Critical Severity

Water Ingress

Water penetration through cladding — the highest-cost outcome of deferred maintenance.

A Survey Should Come Before a Specification

Before any system is recommended, a condition survey establishes whether refurbishment is appropriate for your specific building — substrate condition, corrosion extent, ingress sources and adhesion performance. A survey is the evidence base for every decision that follows.

Roof Condition Survey Commercial Roof Survey

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If a condition survey has already been carried out, submit your details and we will review the findings, determine the appropriate system and connect you with a suitable approved applicator.

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What Is Water Ingress?

Water ingress through commercial cladding is a critical issue because by the time it is noticed internally — damp patches on walls, water on floors, or damage to racking and stock — it has typically been occurring for an extended period. The entry point may be far from where the water appears inside. Identifying the actual route requires a systematic external inspection, not just treatment of the internal symptom. Importantly, not all water ingress can be resolved by coating or sealing: the cause determines whether refurbishment is appropriate, or whether mechanical repair is required first.

What Causes It?

Failed mastic sealants at sheet laps, ridge cappings, and abutments are the most common cause on industrial buildings. Corroded fixings allow water to track down the fixing shank into the building. Advanced cut edge corrosion can perforate the sheet, creating an open pathway. On composite panel buildings, failed joint seals and capsule jointing compound that has degraded are frequent causes. In older buildings, original design omissions — such as missing flashings or inadequate lap dimensions — may be the underlying issue.

How Serious Is It?

Severity: Critical. Immediate action required. Water ingress indicates active failure of the building envelope and will cause escalating internal damage, business disruption and potential compliance issues if not addressed.

What Happens If Ignored?

Untreated water ingress leads to internal damage, stock or equipment damage, potential business interruption, mould growth, and accelerated structural corrosion. Repair costs increase exponentially the longer the issue persists.

How Is It Assessed?

Forti Nova's assessment process includes: visual survey of affected elevations, identification of corrosion sources or ingress routes, adhesion testing where coating failure is present, substrate condition inspection, and documentation with photographic evidence. For water ingress, internal inspection traces leak routes to external entry points.

What Are The Refurbishment Options?

Coating-based refurbishment can address water ingress where the primary cause is surface coating failure, minor corrosion, or where sealant renewal can be incorporated alongside a coating programme. Forti Nova's assessment process specifically evaluates ingress routes before specifying any system — applying a coating over an unresolved ingress pathway will not fix the problem.

When Is Replacement Necessary?

Where water ingress is caused by perforated panels, failed structural fixings, or fundamental design defects (such as insufficient lap lengths or missing flashings), coating alone cannot resolve the issue. A coating programme on a building with active structural ingress routes will fail prematurely and will not protect the interior. Mechanical repairs must precede the coating programme. This is not a limitation of the coating systems — it is the honest condition for appropriate specification.

What Happens Next?

Addressing water ingress requires a structured approach. Follow this diagnostic pathway to ensure the correct remediation strategy is specified for your building.

Commission Professional Survey

A qualified surveyor must assess the extent of the problem, identify the root cause, and determine substrate condition. This is a critical first step before any system is specified.

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Review Survey Findings

The survey report provides a detailed analysis of the building's condition, including photographic evidence and testing results. This report forms the basis for all specification decisions.

Roof Condition Surveys

Request a Specification & Assessment

Based on the survey findings, Forti Nova's technical team and approved applicator network will develop a detailed specification and provide project pricing. This is the final step before programme commencement.

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Recommended Survey Type

Professional survey identifies the extent of the problem, root cause and appropriate remediation strategy before any system is specified.

Commercial Roof Survey

Professional roof condition assessment for industrial and commercial buildings. Identifies corrosion extent, ingress routes and specification requirements.