5 Top Sources of External Water Leaks in Commercial Buildings

Water damage is a costly and challenging problem that can cause major frustration for owners and managers of commercial buildings. It can often be challenging to track down the source of an external water leak, so hiring the right professionals for the job is crucial. At Benson & Falgout, we have years of experience and first-hand knowledge to provide effective water leak detection and fix your problem right the first time.

We’ve listed the five top causes of external water damage to help you learn more about why these problems can occur in your commercial building and the signs that you likely have an exterior leak.

1. Wall Leaks

Exterior leaks in the walls of a commercial building typically come from cracks or spalling in exterior surfaces such as stucco, brick, or concrete. In addition, what appears to be a leak in the wall can be caused by a cracked foundation, causing water damage to the wall coming from the floor up.

Signs of leaky walls include peeling paint, patches of discoloration on the wall, and musty smells indoors.

2. Foundation Leaks

Most commercial buildings rest on concrete slab foundations. When it comes to external leaks in this area, the cause is almost always cracks in the foundation. This is often the result of poor construction.

Signs of a leaky foundation can include water pools, flooring issues, and mold or mildew in carpets or behind drywall.

3. Window Leaks

Window leaks are one of the most common problems in commercial buildings. Due to poor surface preparation or no primer being used, leaks can be caused by delamination or loss of adhesion on window sealant. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV) from sunlight can also cause decomposition or deterioration of window sealant. In addition, gasket deterioration or shrinkage can also be caused by UV exposure.

Signs of window leaks can include water pooling on floors or windowsills, damage to interior walls, and mold or mildew.

4. Control and Expansion Joint Leaks

Leaks in control joints or expansion joints in commercial buildings are usually caused by delaminated sealant – but can also be caused by the use of the wrong sealant product or improper application.

Signs of joint leaks include cracks in the joint, water pooling, and water stains.

5. Building Roof Leaks

As the roof of your building ages, it becomes more vulnerable to leaks – and, of course, damage from storms can also cause multiple leaks. In most commercial buildings, leaks are caused by damage to the roof membranes and/or flashing.

Signs of roof leaks include water stains on ceilings or walls, peeling paint, musty smells, and mold or mildew.

Trust the Experts at Benson & Falgout Waterproofing Specialists

Whether you need an inspection for water leak detection or immediate repairs, we’ll provide you with a free estimate – followed by top-quality commercial waterproofing services. We provide award-winning services for exterior surfaces of existing commercial buildings and structures. Benson & Falgout is your ideal choice for professional commercial waterproofing in Texas and Louisiana. Contact us today for a free cost estimate or to learn more about our services.