Educational guides to help you understand water intrusion, strata responsibility, and leak solutions.
Explore topics to better understand your leak situation
Water intrusion is the primary threat to condo buildings. Unlike single-family homes, multi-unit buildings face unique challenges because water affects neighbors, affects shared systems, and creates liability disputes. Understanding how water enters your building is the first step to prevention and repair.
The #1 source of high-rise water intrusion. Poor caulking, shrinkage, and wind-driven rain penetration.
Failed waterproof membranes, flashing leaks, and poor drainage design create persistent water issues.
Unit-to-unit vertical leaks from bathrooms, kitchens, and riser failures affecting multiple floors.
Exterior wall defects, gaps in siding, and flashing failures allow wind-driven rain to penetrate.
While less common in condos, roof leaks from skylights and equipment penetrations occur.
Underground moisture, concrete cracking, and membrane failures cause slab seepage.
• Building envelope (exterior walls, cladding)
• Roof and major systems
• Balcony membranes and structure
• Common plumbing risers
• Windows (frame and perimeter)
• Parkade structure and slab
• Interior plumbing fixtures
• Bathroom fixtures and caulking
• Kitchen fixtures
• Interior drywall and flooring
• Unit HVAC systems
• Renovations and alterations
Important: Responsibility determination depends on your specific building's bylaws and the leak source. Always consult your strata documents and consider professional assessment before assuming responsibility.
Tub/shower enclosure failures, toilet wax ring leaks, and caulk deterioration.
Failed caulking, wind-driven rain, and poor drainage design.
Membrane failures, flashing defects, and expansion joint cracks.
Pipe corrosion, joint failures, and water hammer damage.
Sink drain failures and supply line breaks.
HVAC condensation, roof penetrations, and mechanical failures.
Insurance coverage for condo leaks depends heavily on responsibility determination and documentation quality. Here's what you need to know.
Covers building envelope, common property, and liability. May cover resulting damage from environmental water intrusion.
Covers interior contents and may cover water damage from unit-owner-responsible sources (bathroom, kitchen, plumbing).
Most policies exclude damage from poor maintenance, lack of caulking, and environmental water (unless specifically covered).