Causes, detection and remediation of water-induced building defects: a systematic review

Water ingress in buildings can considerably impact the building and its occupants by compromising structural integrity, health, safety, and financial stability. While existing research has identified common defects associated with water seepage, a comprehensive framework for systematically documenting these issues and their corresponding solutions is currently needed. This study aims to comprehensively review the means of water ingress, its root causes, associated defects, detection methods, and remediation techniques, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. A comprehensive search was conducted on articles related to water ingress-related building defects in the Scopus and Web of Science databases. Content and thematic analysis methods were applied to analyze 66 publications. The study identified seven vulnerable building components: exterior and interior walls, facades, roofs, basements, wet areas, and plumbing systems. It was found that cracks, faulty joints, defective fittings, and inadequate waterproofing lead to water ingress, causing structural, aesthetic, and functional damage. Further, detection methods ranging from visual inspections to advanced technologies like thermography and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were explored and various remedial actions including repairing, replacing, or reconstructing affected elements were suggested. The framework presented in this study provides design and construction professionals with proactive strategies for detecting and remedying water-related defects, offering practical guidelines for informed decision-making to effectively manage building defects linked to water ingress.