Case Studies
Structural damage, walls destroyed, carpets ruined, ceilings trashed! The damage a leak can cost you is upwards of $10,000 if not detected and fixed early!
Who would have thought that a tiny leak in a shower base could cause such expensive damage. Until we started fixing bathrooms and balconies, we had no idea about how much damage a leaking shower could cause your property. The biggest problem is rotten supports caused by a leaking shower that are not just expensive to repair, they can be very dangerous. Most leaking showers go unnoticed until major damage has occurred. This can include people having to replace floors, walls, carpets an
d damage to adjoining properties which can be costly and inconvenient.
Call us on 1300 556 775 FOR FREE QUOTE TO STOP THE LEAK EARLY!
CASE STUDY 1: The Manhattan Apartments
Leaking showers caused over $800,000 worth of damage to a Surry Hills apartment block!
The following information is taken from a report on water damage in the Manhattan apartments issued by building consultant Philip Kevin Connor J.P. on 10 January, 2001. This report was carried out on instructions from the Secretary of the Body Corporate.
The Manhattan apartments comprise sixty residential units and several shops occupying street level at 1 Poplar Street, Surry Hills.The building was completed in 1999.
Several complaints had been issued by tenants in relation to water damage affecting their premises, mainly the ceilings and walls positioned below or adjacent to the bathrooms or balconies of the adjoining units. This water damage raised serious safety concerns and a claim was lodged with the Office of Fair Trading.
Approximately $120,000 had already been spent to repair water penetration problems in several units. It is envisaged that further special levies will be required to fund the work.
The property was inspected on Saturday the 2nd February 2002.
This inspection revealed extensive water damage had occurred to the residential apartments but also the common areas including the hallways.
At the time the report was issued only 24 units had been inspected and all of these had defective bathrooms. (It appeared unlikely the damage was limited to these 24 units).
The report indicated that the requirements of the BCA and cross referenced standards had not been complied with. For example, wall tiles were not sitting on the floor tiles as required, and as a result a gap existed between these tiles allowing water to seep into the adjoining wall and floor cavities.
The report included an estimate to rectify the matter at a cost of $800,000.
CASE STUDY 2: Health & Safety Risk
The Health & Safety risk of water damage can be extreme. From structural damage to buildings (creating a building hazard) to asthma and rashes. Leaking showers are not only a detriment to health and well being, but a lawsuit waiting to happen.
"A leaking shower gave my son asthma"
Karen 'S' of Sans Souci and her family have had over $12,000 in expenses, emotional trauma and various medical conditions all caused by a seemingly harmless shower leak.
"My daughter couldn't sleep in her room anymore because it was always moist. Then we started to get little insects growing. The children started getting these bites all over their legs from the carpet. And in December, my son had to go to hospital because he couldn't breathe,” Karen shared anxiously.
"An ambulance came and the paramedic said that the moisture in the carpet was why he couldn't breathe, and this resulted with fluid in his lungs." Her son has since had to start using asthma medication.
Over $12,000 in expenses was directly caused by the water damage. This included replacing the carpet in all three bedrooms, repainting most of the unit, re-waterproofing, re-tiling and the children's medical expenses.
"The damage caused by a simple shower leak seems incredible but it is not uncommon. Nine out of ten showers leak, even in new units or townhouses. The physical damage to the property can often get up around $8,000 to $10,000," says Elie Assaly, a veteran of the shower industry, "but you can't put a price on the emotional damage caused, especially when it causes medical problems.
If you have the slightest suspicion that you may have a leak, get it checked out by a professional. It's not worth the risk of leaving it for another day.
"With the latest methods," Elie advises, "Fixing leaking showers has never been quicker, cleaner or easier.”
At the first sign of peeling paint or damp carpet, get your leaks fixed. You will potentially save yourself thousands of dollars in damage and numerous other hassles and inconveniences.
Call us on 1300 556 775 FOR FREE QUOTE TO STOP THE LEAK EARLY! |
