The infiltrations of water in a building are the most detrimental problems for the structure and the enjoyment of the places.
In addition to the deterioration of the structure, water infiltration can cause the formation of mold and the appearance of carpenter ants looking for a place wet.
Two types of water infiltration
There are two types of water infiltration:
1- Direct – such as a hole in the envelope that allows water to enter directly inside or a crack in the foundation wall.
2- Indirect – for example the water which runs behind the bricks and which does not find its way to evacuate outside, therefore, the water remains trapped at the base of the facing and ends up deteriorating the wood by l absorption of materials and by capillarity.
Infiltration of water in the basement
In fact, it is the basement which is the place most vulnerable to water infiltration and the causes are multiple:
1- French drain clogged or improperly installed;
2- Cracks in the foundation walls;
3- Deficiency in the sealing at the junction between the foundations and the footing;
4- Deficiency in sealing at the junction between the exterior facing and the foundations;
5- The absence of copings, etc.
Factors to prevent water infiltration
1- A suitable slope around the perimeter of the building;
2- The presence of weep at the base of the exterior siding and above openings;
3- Regular maintenance work on sealing joints and flashings in the building envelope
4- Repair of cracks in the foundation walls;
To determine the causes and the source of the water infiltration, the engineer of Onesta Conseils carries out a visual inspection and tests at the places suspected of offering a passage to the water inside the building. These tests are:
1- A watertightness test which consists of watering the exterior side of the areas studied using a garden hose;
2- Moisture tests in materials using a moisture detector;
3- Detection of insulation or damp materials behind the finishes using an infrared camera;
4- Exploratory cuts in affected areas to check the condition of construction materials;
If damage is found (appearance of molds harmful to health, weakening of the building structure, etc.), we will inform you of the seriousness of the situation and the appropriate remedial measures to be taken, according to the mandate.
© Water infiltration through a crack in the foundation wall