1 778 881 1111 office@sky-side.com

Leak Investigation and Assessment

Leak Investigation / Assessment

We are specialists in leak detection in high-rise and low-rise buildings. What makes us different?

-We have very reasonable pricing and most of our investigation costs are refundable when we do the repair work. -We developed a localized flooding method to use for water testing -We have our own proprietary RRC remote controlled camera to inspect inaccessible locations (no dangerous or even illegal city drone flying) -We have adapted mechanisms and systems used in the mining industry to assess rotten wall members or structural integrity of wall assemblies, with no destructive methods. -We use the latest technologies in humidity detectors, infrared cameras, and endoscopy cameras -We developed a very simple way for water testing and we source water from any nearby sink or vanity without plumbing connections. -We provide fully graphical written reports of our inspection. Showing our process, finding results and proposed engineering solution for the repairs, including: materials to used, application system, and specification for safety. You can then hire any subcontractor to fix the issue or you can hire us!

“In short, we have developed clever and simple solutions for leak detection and damage assessment”

We have 12 years of experience solving leaks in/from parkades, foundation walls, planters, decks, parkade ventilation shafts, elevator pits, dryer ventilation ducts, roof leaks, deck leaks, concrete & stucco cracks, window assemblies, fire places ducting, etc.

We service in Washington, USA.
Seattle, Bellevue, Everett, Redmond, Renton, Lynnwood, Burlington, Kirkland, Bellingham, Kent, Tacoma.

What You Need to Know About Leak Investigation and Assessment in Vancouver High-Rise Buildings

Leak assessment and leak investigation in Vancouver can be extremely important if you have a high-rise building in the city. Not only can leaks damage your property and its contents, but they can also be indicative of larger structural problems such as unequal building settlement, foundation cracks, rusted rebar inside slabs, damaged drain slopes, and other structural issues that could become serious safety hazards and expensive repairs later on. This document will help you understand the different causes of leaks and how to spot them before it’s too late, so you can stay proactive about repair or replacement as soon as any issues arise.

The risks

If you’ve noticed a leak in your high-rise building in Vancouver, don’t ignore it! Leaks can cause extensive damage to buildings, and can even put occupants at risk. Leak investigation, assessment, and repair should be done by a qualified professional. Leaks in high-rise buildings can be caused by many things, including faulty plumbing, poor construction, or even weather conditions. If not fixed promptly, leaks can lead to mold growth, water damage, or even structural problems. High rise leak investigation, detection, and repair is a specialized field; so, it’s important to choose a company with experience. If you suspect a leak in your building, don’t delay – call our qualified professionals to assess the situation and make repairs as needed.

 

False Leak Claims.

On many occasions, we have been hired to investigate leaks, some of which may not be leaks at all, but rather issues with high humidity and condensation, especially around ceiling corners and window perimeters.

We always say that leaks are like crime scenes. There is always evidence. If you know how to recognize it, you can identify the source of it. The stains left by a real leak and the stains left by condensation are totally different.

Condensation on windows is normal. It formulates on almost every window in winter time; but when the humidity and condensation come in large volumes, then they can become a real issue. In many cases, damage by humidity is related to defective window frame drains and clogged weeping cavities. It may sound very simple, but if you have no building design experience or window framing design, this may not be that easy to understand. But the best part is, you do not have too! Because you and your residents can count on our knowledge and experience.

 

Essential Options for Leak investigation Vancouver

When it comes to leaks, ignoring them is not an option, especially in high-rise buildings in Vancouver, Seattle, or any other city in the rainy, west coast area. That’s why it’s important to have a plan in place for leak investigation and assessment. Here are some essential options for leak investigation in Vancouver.

Step 1 – Assess the type of Leak you have.

The leaks can be related to plumbing issues or exterior water penetration (rain, flooding, etc).

The easy way to determine this is by checking the time when the leak is active and the environmental conditions during that time. If a leak is active when there is no rain or exterior sources of water, then, that leak is most likely related to an interior source like plumbing or a flooding around the leaking area.

If you have a leak in your high-rise building, the first step is analyzing its location, shape, color, time of occurrence, environmental conditions during the occurrence, and determine whether the leak is still active, then stop it ASAP. Leaks related to the building’s plumbing system are usually easy to diagnose, but when they are related to a building envelope issues, then the issue starts to get tricky.

Many Owners or Rep. opt for the easy path of hiring a contractor who can inspect and fix whatever they find wrong…80%+ of our calls are after a contractor has failed to fix a leak. Then, the solutions become more expensive than what it should be. It’s always recommended to find the right professional. In the long term, it will be the most economically-efficient approach.

Keep in mind that having building inspections for failing materials or damage, every few years or so, is a good idea. Some buildings, especially the ones with no roof overhangs, or that are built with stucco or EIFS, should be inspected/repair or touch-up yearly when they get old. You need to stay vigilant, as leaks can often go undetected for months, or even years.

Depending on the location and type of leak, the process of investigation and assessment and the tools required for them will vary. There is no one method that fits all. If you hire a professional he/she will give you a path and options for the investigation, assessment, and repair. In many cases, water tests are needed to identify the source of a leak.

Call on a pro if it’s wet or soft

If you’re dealing with a leak in your high-rise building, it’s important to call on a professional for help. High rise leak investigation and detection can be tricky, and you don’t want to make things worse by trying to do it yourself. A pro will have the right tools and experience to get the job done quickly and efficiently. Plus, they’ll be able to identify the source of the leak and make sure it’s properly fixed so that you don’t have to deal with it again in the future. A person with architectural experience knows the construction system of buildings; therefore, he/she can figure out the existing sources and cavities within the construction system that helps identify the source of a leak.

Remember, leaks are deceiving. And many times, they may have more than one source that can likely be identified fixing one by one. Many clients often ask to find the hole from where the water is getting in… when instead, there are a bunch on tiny holes, cracks, or joints that are collecting and forming drops to produce a visible leak.

How to identify the right team to assess and fix a leak investigation in Vancouver?

First: See if the team has an architect as part of the team. That is a plus, then you have someone who understands building design, building components, and construction systems in detail. Some engineers may have some knowledge, but when dealing with the intricate detail of building system, Architects are the ones for the job. Second, Experience is a must… It is most probable that your leak is not unique and many buildings have the same issues. An experienced professional will know what to look for and how to fix them.

Third, Knowledge. In this world of excessive data and information, together with technology, new materials, procedures, and systems, you need to know what to choose and why. There are specific products for specific uses. Using the wrong material could be devastating and expensive. You do not want that. You need to be able to find a Professional with experience and knowledge. There are leak inspectors in Vancouver but you may not want to just look for leak investigators in Vancouver. Inspecting is not enough when dealing with leaks. You may want to ask your building manager or superintendent if they have any recommendations. Another option is to search online for “high rise leak detection in Vancouver” or “high rise leak investigation in Vancouver”.

Once you’ve found the right person for the job, be sure to get everything in writing before the work begins. This will help protect you in case anything goes wrong during the investigation process. I will give you a tip to know who is a reliable person for the job… A well experienced and knowledgeable professional who trusts in himself, offers some type of warranty for the job. The one who doesn’t know what they’re doing most probably won’t want his name on the line for years to come.

Luckily, the team at Sky-Side are experts in leak assessment and investigation in high-rise buildings in Vancouver. You can keep your building safe by finding any leaks as soon as possible, before they become bigger problems. Contact us today for more information about leak assessment and leak investigation in Vancouver high-rise buildings!