If you’re living in a penthouse, you probably imagine peaceful evenings on the terrace, not worrying about what’s going on beneath your feet! But sometimes, leaks have other plans. Recently, we were called to a penthouse in Zabbar because the neighbours downstairs were dealing with a serious water ingress problem in their corridor. That’s when Leak Detection Malta stepped in.
Let me take you through how we got to the bottom of this issue and helped save the day.
The Situation: Neighbours Complaining About Water Leaks
Our client’s tenant was having a bit of a nightmare—their neighbours were complaining about water seeping into their corridor, and they had no idea where it was coming from. When we arrived, the tenant, along with a representative from the client, gave us a tour of the penthouse so we could begin the inspection.
Step One: The Indoor Inspection
First things first, we started indoors. Armed with our trusty thermal technology, we scanned the inside of the property for any cold spots. These cold spots are a great indicator of where water might be lurking behind walls or under floors. But after a thorough check of the interior, the results were negative. No leaks inside! So, the next logical step? Time to check out the terrace.
Step Two: The Outdoor Terrace Inspection
Now, if you’ve got a terrace, it can often be the prime suspect for leaks—especially if water isn’t draining properly. Using thermal technology again, we scanned the outdoor area and discovered something interesting: underneath the terrace tiles, there were pockets of cold water. Where was this water coming from? The culprit was an improperly placed air-conditioning drain. Instead of draining straight into the designated drain, it was spilling around it, allowing water to gather under the terrace tiles. Not good!
Step Three: Checking the Neighbours’ Concerns
After investigating the terrace, we headed over to the neighbours’ place to see the water damage firsthand. Using our thermal tools again, we spotted a cold patch in the middle of the corridor wall—directly in line with the penthouse terrace. After a closer look, we found that the ceiling was also showing signs of water ingress. This told us that the roof of the penthouse was in need of some serious maintenance.
Unfortunately, we couldn’t check the roof directly because heavy construction work next door made it unsafe to venture up there without proper safety gear. But from what we could tell, the roof was likely the source of the problem.
Step Four: Our Recommendations
So, what’s the fix? Here’s what we recommend:
- Seal the terrace drains properly. It’s essential to make sure the water from the air-conditioning unit drains directly into a suitable drain, instead of pooling around the area.
- Check and maintain the penthouse roof. There’s a good chance the roof needs maintenance, and ensuring it’s properly waterproofed will stop water from seeping through to the neighbours below.
In cases like this, it’s always better to act fast. Water ingress issues can quickly turn into bigger (and more expensive) problems if left unchecked. At Leak Detection Malta, we use the latest technology to find hidden leaks without causing any damage to your property—and we’ve got the experience to fix them for good.
If you’re experiencing water leaks in your home—whether it’s a penthouse, apartment, or terrace—don’t wait for the damage to get worse. Get in touch with Leak Detection Malta today, and let us solve the problem before it becomes a bigger headache!
