Seeing one leak inside your building doesn’t necessarily mean there’s only one source of water intrusion. The waterproofing layer, often hidden within the building assembly, can fail in multiple locations, allowing water to enter and travel through walls, floors, or ceilings before exiting at a single visible point. Forensic investigations commonly uncover multiple sources (often 4-6) contributing to a single leak, making it essential to thoroughly inspect both functional and problematic areas.
Additionally, the source of the leak may not be directly above the visible interior leak. Water can travel long distances—sometimes over 100 feet—before revealing itself. In some cases, the water may originate from different units or elevations. This is especially common in older buildings or newly constructed/remodeled structures that haven’t experienced significant weather events.
I see one leak on the interior of my building. Does that mean: (a) I only have one leak, and (b) the source is coming from directly above where I see the leak?
A) It is a common misconception that seeing one leak indicates only one source of intrusion. The building envelope’s waterproofing layer is a delicate and often concealed part of the assembly. This layer can fail in multiple locations, allowing water to enter and travel through walls, floors, and ceilings, potentially exiting at one visible point. Forensic investigations often reveal multiple sources (e.g., 4-6 sources) contributing to a single leak, making it complex to resolve without a thorough investigation. It is just as critical to identify the functional components in the envelope as it is to identify the weak and dysfunctional aspects of the envelope.
(B) No. The leak can travel 100 feet or more before revealing itself within the building envelope. The interior beyond the waterproofing layers can absorb and transfer water over great distances. In conclusion, we see cases where the source is from 2-3 units down or a completely different elevation from the source of the leak and typically multiple sources are at play, especially in older buildings or in newly constructed buildings and remodels that have not experienced significant weather events.
California Consultants can help identify all sources of leaks to ensure effective solutions. Learn more about our Forensic Leak Detection services.
