Hello, everyone! This is Machi no Yane-ya-san Kobe West Store.
Today, we’d like to share our experience investigating and providing an estimate for a roof leak on the first floor of a home in our local area, Kobe’s Nishi Ward! (^^)/
While it’s been a relatively dry season, yesterday brought a lot of rain (>_<). Sudden downpours often cause unexpected leaks in many homes...
Recently, we received an inquiry from a customer in Kobe’s Nishi Ward about a leak on the first floor of their home.
Where is the leak coming from?
Our professional team conducted a free investigation and prepared an estimate!
Here is the house in Kobe’s Nishi Ward where we conducted a leak investigation and provided an estimate! (^^)/
It’s a two-story wooden house, and although the exact age is unknown, it appears to be about 25 years old.
The leak seems to be in the living room on the first floor.
If the leak were on the second floor, the roof would likely be the cause. However, leaks on the first floor can have various causes, which might require more time for the investigation.
Nevertheless, at Machi no Yane-ya-san Kobe West Store, we are experts in leak investigations. We accurately pinpoint the cause of leaks and provide you with the best proposal and estimate! (^^)
Investigating Leaks on the First Floor: Start from Indoors
Let's start the leak investigation indoors!
The leak is occurring in this living room.
There’s an unusual opening in the ceiling, and it seems the leak is coming from there (>_<).
When we asked about the opening, the customer said they made it themselves to investigate the cause of the leak!
While this method isn't wrong, creating openings in the ceiling should be a last resort.
Once an opening is made, it needs to be repaired, which can lead to extra costs.
With the opening made, it's easier to see the condition of the underlying structure where the first-floor leak is occurring.
So far, the wooden base doesn’t appear to be rotting, but there are stains...
In the case of leaks on the first floor, it’s possible that water is leaking from pipes above the ceiling, but we didn’t find any pipes.
About a meter away from the opening, there is a wall that faces the outside.
This part also shows water stains on the wallpaper due to the leak...
Judging by the stains, it seems the leak has been occurring for several years, rather than being a recent issue (>_<).
If left unattended, leaks can worsen and potentially attract termites, so please address them promptly!
This area is also experiencing peeling wallpaper due to the leak.
While wallpaper can peel like this due to aging, please consult a professional to determine its relation to the leak (^^)/.
Leaks are troublesome indeed.
You’ll need not only external repairs to address the source of the leak but also interior repairs as well...
The Cause of the Leak is the Balcony
Directly above the first-floor leak is a second-floor balcony.
You can probably guess what the issue might be, right?
Based on our experience, the cause of the leak is likely the waterproofing on this balcony (>_<).
We have conducted many leak investigations, and leaks originating from balcony waterproofing are very common!
Here is the drain for the balcony's waterproofing.
While there doesn’t seem to be any debris blocking it, the drain could have deteriorated internally, causing a leak, so further investigation is necessary (>_<).
There are various methods to investigate leaks, but I personally believe that "water testing" is the most reliable.
By simulating actual rain and spraying water on the suspected area, you can accurately pinpoint the exact cause of the leak!
During our investigation of the first-floor leak in Kobe’s Nishi Ward, we discovered that the cause was the deterioration of the existing waterproof layer.
There are several types of waterproofing materials, and this one is called "FRP waterproofing."
It has a long lifespan of about 20 years, but it eventually succumbs to wear and tear...
Let’s replace the waterproof layer to stop the leak! (^^)/
Leak Inspection and Estimates are Completely Free!!
Ceiling and wall wallpaper replacement: 25m - ¥50,000
Due to the small area of the repairs, the cost is quite reasonable, but the estimate may vary depending on the extent of the leak and its cause, so please feel free to contact us for a consultation! (^^)
"Can I request small-scale repairs?" "Is there a cost for the investigation and estimate?" "Can I get advice over the phone?" "Will you come without a travel fee, even if it's far away?"
Yes, we cover the entire Hyogo Prefecture! Feel free to ask us anything. (^_^)