What Does Water Ingression Mean In Construction?

What Does Water Ingression Mean In Construction?

What Does Water Ingression Mean In Construction?

Water ingress is when water finds its way to seep into a building. It can occur in properties of all sizes and for many different reasons such as leaks in the roof or plumbing systems condensation from windows or doors and poor construction practices.

Common causes of water intrusion include building faults or defects, below-standard workmanship and inadequate waterproofing systems.

Signs of water ingress include mold growth on walls, floors, ceilings and other areas of the home, as well as structural damage to walls, floors, ceilings and windows or doors.

To prevent water ingress it is important to have a good waterproofing system installed by a professional contractor. If you experience any signs of water ingress then it is recommended that you call a professional company to inspect the damages and begin the drying out process.

Causes Of Water Ingress

Water ingress can be caused by a variety of factors, but one of the most common reasons is building faults or defects. Over time, building materials can deteriorate and below-standard workmanship can also lead to water ingress.

There are several building defects that can allow water to seep in, including missing or broken tiles or slates on the roof, defective surfacing to valley gutters and flat roofs and faulty flashing around chimneys. To identify any damage or issues, it is advisable to have a professional carry out a thorough inspection of the roof.

Blocked or faulty gutters, cracked render or deteriorating mortar, a bridged cavity wall or bridged damp proof course (DPC), missing DPC, blocked air-bricks, damaged or broken pipework, along with faulty internal plumbing can all contribute to water ingress through walls.

Faulty flashing around window frames, failed or bridged damp proof course, or no DPC can cause rising damp and result in water ingress.

In addition to building faults and defects, flooding can also be a cause of water ingress, especially if you live in a floodplain or by a body of water.

Finally, water ingress can also be a result of faulty plumbing or leaks within your house.

It’s essential to identify and address any of these issues to prevent water ingress, which can cause significant damage to your property if left unattended.

How To Prevent Water Ingress?

Water ingress is a common problem that can lead to damage to your property and its contents, as well as health hazards. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent water ingress from occurring.

By checking your property regularly and being aware of the signs of water ingress you can identify and address issues before they become major problems.

If you have a damaged roof, it is essential to regularly inspect it and replace any missing or broken tiles as soon as possible. This is also an excellent opportunity to check the guttering and remove any debris. Broken guttering can usually be fixed at home and does not require a significant expense.

 

When it comes to preventing water ingress through brickwork, you should inspect the condition of the bricks and mortar both before purchasing a property and during your residency.

If the mortar appears to be depleted or there are any cracks in the rendering, you will need to get this fixed immediately. A clear indication of poor brickwork is if the walls appear wet inside after it rains.

If you notice damp surrounding the windows or window frames in your house, it might be due to incorrect installation or the need for replacement of the sealant. You should also make sure that the windows are appropriately fitted as poorly fitted windows can cause water ingress.

Before purchasing a house, it is essential to ask whether it has a Damp Proof Course (DPC) installed, as older properties may not have one or if they do, it may not meet the standards of modern DPCs.

This is a crucial cause of water ingress and if the property has a basement, it is even more crucial to look out for this issue. In case of water ingress from faulty plumbing, identifying the problem area is essential. If you can fix it yourself, do so, but if not, call in a professional to assist.

In conclusion, by regularly checking the condition of your property and being aware of the signs of water ingress, you can prevent this problem from occurring. By addressing any issues as soon as possible you can save yourself from the expense of extensive repairs and ensure that your property remains dry and safe.

Is Water Ingress A Serious Issue?

Water ingress is a critical issue that can jeopardize the structural stability of your property and pose health risks to occupants.

One of the concerning symptoms of water ingress is the growth of mould on walls which can aggravate respiratory problems such as asthma and eczema especially if the condition is severe.

Dampness can spread quickly, causing damage to both the aesthetics and integrity of your home. Penetrative damp can lead to wet or dry rot which can wreak havoc on the building’s structure.

If the underlying cause of dampness is a fault in the roof or windows it can also pose a safety risk as loose tiles or glass panes can cause accidents or compromise security.

It is essential to address any signs of dampness immediately to prevent further damage that can be more costly to repair later. Taking early action can safeguard the structural integrity of your property and protect the health and safety of its occupants.

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