Building Leak & Damp Inspections
If water is getting into a property, the cause is not always obvious.
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Leaks, damp patches and draughts are often caused by failing mortar joints, deteriorated sealants or gaps around windows and doors. In some cases the brickwork itself may be allowing water to penetrate.
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Northern Seal & Joint carries out building leak and damp inspections to identify the real cause before repair work begins.
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Once the issue has been identified, we can recommend the correct repair using services such as Cement Mortar Repointing, External Sealant Services, Masonry Repair or Water-repellent Treatments.
Why Identifying the Cause Matters
Many building defects are incorrectly diagnosed.
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For example, damp inside a wall may be blamed on rising damp when the real cause is failed pointing or perished window seals allowing rainwater to penetrate the building fabric.
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Carrying out the wrong repair can lead to:
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repeated leaks
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unnecessary expense
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ongoing damp problems
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A structured inspection allows the building to be assessed properly before any work is carried out.
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You can also explore the common issues we investigate in the Problems We Fix section.
Our Three Tier Inspection System
Northern Seal & Joint offers a structured inspection approach depending on the complexity of the issue.
Tier 1 - Leak Triage Inspection
A focused inspection for situations where the likely source of the problem is already visible.
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This is commonly used for problems such as:
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water leaking around windows and doors
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cracked or missing mortar joints
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patio joints washing out or cracking
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gaps around window frames causing draughts
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During this visit we inspect the affected area and surrounding building fabric to identify likely entry points for water.
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If repairs are required we may recommend solutions such as:
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External Sealant Services
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Cement Mortar Repointing
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Patio Repointing & Repair
Tier 2 - Diagnostic Building Inspection
A more detailed inspection used when the cause of the problem is unclear.
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This type of inspection is often required for issues such as:
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damp patches appearing after heavy rain
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brickwork soaking through during storms
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recurring leaks that previous repairs have not resolved
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The inspection may include:
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assessment of brickwork or stonework condition
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examination of mortar joints
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inspection of window and door seals
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identifying routes where water may be penetrating
Depending on the findings, we may recommend repairs such as Lime Mortar Repointing, Masonry Repair or Water-repellent Treatments.
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A written inspection report can be provided if required.
Tier 3 - Access or Multi Area Inspection
Some buildings require inspection of multiple elevations or higher areas.
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This inspection level is typically used for:
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larger residential properties
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apartment buildings
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commercial buildings
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higher level masonry defects
Access equipment may be required depending on the building layout.
Problems We Commonly Investigate
Northern Seal & Joint is regularly called out to investigate issues including:
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cracked or missing mortar allowing water to enter
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damp patches caused by failing pointing
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water leaking around windows and doors
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brickwork soaking through in heavy rain
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draughts coming through doors and windows
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patio joints loosening or cracking
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perished window and door seals
You can explore these issues in more detail in our Problems We Fix section.
Areas We Cover
Northern Seal & Joint carries out building leak and damp inspections across Harrogate, Leeds, Bradford, Skipton, Ilkley, Otley, Wetherby, Halifax and surrounding Yorkshire areas.
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See the Areas We Cover page for more information.
Book an Inspection
If you are dealing with water ingress, failing mortar or deteriorating sealants, an inspection can help determine the cause before repairs begin.
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Northern Seal & Joint specialises in identifying and fixing building fabric defects.
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Book an inspection or contact us to discuss the issue you’re experiencing.