Water may be essential to life, but when it comes to buildings, water intrusion is one of the most pervasive and destructive forces property owners face. Whether from a leaking roof, a poorly sealed window, or a cracked foundation, water that infiltrates a structure can cause extensive damage, health hazards, and costly repairs if not promptly addressed.
As construction experts who specialize in water intrusion investigations, we’ve seen firsthand the havoc that even small leaks can wreak on residential and commercial properties. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at what water intrusion is, the signs that a building may be experiencing water infiltration, and the risks of leaving water intrusion unchecked.
What is Water Intrusion?
At its most basic, water intrusion refers to the unwanted entry of water into a building through the exterior envelope or from interior sources. This can happen through a variety of mechanisms, including:
- Leaks in the roof, flashings, or skylights
- Gaps or cracks around windows, doors, and penetrations
- Foundation cracks, joint failures, or inadequate waterproofing
- Plumbing leaks and sewage backups
- Flooding from extreme weather events or site drainage issues
It’s important to distinguish water intrusion from other moisture-related issues like condensation, which occurs when humid air contacts cold surfaces, or high ambient humidity, which can be addressed through ventilation and dehumidification. True water intrusion involves the direct entry of liquid water into the building, often in hidden or inaccessible areas.
What are the Signs of Water Intrusion?
Some indications of water intrusion are obvious, like puddles on the floor or dripping from the ceiling. But many signs of water infiltration are more subtle and may go unnoticed until significant damage has occurred. Here are some key signs to watch for:
- Stains or discoloration: Water stains on ceilings, walls, or floors are a telltale sign of intrusion, often indicating leaks from above or behind the surface. Stains may be yellow, brown, or copper-colored depending on the source of the water and the materials it contacts.
- Peeling paint or wallpaper: Moisture from water intrusion can cause paint to blister, crack, or peel and make wallpaper pull away from the wall. This is often accompanied by staining or discoloration.
- Warped or sagging materials: Wood, drywall, and other porous materials will absorb water and swell, leading to warping, sagging, or softening. This can affect floors, walls, ceilings, and cabinetry.
- Musty odors: The distinct smell of mold or mildew is a red flag for water damage, indicating that moisture has been present long enough for microbial growth to take hold. The odor may be more apparent after rain or when the building is closed up.
- Visible mold growth: Mold thrives in damp environments and can appear as fuzzy, slimy, or powdery patches in a variety of colors. Mold often grows in hidden areas like attics, crawl spaces, and behind walls, so a musty smell may be the only clue of its presence.
- Efflorescence: This chalky white residue that appears on concrete, stone, or masonry is caused by the crystallization of dissolved salts as moisture evaporates. Efflorescence on foundation walls or floors can indicate water seepage from outside.
- Health symptoms: Exposure to mold and bacteria from water intrusion can trigger allergic reactions, respiratory problems, and other health issues in sensitive individuals. If occupants experience chronic symptoms that improve when away from the building, water damage could be the culprit.
What Can Water Intrusion Do?
The longer water intrusion goes unaddressed, the greater the potential for serious damage and health consequences. Some of the most significant risks of water intrusion include:
- Structural damage: Water can weaken and deteriorate building materials over time, leading to wood rot, steel corrosion, concrete spalling, and other structural issues. In extreme cases, water damage can cause ceilings or walls to collapse.
- Mold and bacterial growth: Wet materials provide an ideal breeding ground for mold, mildew, and bacteria, which can colonize surfaces in as little as 24-48 hours. In addition to damaging materials, these microorganisms release spores and toxins into the air that can cause allergic reactions, respiratory problems, and infections in occupants.
- Pest infestations: Damp wood and standing water can attract termites, carpenter ants, rodents, and other pests that can further damage the structure and pose health risks to occupants.
- Damage to finishes and contents: In addition to structural components, water can ruin carpeting, drywall, insulation, furnishings, and personal belongings, leading to costly replacement expenses.
- Higher operating costs: Water intrusion can compromise the energy efficiency of the building envelope, leading to higher heating and cooling costs. Damp insulation and air leaks reduce the effectiveness of the thermal barrier.
- Diminished value and marketability: The presence of water damage and mold can stigmatize a property and make it harder to sell or lease, often requiring disclosures and repairs before a transaction can proceed.
Preventing and Addressing Water Intrusion
The best way to deal with water intrusion is to prevent it from happening in the first place through proper design, construction, and maintenance practices. This includes:
- Designing and installing effective waterproofing and drainage systems
- Properly sealing and flashing penetrations and transitions in the building envelope
- Maintaining positive drainage away from the foundation and preventing ponding on the roof
- Conducting regular inspections and maintenance to identify and repair leaks and other water intrusion risks
- Monitoring interior humidity levels and using ventilation and dehumidification to control moisture
When water intrusion does occur, prompt action is critical to minimize damage and prevent mold growth. This typically involves:
- Identifying and repairing the source of the water intrusion
- Removing standing water and wet materials using extraction equipment
- Cleaning and disinfecting affected areas to prevent mold and bacterial growth
- Drying the structure and contents using dehumidifiers and air movers
- Replacing damaged materials and restoring the building to its pre-loss condition
Depending on the extent of the damage, it may be necessary to engage a professional water damage remediation company to ensure proper drying and prevent additional issues. Attempting to address significant water intrusion without the right expertise and equipment can lead to incomplete drying, persistent moisture problems, and recurrent mold growth.
The Bottom Line on Water Intrusion
Water intrusion is a serious issue that can have far-reaching consequences for building owners, occupants, and insurers. By understanding the signs and risks of water infiltration, property stakeholders can take proactive steps to prevent and address leaks before they cause major damage. If water intrusion leads to legal disputes or insurance claims, it’s essential to engage qualified experts who can investigate the source and extent of the damage, determine the necessary scope of repairs, and provide expert testimony to support your case.
At Construction Experts, we have years of construction experience and a history of providing expert witness services for construction defect cases in Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming. Contact us today to discuss how we can assist with your construction defect issue. Contact us today to discuss how we can assist with your construction defect issue.
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