Three Very Common Sources of HVAC Leaks

HVAC Condensation Pan Leaks:
When air conditioning units operate, they collect condensation. HVAC units typically have internal sheet metal pans that collect and drain off the condensation water. Because this is a continuing process, the sheet metal pans have a tendency to rust out. When this happens, the water inside the HVAC unit can leak into the building. This is a common source of leakage, particularly in older units. It represents a significant percentage of the reported leak calls that we receive. If you experience “roof leaks” when it’s not raining, the chances are that it’s an air conditioning problem.

HVAC Air Duct Leaks:
Sometimes HVAC units have sheet metal air ducts that run across the roof. These ducts have overlapping seams, where they are connected together. These seams are sealed to prevent air from leaking in and out. But, they are also sealed to prevent water from getting inside. Unfortunately these seals can crack and wear out. When the HVAC units operate, a high vacuum occurs in some of the ducts. If the duct seals are cracked or broken, the vacuum can pull rain water inside. Once inside the ducts, the water can be blown through the system. If you experience leakage that is seen directly below air ducts or ceiling air vent openings, the chances are that this is the problem.

Vacuum induced Equipment Leakage:
Most HVAC units create significant interior vacuum. If there is a small hole or opening in the HVAC unit, the vacuum can pull rain water inside the unit. Sometimes roof leakage occurs on brand new roof systems directly underneath HVAC units. When this happens, we conduct intensive water tests, to determine the source of the problem. In many cases we find that the roof is not leaking. The HVAC unit is leaking internally.

“Your” Problem Case Study

Our “Case Study” reports are designed to illustrate various ways we have helped clients so that you can discover ways to utilize what we do to your benefit. All names have been changed to protect confidentiality, but this case study is different because it is about you. You have this problem.

“YOUR” Problem

We, of course, have not verified (well, at least not yet!) that you have had this problem on one of your buildings, but we see this problem so much that the odds are overwhelming that you have it or you will.

Do you see the problem?

The arrows certainly are a big clue. The white arrow points to original sealant, the gray to another layer and the black points to a second repair. So, we have a leaking termination bar, don’t we? NO! We do not. This owner is wasting money, because they kept sending another roofer out to fix this problem. The problem here is the masonry. The wall leaks. The second photograph, below, is actually the other side of the same wall. As you can see, there is visible evidence of water damage on the wall. (This is often not the case.)

This problem is a reflection of poor management practice and improper training. While we understand sometimes it takes more than one attempt to solve a complicated leak on some roofs, the roofs on both sides of this wall are fully exposed single ply roofs. It doesn’t get any easier to find a leak than on these.

Anytime you have an ongoing leak that leaks more than twice you assume that the problem is not the roof and begin to ask what else might be leaking. It could be masonry, it could be copings, it could be windows, it could be many other things, which our technicians at RAMCON are trained to identify.

One of our greatest goals with our clients is to help them save money. This is generally very easy to do. This particular property was a shopping center. We train our technicians on how to identify if the leak is roof related or not,and then we directly contact you if we discover otherwise. Instead of spending $500-800 dollars fixing something that wasn’t leaking, you can dispatch a window contractor to fix the window leak, etc.

We can do the same for you. Give us a call next time you have a complicated leak at (813) 663-9667.