Water ingress is one of the most destructive and expensive building defects, capable of compromising structural integrity, damaging interiors, and leading to mould growth that can impact occupant health. Unlike visible damage such as cracking or spalling, leaks often travel along concealed paths, making the source difficult to locate without specialist investigation.
At Atomic Projects, we approach water ingress rectification with the precision of a forensic investigation — locating the true source before recommending any repair.
1. Source Investigation
We use a combination of:
- Visual inspection and moisture metre mapping.
- Flood and hose testing to replicate ingress conditions.
- Dye testing and tracer techniques for concealed pathways.
- Thermal imaging (infrared) for wet substrates behind linings.
We never recommend repairs based on where water presents — only where it originates.
2. Defect Classification
We categorise the ingress by source:
- Membrane failure: Failed or absent waterproofing membrane requiring reinstatement.
- Penetration failure: Pipe, conduit, or structural penetrations that have not been properly sealed.
- Sealant failure: Failed expansion joints, glazing sealants, or facade sealants.
- Structural crack: Active cracks providing water pathways into the building envelope.
- Drainage failure: Blocked or inadequate drainage causing water to pond and bypass waterproofing.
3. Targeted Rectification
Rectification is scoped to the root cause, not the symptom. Works may include:
- Full waterproofing membrane removal and reinstatement to AS 4654.2 or AS 3740.
- Penetration sealing using tested fire- and water-rated systems.
- Sealant removal and replacement in accordance with AS 4654 and product requirements.
- Crack injection or routing and sealing for active structural cracks.
- Drainage upgrades to redirect water away from vulnerable details.
4. Flood Testing & Verification
All waterproofing reinstatements are flood-tested before tiling or other finishes are applied, in accordance with AS 3740 and AS 4654.2. Test results are documented with timestamps and photographs for the project QA record.
By treating water ingress as a diagnostic challenge — not just a repair job — Atomic Projects delivers fixes that last, protecting the building’s fabric and the owners’ investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you find the source of a leak when it’s not obvious?
Leaks rarely present directly above their source — water travels along structural elements before manifesting as a wet patch. We use a combination of visual inspection, flood testing, moisture metre mapping, and where needed, thermal imaging or dye testing to trace the water pathway back to its origin. We identify the source before recommending any repair.
Can you repair water ingress without removing all affected tiles or finishes?
Sometimes, but not always. Cosmetic repairs over failed waterproofing will re-leak. If the waterproofing membrane has failed, it must be accessed and reinstated — which usually requires tile or screed removal in the affected area. We always explain the repair options and their trade-offs before proceeding, including the risk of recurring issues with non-invasive approaches.
Who is responsible for water ingress repairs in a strata building — the owners corporation or the lot owner?
This depends on where the leak originates and the strata scheme’s by-laws. Generally, the owners corporation is responsible for common property (roofs, external walls, shared pipes), while lot owners are responsible for internal wet areas within their lot. Water ingress from a common-property source affecting a lot owner’s apartment is typically the OC’s responsibility. We can help establish the source to support your strata manager’s decision-making.
What is involved in a flood test?
A flood test involves temporarily damming and filling a waterproofed area (such as a balcony or shower recess) with water to a prescribed level and leaving it for a set period (typically 24 hours) to check for any drop in water level indicating leakage. Flood tests are required under AS 3740 and AS 4654 to verify waterproofing membrane integrity before tiling.
Can water ingress cause long-term structural damage?
Yes. Sustained water ingress corrodes steel reinforcement, causing concrete spalling and compromising structural integrity. It can also saturate insulation, cause timber rot, delaminate render and coatings, and lead to mould growth. Early intervention is always far less costly than allowing water ingress to continue unchecked.
Related Services
Ready to address defects in your building? Atomic Projects is a Class 2 Registered Builder with over 10 years of specialist experience in remedial and defect rectification works across Sydney. Contact our team to discuss your project and arrange a site inspection.
