April 2024 Leakfix Newsletter: AC System Penetrations & Leak Prevention
Owners Insights: Sometimes leaks can be found in the blueprints.
Figure 1 - Photograph 001 - Roof plans with a ruler.
Have you ever chased leaks that didn't initially seem like roof leaks, only to find out they
were just that?
A door frame in a multi-residential apartment developed a suspicious water mark and continued to get damp during heavy rain. Because the apartment was on the second floor of a four-story building, we initially suspected that the leakage might be coming from the unit above. Consequently, we inspected that unit for any signs of wet-area waterproofing failure, conducted thermal scans of the walls and ceilings, and interviewed the owner-occupant to establish the timeline of the water intrusion. We also opened up the wall to inspect the cavity.
Next, we reviewed the building plans to gain a better understanding of its construction, while we established that solid concrete slab exists between each floor, which would make it quite unusual for a roof leak to manifest itself on the second level rather than just below the roof, a roof AC plant was shown just 2.5 meters away from the leak location. Now as described in the next section of the newsletter, we know that split AC systems services, when not sealed properly, can make water travel a great distance within building cavities. It was time for us to climb the roof.
Figure 2 - Roof Plan
Our investigation confirmed that service pipes within the cavity were channeling water from above. We then devised an action plan to design and install a new ducting system for the split air conditioning system and packaged all the investigation findings in an easy-to-read Leak Investigation Report.
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Expert Tip of the Month: Split AC systems and penetrations in the building fabric.
Introduction
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When it's 20°C indoors, life is a breeze—but in the tropical heat of Queensland, air conditioning is less of a luxury and more of a year-round necessity. The split AC system is the most common cooling solution in Queensland, but it often leads to water ingress problems, turning cool retreats into damp dilemmas.
Problem
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Split AC systems are energy-efficient, quiet, and allow for flexible installation with individual room temperature control. But with two separate units—one inside and one outside—they require penetrating the building fabric, which opens the door to problems if not done correctly. As leak detection and repair specialists, we often see severe leaks and long-lasting water damage caused by poor positioning and inadequate sealing of openings.
Here are some tips for installing split AC units without creating a leak fest:
- Keep It Off the Roof: If you can avoid installing outdoor units on the roof, do so. Roof installations often require multiple penetrations, increasing the risk of leaks. If the roof is the only option, hire a specialist to seal any openings. Depending on the roof's covering, this could mean a roofer or a waterproofer. When installing, ensure that service pipes enter the roof at the correct angle to make sealing more effective.,
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Protect Your Service Pipes: Whether they're on the wall or the roof, encase your service pipes in the right ducting. This extra layer of protection shields the insulation on refrigerant pipes from weather and bird attacks, while also making it easier to seal the openings properly. A well-encased pipe is less likely to sustain damage or develop leaks, giving you one less thing to worry about when the rain starts to pour.
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Wrap It Right: Ensure that refrigerant piping is wrapped in appropriate insulation to prevent condensation from forming within the building fabric. Properly insulated pipes reduce the risk of moisture accumulation inside walls or ceilings, which can lead to mold growth and structural damage.
- Avoid Awkward Angles: Make sure that service pipes enter the building fabric at a clean, straightforward angle. Awkward or overly complex entry points not only complicate the installation process but also make it harder to seal and protect against water ingress.
- Limit Services per Opening: Do not feed an excessive amount of services through one opening. Overloading a single opening with multiple pipes or cables creates a nightmare scenario when it comes time to seal it off. Keep it manageable and organized, spreading out services across multiple openings if necessary to maintain the integrity of the seal and avoid potential leaks.
AC services penetration hall of shame:
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