- March 30, 2014
Remedial works to brickwork, waterproof membrane and timber post by Strata Engineering Solutions. Strata property at Trafalgar St, Annandale NSW.
PROBLEMS
The strata property was experiencing water penetration issues, with severe damp patches on the internal walls in one unit and the ceiling of another unit. Strata Engineering Solutions were engaged to carry out investigations to determine the cause of the water penetration, and recommend a suitable remedial solution.
SES investigated by organising a specialist remedial contractor to carry out intrusive investigations in the two units. These investigations were scoped and supervised by one of SES’ structural engineers.
SES concluded that the damp patches to the ceiling of one of the units was caused by a leak from services penetrations, contained within a brickwork column, through the balcony slab.
SES concluded that the damp patches to the walls of one of the units was caused by the flashing for the external cavity wall being above the level of the tile bed. This allowed water to transfer into the cavity and then the internal leaf. Water was then being sucked up the wall by the porous calcium silicate bricks. On an another elevation water was by-passing the flashing via the render on the external wall and transferring to the inner leaf of the wall and then the tile bed in the kitchen.
Whilst carrying out the investigations SES also discovered that the timber balcony support post was rotten and in a dangerous state!
SOLUTIONS
According to SES specifications, the lowest 3 courses of bricks were removed in stages and a polyurethane membrane was installed. The rotten timber post was also replaced.
RESULTS
Upon completion of the remediation works by Strata Engineering Solutions, the unit was protected from further water penetration, and the associated interior damp problems were alleviated entirely.
- Mortar Defects
- Water Damage
