Following reports of water ingress at the Hilton Hotel in Reading, Building Transformation were instructed to undertake a thorough investigation to determine the source of the leak and provide long-term solutions on how to resolve the issue.

Building Transformation conducted a comprehensive leak investigation at the Hilton Hotel in Reading to identify the source of water ingress affecting the building’s roofing system. The project involved inspecting the rainwater management systems, controlled water testing and photographic documentation of defects.

Key challenges included minimising disruption to hotel operations, accessing difficult roof sections, and accurately pinpointing multiple potential leak sources. A detailed report with preventative measures was provided, enabling the hotel to address the issue promptly and ensure long-term protection against water damage.

Why Were We Investigating?

The Hilton Hotel management required us to identify the root cause of the water ingress and provide a solution to prevent further damage. The investigation included:

• Thorough inspection of all rainwater management systems, including outlets and drainage.
• Controlled water tests to monitor water flow and simulated weather to identify the point of failure.
• Photographic documentation of all defects identified during the investigation.

This holistic approach was crucial in diagnosing the leak and ensuring that the proposed solutions addressed the underlying issues rather than just the symptoms.

Project Challenges

Several challenges were faced during the investigation:

• Ongoing hotel operations: Ensuring minimal disruption to hotel guests and staff during testing.
• Access to specific areas: Certain sections of the roof and rainwater management system required specialist equipment and personnel to access safely.
• Multiple potential sources: Differentiating between various possible sources of the leak required a systematic and methodical approach.