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How to prevent rain coming under skirting?

Please help. I’ve just closed on a new apartment and when I went today the carpet was damp along the wall. It seems to have got in from the external wall along the bottom of the skirting.
how can I seal the wall and under the skirting before I have new carpet put down?

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Comments

JacobZ

Hi @NatalieR,

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community and thank you for your question.

I'm sorry to say, but there is no advisable method of stopping this leak from the inside of the property. If you were to seal the underside of the skirting board, it would not stop the leak, it would just make it sit underneath the framing, which would cause more serious issues.

The water entry issue needs to be fixed from the outside, so you will need to find the source of the water in order to fix the issue.

My advice, if the property is newly constructed is to contact the builder and have them come rectify what is a major defect. If the property was not newly built, you will need to contact a leak detection specialist and notify your strata manager that there is a leak coming from the outside of the property.

I'm sorry, but it's unlikely there will be an easy fix for this issue.

Allow me to tag @Dave-1 and @Nailbag to see if they have any advice they can offer.

Jacob

Dave-1

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/47883#Comment_47883

Good Evening @NatalieR

😕 I agree with @JacobZ for all the steps he has mentioned. The source needs to be found and fixed sad to say. If its a brand new apartment then it should be covered by a warranty.

Dave

Nailbag

Hi @NatalieR

I also agree with @JacobZ in contacting the body corp or builder. This needs to be addressed rather urgently as internal water leaks can be causing considerable other damage other than whats entering the home. There is also a concern the carpet could shrink and/or stain. So, its important to dry it out asap.

A water leak detection specialist will be the best service to engage to locate the issue again as @JacobZ mentioned.

Nailbag

NatalieR

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/47883#Comment_47883

Thank you. Is there a temporary solution until strata can fix it?

JacobZ

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/85987#Comment_85987

Hi @NatalieR,

Unfortunately, there is not.

Anything you do on the inside of the property is just isolating the problem to another area. If it is isolated inside of the wall, then you will be exacerbating the issue which can cause rot or rust depending on the structural material used. Unfortunately, the best thing you can do is let the leak in so it can be dealt with inside your apartment.

You could hire an Air Blower to dry out the carpet until the issue can be rectified.

I would also be notifying your insurer as soon as possible as the inside of your property is being affected by an issue on the outside. They may be able to speed up the process with your strata manager and strata insurance company.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

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