How to stop water ingress in concrete block wall?

[andre999]

First post here. 

I have a bedroom interior wall showing marks of water ingress. No issue from the ground as the unit is on 1st floor. The unit was built in the late 60'. Please see attached images.The red line boundary marks the exterior wall of the affected bedroom wallAffected interior bedroom wall

Early this year, the exterior wall was painted with zinsser watertite. It helped to block water ingress on most part of the wall but there were some small marks appearing on the wall after a rainy day. 

I have read that there are better solution to fix the water ingress.
Do the cemix's aquastop and no-damp-waterproofing or sika's ready mixed admixture watertight or any other product that can fix the water ingress on concrete block?
Appreciate your suggestions.
Thank you.

[JacobZ]

Hi @andre999,

It's certainly worth having it checked as everything you've said about when it happens and the location of the water ingress points to it coming from above.

I don't see a need to engage a different builder. The reality with waterproofing works like this is that sometimes you can do everything right and water still finds a way in where you hadn't expected. The work your builder has done looks good, but they can't predict the future.

I'd give the original installer a call and let them know what is happening. Hopefully, they are reasonable and will come out to have a look. 

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[Dave-1]

Morning @andre999 

I would give the original builder a call and explain whats happening, as @JacobZ has suggested even when things are done right sometimes water will still find another way in.

Dave

[andre999]

Hi @JacobZ 

Thanks for your reply. I have raised this matter to the original builder. The builder mentioned the flashing should not be the cause of the leak after he had done the water proofing. Instead he suggested to get an waterproof engineer for better suggestion.

Thanks.

[andre999]

Thanks @Dave-1 I have replied to Jacob that the builder suggested to have a waterproof engineer to have a look.

[TedBear]

Hi @andre999 , seeing the photos has made me curious... the black material appears to be going under the flashing, which would mean that any water that gets onto it will also go under the flashing, going to ??  instead of being directed onto the flashing where it would run away safely.

Have you tried putting a hose onto the roof and seeing how the water runs?

[andre999]

Hi @TedBear  Thanks for your question. I think the black material is a paper material as water proof to block water coming into the flashing. The flat is on 1st floor and I am not a typical DIYer, so I don't have the equipment to go up the roof.

@JacobZ  @Dave-1  I have gotten a builder to inspect the flashing and he said there is no water visible underneath the flashing after rain events recently. He mentioned about gutter that may overflow when it is rainy day and also the roof angle is almost flat.
Do you think it is likely the overflowed water from gutter flows back via underneath roof to the block wall ?

I guess I will have to wait for the rain event to witness it.
red line marks the gutter

[Dave-1]

Morning @andre999 

Mmmmm Yes the water could curl under and backwards especilly if its windy and driven rain. The Bubbling effect on the blocks inside looks like a long term issue. I am starting to think that maybe you should sand the "bubbles" back to the bessa block itself and see if they feel wet in the days after rain. If they do then you know water is coming from somewhere. A temperture gun would be handy to check the temperture of the area during rain and after rain events.

With the roof angle being almost flat it definently makes it easier for waterto find its way under sealed edges.

Dave

[EricL]

Hello @andre999 

I propose engaging the services of a leak detection specialist. Specifically, the one that offers thermal imaging. Using the thermal imager you 'll be able to see where exactly the water is entering from and where it is sitting in your wall. By finding the exact point of failure you'll be able to repair this leak that is causing damage to your wall.  

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric