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How to stop water getting in external laundry?

We bought an old house that has an external laundry room. Not attached to the house. Previous owners installed cladding possibly over the old wood. However, when it rains, water leaks in through the bottom of the walls. There is no guttering either. A few photos to try and show where the issue is. There are 3 walls that have got cladding as the 4th wall sits next to a brick outhouse. I have a feeling that I need to remove the cladding to see how bad the wood is behind it. As a photo shows, the bit I can see isn't looking good. If wood is in good nick, can silicone or something simple be used to prevent water getting in?

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JacobZ

@Hi @rebelliouskiwi,

Thank you for your question about a leak in your external laundry.

I suspect that if the only visible piece of timber is in that condition, then the rest will be affected similarly.

Unfortunately, unless there is another way to access the timber from behind so pieces can be replaced individually, it is likely the cladding will need to be removed so you have access to the timber so it can be replaced.

I'd suggest contacting a carpenter for assistance with this job.

Once the frame has been repaired or rebuilt and the cladding reinstated, sealing with an external sealant such as Sikaflex 11FC will certainly help.

Allow me to tag @Dave-1, @TedBear and @Nailbag for their thoughts.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

Dave-1

Afternoon @rebelliouskiwi

😕 My thoughts went straight to @JacobZ 's response when I saw the second photo and the base of the wall. Until you know the condition of the timbers I prob wouldnt be putting any patches on it such as sealing it with silastic or even atempting to install guttering. Start from the biggest issue and work your way up.

Note of caution.

Looking at the cladding and reading your description I have a feeling you may find fibro underneath that cladding. If so Fibro contains abspestos. Safe as is but once itrs disturbed its not good. You will need someone accredited to remove and dispose of it if it is.

If not then, winner! 🙂 You will still need to remove the cladding to asses but id be careful removing it so you can reuse it once the timber stae has been worked out. If you can supply some pics after the cladding has been removed we will have some suggestions I am sure. 🙂

Dave

Nailbag

Hi @rebelliouskiwi

I would agree with @JacobZ having to remove all the cladding in order to see the full extent of the damage. To prevent further damage, the cause first needs to be addressed which sounds like the lake of guttering and the addition of any flashing. Since the cladding appears to be metal, Personally I would first call on a Plumber over a carpenter as they would be able to remove the cladding and then resolve the prevention side of things. They would most likely have carpenters they work with to assess and repair/replace the timbers in a timely manner.

Regards, Nailbag

@Dave-1 makes a good point on his caution should fibre-cement sheets be exposed re the chance for it to be Asbestos.

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