Page 486 - Construction Waterproofing Handbook

13.2 CHAPTER THIRTEEN
● Reviewing any available records, documentation, or information on leakage problem
● Original construction document review
● Inspection
● Testing
● Investigation
● Remedial action plan
● Corrective measures implementation
These steps should be followed in the above order, to conduct an efficient and effective
program that leads to the problem being corrected and the envelope properly functioning
for an extended life cycle.

Reviewing leak documentation
In most situations leaks will have been documented in some manner, and this information
should be reviewed first to determine if the situation could be narrowed to specific portions
of the envelope. This information can be particularly advantageous if it is very specific as
to where the leaks appear and under what conditions such as “heavy, wind-driven rains
from the east.”
This documentation often provides a specific area where the leaks are occurring but not
necessarily related to where the infiltration begins. It is appropriate to ask building occu-
pants to be as specific as they can about the leakage; for instance, instead of “leaks in suite
250,” reporting such as “leaks running down from ceiling tiles above far NE window, start-
ing immediately with any rainfall.”
Water always seeks the path of least resistance into a structure, and this often results in
water entering and traveling along structural elements of the building before entering occu-
pied spaces. This could include water entering through cracked precast units, running along
the structural supports and into the occupied areas several feet away from the actual point
of entry.
The information provided should be used as the foundation for performing the addi-
tional tasks necessary to pinpoint the leakage and make necessary corrections. This pre-
liminary information should narrow the required investigation and study by
● Providing a general location of infiltration
● Enabling one to determine an initial plan of action for further study
● Determining how serious the problem is by the quantity of water documented as intrud-
ing into the interior spaces
● Determining if outside support or consulting services are necessary to locate and solidus
or correct the situation.
The initial survey of leakage documentation is often very basic; however, it is useful as
an adequate starting point to develop the resources necessary to plan corrective measures
without wasting unnecessary time or costs. For example, if the leaks are minimal and evi-
dently from poor maintenance, such as clogged roof drains, then action can be taken with-
out performing further testing, hiring consultants, or spending money on repairs that are
not necessary. This preliminary documentation can provide sufficient evidence that