Signs of failed waterproofing
MajorWhat you may see: Soft substrate, staining to rooms below, efflorescence, mould at base of walls.
Risk: Major rectification of membranes and finishes.
Building guide
Wet areas inspection guide
Bathrooms, laundries, and kitchens concentrate water. Failed waterproofing and sealing are among the most expensive post-purchase repairs.
Why it matters
Soft floors, musty cabinets, and stained ceilings below bathrooms often mean waterproofing has failed. Catching clues early protects your negotiation position.
Common defects
Rated the way we discuss findings in reports — Major, Minor, Safety, or Further investigation.
Failed sealants and junctions
MinorWhat you may see: Cracked silicone, gaps at vanities and baths.
Risk: Water tracking into walls and floors if not maintained.
Poor falls to wastes / ponding
Further investigationWhat you may see: Water sitting on floors after use.
Risk: Accelerates membrane and finish failure.
Mould and ventilation issues
SafetyWhat you may see: Surface mould, inadequate exhaust.
Risk: Indoor air quality and ongoing moisture.
Quality checklist
What “good” tends to look like for this area.
- Screens and seals generally intact
- No obvious soft floors or active leaks to adjoining spaces
- Ventilation present and functional where fitted
- Cabinetry bases free of advanced swelling where visible
How Sitescop inspects
- Visual review of floors, walls, junctions, and ceilings of wet areas
- Check for moisture clues in adjoining and lower rooms
- Photograph defects and explain likely implications in plain English
Technology & knowledge
- Moisture metering at suspect floors and walls
- Thermal imaging may assist locating damp anomalies
Photo examples
Open educational imagery matching this area of the building. We will swap these for anonymised on-site defect photos as you supply them — never publishing client-identifying details.
Bathroom wet area — shower enclosure, tiling, and vanity junctions
Tiled wet room — floors, walls, and fixture seals are moisture risk points
Shower recess tiling — falls, grout, and waterproofing clues matter
FAQ
Do you do flood tests?
Standard visual inspections do not usually include invasive flood testing. We report visual indicators and recommend specialists when needed.