How can I prevent water leaking into an external wood celling?

[KAV2025]

Hello team,

I am looking for some suggestions please, we have a balcony that has an outdoor space below it, the ground floor has a wooden ceiling. There are a couple of issues with water getting into the wooden panels and the internal top plate:

1. The wind blows the rain sideways into the patio doors (this side is sea facing, which is 800m away and storms bring in heavy rain and very strong winds. The rain blows into the right side underneath the balcony (as you are facing the patio doors) and is going into the white trim underneath the ceiling. This is spreading to the internal top plate and we have recently had to redo the whole ceiling and also replace part of the top plate (30 cm) I have marked with an X. You will also see the old water stains.

2. You will see that there is a gutter junction and a downpipe. When there is flash flooding the gutter overflows and the water cascades down and spreads across the brickwork into the wooden ceiling.

We have had the down pipes cleaned, the balcony regrouted, the gutters cleaned, all the areas resealed (by a professional company) and it has been retested for leaks in the pipework and the balcony. However, we believe that the design is not good enough and really need to prevent water from coming in by putting up a structure such as an awning/hood/eave across the bottom beam of the balcony marked with a Y. It would also make sense to seal up the right side where the water is spreading across the brick work.

Does anyone have experience and any solution(s) to this type of problem, any suggestions welcomed. Thanks! 

[JacobZ]

Hi @KAV2025,

Considering the main location of the damage, and the proximity to gutters that you have mentioned are prone to overflow, I would be looking at those gutters pretty closely.

Could I trouble you for some photos looking down at these gutters from the deck?

How does the hidden gutter feed into the visible one?

If these gutters are overflowing, you may need to have a roofing plumber assess their suitability and recommend potential upgrades to the system.

I think the hardest part about your situation is isolating what exactly the problem is, but it seems like the gutters could play a significant part.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @KAV2025 

Thank your for that last photo, it really does show up where the water damage is coming from. You can add my name to @JacobZ's ask for a few extra photos I would be investigating that corner area a lot more so, even to removing the metal cowl, the facia and that white block even. Water is getting in at that point or just beyond it so finding exactly where may solve future issues.

Dave

[JoeAzza]

Hi @KAV2025 , I think you would need a plumber to install a larger diameter downpipe.

[KAV2025]

Hi Jacob and @Dave-1 

I managed to get a ladder and get some photos as requested. I'm embarrassed to say that I hadn't previously taken a close look down the side of the balcony wall, as a roof plumber came to inspect and said that all was ok up there, but it looks like the area circled red needs some TLC and could be contributing to the water issue. 

Looking at the photos and also the advice that has been given here and by other specialists, I think I will need to get the following done (as a starting point):

1. Treat the space between the balcony wall and roof (circled red). Not sure what is suitable for this job

2. Install a larger downpipe

3. Repaint the balcony walls with a water proofer paint

4. Sand the wooden beam on top of the balcony wall (where the blue line is in the new photos), seal underneath and repaint 

5. Take out the piece of wood by the temporary flashing and investigate further underneath the gutter junction

Thanks again for your help and time, it is much appreciated.

Cheers,

Katie

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @KAV2025 

Cheering that it looks like you have found the root of the problem, tho annoyed at the gutter cleaner, the waterproofing/sealing company as it really seems they didnt bother. Id have a chat with them and show the pictures at the very least. Fair enough you maybe should have looked but you are paying for a service so "wiggles hands"  Id still say more annoyed at the companies then you

The timber under the window looks ok, the painting with waterproof paint is another that looks ok. 

The flashing with no gutter? No edge or fall has me concerned. It really looks like its missing/never installed. I would engage a seperate roofing company to inspect and suggest a course of action. (I am thinking its above the level of a handy person /yourself repairing and fixing the issue.)

Still cheering that a solution seems to be on the horizon

Dave

[EricL]

Hello @KAV2025 

It's good to hear that you've had a first-hand look at the situation up top. I totally agree with your proposed list of actions, and I can only add doing a garden hose testing when everything has been repaired to make sure that there are no leaks. In regards to the area circled in red, I can only suggest engaging the services of a roofing professional and have them repair that section.  

Eric

[KAV2025]

Thanks Dave. 

The roof plumber was up there for an hour doing tests and looking at the structure and didn't mention this at all! Oh well, as you say I'll be engaging with another company to come out to take a look so we can get this fixed asap.

Thanks for your help 😊

[KAV2025]

Thanks Eric!

[Dave-1]

Morning @KAV2025 

We all have leaks Part of life I think and now you have a fair idea its even better. I have a cracked waterpipe in my front yard.... Somewhere! lol I have a wet patch coming out from under a retaining wall and my little dial on my water meter is so slowly moving even tho there are no drips...  Its just a fancy puzzle with some work is all Would be interested in seeing what the solution the new company suggests so we can file it away for the next person

Dave