Construction Defect Water Intrusion Testing in Los Angeles
When people think Los Angeles the first thing that comes to mind is not Construction Defect Water Intrusion Testing. On the contrary. There’s a lot going on here in the city of Angeles without worrying about construction defects. That said, however, still, construction defects are a huge issue. This is especially true when it comes to water intrusion in new construction homes.
New home water intrusion leak detection services
Water intrusion into your home can happen anywhere. From the smallest of pin-holes to the largest of roof surfaces. Its the job of the water intrusion forensic expert to locate this moisture intrusion no matter where it derives. For one thing, we possess tools that most contractors do not.
For instance, the rainmaker spray rack system is designed to simulate rainfall. The windmaker vacuum system is designed to create wind pressures. All of which are necessary in the diagnosis of water-related construction defect issues.
We find it interesting that most self-proclaimed water intrusion experts in Los Angeles choose to use a garden hose to test for water intrusion into the home. When in fact, water does not fall in the form of a water hose.
Some of the worst building defects we see here in Los Angeles are water-related
.Without a doubt some of the worst building defects we see here in Los Angeles are water-related. The damage water creates in the home is can be catastrophic. Moreover, the damage water creates can displace a family for long periods of time. Mold and other toxins can be a major issue as well.
Builders build houses at an extremely fast pace. It’s during this time that we find the necessary waterproofing flawed. Thus the need for an expert in water intrusion related forensics. Most especially construction defect water intrusion related testing.
Here in Los Angeles, water damage defect litigation is somewhat commonplace. Unfortunately. Thus the need for New home water intrusion leak detection services.
Forensic water intrusion testing in Los Angeles
Forensic water intrusion testing in Los Angeles is an extremely useful tool when diagnosing construction defect related issues. As a matter of fact, without the use of forensic testing most all water intrusion related concerns would otherwise go undetectable.
Experts such as the water intrusion specialists possess the necessary equipment to locate even the most difficult leaks. We represent and otherwise test for many Los Angeles construction defect litigation attorneys as well as other building experts and construction professionals.
5 of the most common places we see water intrusion into a new home
When it comes to construction defects here in Los Angeles we notice a pattern. This especially true when it comes to water intrusion in new construction homes. There are roughly five areas of the building which we find to be most susceptible again, in new home construction.
- Window leak detection
- Door leak detection
- Roofing leaks
- Wall and stucco leaks
- Deck leaks
Every building system no matter what it is has a specific ASTM or AAMA test associated with it. In other words, we can apply any number of ASTM or AAMA tests to any given building system and use that test to locate the source of water intrusion. In contrast, most contractors who have no experience will simply pick up a water hose and effectively “hope” for the best.
Why water hoses should not be used in water intrusion testing
For many contractors who are not Los Angeles water intrusion testing agencies, their first instinct is to grab a water hose and blast away. The problem with this is that the water coming from a hose has too much volume and pressure to resemble anything close to actual rainfall. In many cases, the contract can, in fact, create leaks that may not even have been there, to begin with.
Water intrusion testing must be performed with a calibrated water test spray rack system. The water which leaves the apparatus must be a calibrated spray. That said, however, there are some cases where the use of a water hose is acceptable. The use of a water hose to perform water intrusion testing although limited is written into the ASTM 2128 standards. Regardless, as testing agencies, our preference is not to use the hose as a form of testing apparatus.
Window leak detection
When it comes to windows there are a couple of things we need to keep in mind. First, the windows must be chosen for specific conditions. These conditions can have a great effect on the window’s ability to resist certain wind pressures. In other words, if the architect specifies the wrong window type, it can leak.
An example of this would be placing a window rated for 15 MPH winds in a situation where it gets constant 50 MPH winds. Our window leak testing methods can help identify whether the window is correct for the application or not. Moreover, our leak detection methods will determine if the window installation is in fact leak-free.
I think window leak testing here in Los Angeles is big business. For the most part, I think it mainly has to do with the fact that there is so much construction defect litigation and the owner wishes to double-check the builder.
Door leak detection
Much in the same way that windows are tested, so too are doors. Doors are subject to the same forces as are windows. Therefore, doors have the same susceptibility to leak and in some cases, more so. Door weatherstripping breaks down much more quickly than windows. Partly because the doors are opened far more often than windows are opened.
Testing for doors is performed in accordance with the ASTM E1105 testing standards. The use of a spray rack and in some cases, the wind maker are oftentimes necessary.
Roofing leaks
Los Angeles Water damage defect litigation many times includes roofing defects. In a similar fashion, roofing systems take a great deal of water like windows or walls. I believe we get roof leak calls at a ratio of 2:1 for anything else leak related. Rain leaks are extremely commonplace in all types of roofing systems. Despite the fact that Los Angeles gets very little rainfall… when it does, however, roof leaks are aplenty.
Testing standards fall under the ASTM 5957 for flat roofing systems. In the case of Construction Defect Water Intrusion Testing here in LA, Water Intrusion Specialists perform this test many times a year. Other roofing systems such as concrete time, for example, are usually inspected manually and in some cases tested without water or with very little water.
Wall and stucco leaks
I bet if I told you we find stucco and wall leaks in homes just built you wouldn’t believe it. Well, it’s true. Stucco wall leaks are commonplace even in new construction. Let’s face it, builders are builders and mistakes happen. Construction Defect Water Intrusion Testing encompasses yes, even stucco wall leak detection.
No matter the year of your house, if the building wrap was installed incorrectly or penetrated by staples or nails, it will most likely leak. Really, it’s just a matter of time. Nevertheless, our testing of the stucco wall for leaks follows the ASTM 2128 standard to the letter. Even more important than the standard, is the understanding of how a wall system and building envelope work. Not to mention, even fail.
Los Angeles has some pretty old buildings. Within these systems are old deteriorated or antiquated systems. Our job is to isolate the issue and water test a wall in accordance with strict standards. In my opinion, new home water intrusion leak detection services are a necessary evil. So long as there are contractors who perform their work in a substandard manner and building systems continue to age, our job will be relevant.
Deck leaks
Much like flat roof systems, decks are tested in a similar manner. The ASTM 5759 water flood test is designed to produce leaks in a controlled manner. The standard provides flexibility in the methods used when administering the test. Albeit there are limitations, as with everything. For example, the deck must be structurally sound, weep screeds cannot be too low and testing is performed in small sections.
Many new homes have leaks within the deck systems which we test quite frequently here in Los Angeles. Some have slope issues. Others have waterproofing issues or internal drainage issues.
While architects design decks in accordance with building code, in the field it’s a whole other story. Despite the fact that drawings or blueprints are there as a standard and even a guide, some simply choose not to follow the “instructions”.
Water Intrusion And Rain Leak Detection Specialist
In closing, we all know that Construction Defect Water Intrusion Testing in Los Angeles is necessary. What is equally important is having a reputable forensic water testing agency perform these tests. Sure… everyone knows a “chuck-in-a-truck” who can arbitrarily spray water anywhere with a hose. It takes a genuine water intrusion specialist testing agency to get quantifiable results.
