A leak is the end of a journey: water gets in at one point on the roof, the terrace or the facade and appears, sometimes many metres away, on the ceiling of a flat or the stairwell. Patching it up from the inside is no use. You have to find where the water gets in and seal it off.
At Catalana de Rehabilitació we repair leaks and water ingress for owners’ associations (comunidades de propietarios), homes, commercial premises and industrial buildings, from diagnosis to complete repair.
Why leaks appear
- Waterproofing on roofs and terraces that has reached the end of its service life.
- Cracks and fissures in the substrate, the facade or the parapets.
- Joints, drains and junctions with walls that are poorly sealed or have deteriorated.
- Blocked or broken downpipes and gutters.
- Previous repairs that were poorly done or only superficial.
First things first: find where the water gets in
Water travels through the floor slab, along joints and inside walls, so the patch rarely marks the point of entry. We check the roof, the terrace, the facade and the services to locate the real source before proposing any repair. That way we avoid the most expensive mistake: fixing the wrong area and having the leak come back.
Leaks on terraces and roofs
These are the most common, because they take the full force of rain, sun and temperature changes. Depending on the condition of the waterproofing and how the surface is used, we repair the damaged spots or renew it completely.
We work with hot-spray polyurea: it is sprayed onto the surface and forms a continuous, elastic, seamless membrane that seals cracks and weak points. In many cases it is applied over the existing paving without demolition, which shortens the work and reduces disruption. On roof terraces we also use bituminous membrane systems.
More information in terrace and roof terrace waterproofing and roof waterproofing.
Water ingress through the facade
Cracks in the render, worn joints and junctions with windows and balconies let rainwater through into the flats. We seal the cracks, repair the render and apply waterproofing treatments that protect the facade without changing its appearance. We explain it in facade waterproofing.
Water ingress in basements and car parks
Basements and car parks are in contact with the ground and take in water through walls, ground slabs and joints. We treat this water ingress with waterproofing systems designed to withstand ground moisture, and we check the drainage so that water does not build up again.
From Viladecavalls (Barcelona) we work across Spain and on international projects.
Have a similar project?
We visit you, assess the building and give you a detailed, no-obligation quote.
Got a leak right now?
- Collect the water and protect furniture and floors.
- If the water is near sockets or light fittings, switch off the electricity in that area.
- Take photos of the patch and how it develops: they help with the diagnosis and with any claim.
- If you live in a block of flats, let the property manager (administrador de fincas) or the president of the owners’ association know.
- Call us on +34 93 734 04 93: we also handle emergencies.
Cost of the repair
The cost depends on the source of the water ingress, the area affected and the solution required, so there is no single price. What always holds true is that acting early works out cheaper: a leak that is left alone ends up damaging ceilings, insulation and services. We carry out a preliminary survey and give you a tailored, no-obligation quote.
Frequently asked questions about leaks and water ingress
What should I do if I have a leak right now?
Collect the water and protect furniture and floors, switch off the electricity in the area if the water is near sockets or light fittings, take photos and, if you live in a block of flats, let the property manager or the president of the owners’ association know. Then call a professional to find the source as soon as possible.
When is it urgent to repair water ingress?
When water is coming in constantly, the patches are growing, material is falling from the ceiling or the damp is reaching electrical installations or structural elements. In those cases it is best not to wait.
How can you tell whether water ingress is coming from the roof or the facade?
With a technical inspection. Water travels through the floor slab and inside the walls and can appear far from where it gets in, so the position of the patch is not enough to tell.
Which is better for a leak: polyurea or waterproofing paint?
Hot-spray polyurea forms a continuous, elastic, seamless membrane that seals the whole surface; waterproofing paint is a thin coat that deteriorates much sooner. For a long-lasting solution on roof terraces and roofs, polyurea or other membrane systems are more effective.
Is it enough to repair the area of the leak, or does the whole terrace need waterproofing?
It depends on the condition of the waterproofing. If it is recent and the failure is localised (a joint or a drain), it can be repaired locally. If it is old, sealing one spot usually just moves the leak somewhere else, and it is better to renew it completely.
How much does it cost to fix a leak?
It depends on the source, the area and the solution. Acting early makes the repair much cheaper: a leak that is left alone ends up damaging ceilings, insulation and services. We carry out a preliminary survey and provide a no-obligation quote.
