Leak Investigations & Waterproofing

There are thousands of buildings in New York State that require
periodic inspections at intervals ranging from one to five years. As more
municipalities enact façade ordinances, this number will continue to grow. To
keep pace, qualified inspectors are needed who can quickly and effectively
perform these inspections. Proper diagnosis of water entry and the
implementation of maintenance and repairs can reduce the potential for
hazardous conditions developing at a later time.

Proper waterproofing
is essential to preserve the lifespan of a building and its components. Effective
waterproofing does not merely involve the prevention of water from entering
buildings. It also requires a thorough knowledge of materials and engineering
to ensure water can exit a building where infiltration is unavoidable.

Water penetration into a building’s facade can lead to corrosion
of embedded ferrous metals, degradation of façade materials, and leakage into
occupied portions of the building. Corrective measures to prevent water
penetration are usually not implemented until leakage or an unsafe condition is
reported.  Many municipal façade ordinances recognize that water
infiltration through a building’s facade should be immediately addressed.

The inspector’s goal is to assess the water tightness of the
building façade and evaluate possible ways in which water can penetrate the
building. While performing the façade inspection, the inspector should try to survey
the building in regards to water leakage and earlier repairs implemented to
address water infiltration:

• Were there any water leaks in the past? 
• How long has water been leaking into the building?
• Does water leakage seem to follow a pattern? 
• Under what circumstances is water leaking into the building?

HLZAE follows a methodical approach to
waterproofing that considers a building in its entirety and the most vulnerable
locations. Our expertise includes testing both to identify the causes of
existing leaks and to confirm the performance of new installations. The various
details and materials we use address obvious water conditions such as falling
and windborne rain, in addition to complexities such as New York City’s
freeze-thaw cycles and potential damage caused by water trapped within façades.
HLZAE provides waterproofing services for new
construction or rehabilitation of commercial, institutional, and residential
properties.