaks, as these are often the first signs of roof problems.
2. Facade and Windows – Inspect for seepage or condensation, indicating compromised seals.
3. Foundations and Basements – Look for cracks, dampness, or pooling water, which signal potential foundation issues.
4. Equipment, HVAC, Sprinklers, Boilers – Regularly inspect these for any signs of leaks or corrosion.

Consistent monitoring of these areas can prevent minor issues from escalating into major, costly problems.

The Importance of Timely Action

A proactive approach to water infiltration can be highly cost-effective and helps avoid more extensive and expensive repairs later. Moreover, ignoring water infiltration can lead to long-term issues such as structural damage and health hazards due to mold and poor air quality.

The tragic incident in Davenport, Iowa, where a six-story, 116-year-old apartment building partially collapsed, leading to missing persons and a significant rescue operation, serves as a stark example of the severe consequences that can arise from ignoring water infiltration and structural issues in a building. Tenants reported various issues over the years, including cracks in the walls and water leakage, which were signs of potential structural problems. These complaints, however, were reportedly ignored by management.

Regular inspections and prompt attention to signs of structural damage and water infiltration could have prevented this tragedy. Building owners and managers are legally and ethically responsible for maintaining safe living conditions. Choosing a qualified business service provider is crucial in ensuring proactive and effective maintenance, thereby preventing catastrophic outcomes and safeguarding the lives of occupants.

ProXpress Expertise in Action

ProXpress offers specialized proactive water infiltration management services, including rapid leak repair and water intrusion testing. These services play a vital role in maintaining the integrity of structures and preventing water damage. ProXpress has helped numerous property managers prevent and repair water damage.

ProXpress’s expedited approach to leak investigation, repairs, and proactive planning, complemented by their proficiency in handling emergency façade safety concerns and minor exterior repairs, sets them apart in ensuring building integrity and safety.

Securing Your Property Against Water Infiltration

Ensuring the longevity and safety of a building hinges on effective water infiltration management. Proactively identifying potential problems and timely and expert intervention can significantly mitigate the risks and costs associated with water damage.

A1 provides building owners and property managers the assurance they need through dedicated expertise and rapid response. By understanding the signs of water infiltration and engaging with skilled professionals, property managers can protect their buildings from the detrimental effects of water damage. Contact A1 today and take your first step towards preventing water infiltration.