10 Jun Winning the Battle Against Building Leaks

Homeowners and building managers should always be on the lookout for leaks in their home, whether it’s a leaking ceiling or leaking plumbing. Even with building materials and technologies having advanced to a great extent over the course of the last several decades, leaks can still develop even from very tiny openings. The longer you leave a leak unaddressed, the worse the problem is likely to become.

Here’s an overview of what you should know about emergency leak solving and repair in Indianapolis, IN.

Finding the source

The first step in addressing a leak is to figure out exactly where it’s coming from. In some cases, the source may be obvious—a small puddle on the floor will cause you to look up and likely notice a moist surface, peeling or bubbling paint, discoloration or deterioration. However, because water can travel long distances when it gets into a structure, it might not always be so simple to figure out exactly where the leak is coming from.

Most structural leaks will start somewhere on the exterior envelope, which includes your roof, walls, windows, balconies, chimney, doors and bulkheads. If any area has seen deterioration or damage, it could be vulnerable to allowing rain, ice or snow to get inside. You should pay close attention to any joints where vertical and horizontal surfaces meet, such as the connection of a roof and a wall, or roof valleys.

You should also carefully inspect plumbing and HVAC systems, and make sure you’re not getting groundwater coming up through your foundation.

Stopping leaks

Once you know where the leak is coming from, you need to take quick action to stop it so the damage doesn’t become worse.

The problem can become complicated if there are multiple sources of the leak. It may take a bit of trial and error to find a solution that works. There may be some obvious roof repairs that need to be made, especially if you had damaged flashing or missing shingles. However, there might also be some hidden defects that were not easily noticed. Water penetration might continue until you’re able to find that hidden defect.

It is important to bring in professionals to work with you if you have a leak somewhere in your home. It may be a roofing or siding professional or a plumber, depending on where you believe the leak to be coming from.

Preventing leaks

The best way to prevent leaks from occurring in the first place is to make sure you stay on top of general maintenance of your property. Be on the lookout for effects of weathering. Make sure you update caulking and coatings when needed, as they will have a limited lifespan. Inspect the building regularly to look for warning signs like cracks in brickwork or masonry, ponds forming on roofs, openings in joints, deterioration of any building materials or any other signs that could indicate potential water exposure.

For more information about emergency leak solving and repair in Indianapolis, IN, contact Knauss Property Services, LLC today.