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October 6, 2008
Water Damage
We have visible evidence of water damage in two different interior walls of our house. We do not know the origin of either and are not particularly handy. One place is under the window on our ground level, so I am assuming it has to do with the window. The other is the wall of a second-floor bedroom where there is discoloration of the paint and also an area that bulges.
My question is who do we call to determine the source of the water damage and the remedy. Is it a roofer/waterproofer or an engineer? And, are there any specific recommendations for either? Any advice is greatly appreciated.
For a little background, we purchased the house less than 2 years ago and had it inspected.
Comments
Engineer, but the engineer will do a water test. Are you handy enough to hook up a water hose? You flow water on different areas, one at a time. That may help you find the source.
Posted by: denton at October 6, 2008 8:49 AM
Is your 2nd floor the top floor and is the room in back, with the damage towards the back wall? If so, the culprit can still be the roof even if the damage is in the wall not the ceiling. We had that same kind of water damage on one 2nd floor wall from a blocked, inadequate roof gutter spout we had fixed.
Posted by: traditionalmod at October 6, 2008 11:34 AM
Are the outside walls brick? If so, carefully examine your mortar and brickwork. Water will enter through loose and damaged mortar and exit at the point of least resistance, including around window frames. Again, if brick walls, the bulge likely indicates mortar defect/failure. When gutters are clogged the water will cascade down the facade and penetrate the entire wall. Fixing the clog helps avoid that particular cause, but does not address the brick and mortar's condition.
Posted by: vinca at October 6, 2008 12:09 PM
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