Protecting Properties with Early Leak Detection

Water damage is one of the fastest-growing risks for managed properties, and the financial consequences are only getting larger. In 2024, insured damage from severe weather in Canada reached a record-breaking C$8.5 billion, much of it driven by flooding and water-related events. However, not all costly water damage comes from extreme weather. In many buildings, the biggest risks start much smaller - an unnoticed leak in a plumbing line, a slow drip in a service room, or excess humidity behind walls. Left unchecked, these seemingly minor issues can spread quickly, leading to the same expensive repairs, operational disruptions, and frustrated tenants. For managers overseeing multiple buildings, this reactive approach is both inefficient and expensive. The good news is that prevention technology now makes it possible to act on early warning signs, shifting water management from reactive to proactive.

How our smart sensors work

Water and humidity detection sensors provide continuous monitoring in the areas most vulnerable to water damage. Water sensors trigger an alert the moment they detect even a small amount of water, while humidity and temperature sensors track conditions that could signal dampness, condensation, or mold growth. These devices are discreet in size but powerful in reach, designed to operate in challenging environments both indoors and outdoors.

What makes them especially effective is their connection through a cloud-based platform. A single Cloud Connector can link thousands of sensors across multiple properties, giving managers centralized oversight from one dashboard. Whether it’s a residential high-rise or a commercial portfolio spread across different locations, property teams can see real-time data on environmental conditions and act the moment something goes wrong.

Instead of waiting for a tenant complaint or relying on periodic manual inspections, teams are alerted immediately. A leak behind a wall or in a service room can be identified and contained in minutes, avoiding widespread damage. For properties with multiple buildings, this connected monitoring network turns hidden vulnerabilities into visible, manageable risks.

The value for managed properties

The financial benefits of prevention are compelling. Water damage remains one of the most common causes of property insurance claims in Canada, with average incidents costing tens of thousands of dollars. When these costs are multiplied across a property portfolio, they can quickly drain budgets. By catching problems at their earliest stage, our water detection sensors reduce both the frequency and severity of claims. This helps stabilize costs, limit insurance payouts, and preserve operating budgets for more strategic needs.

The impact extends well beyond financial savings. Preventing damage at the source also reduces disruption. Tenants remain in their homes or businesses, operations continue without interruption, and reputational risks tied to recurring water issues are minimized. For managed properties, this means smoother day-to-day performance and stronger long-term relationships with residents, clients, and stakeholders.

Sustainability is another major advantage. Every prevented incident means fewer materials - like drywall, flooring, and insulation - end up in landfills. Early detection of humidity issues also reduces the energy needed for large scale drying or dehumidification after a water event. When leaks are stopped quickly, unnecessary water loss is avoided, supporting conservation goals. These environmental benefits align well with ESG commitments, allowing properties to strengthen resilience while demonstrating responsibility to investors and communities.

Real world projects already demonstrate these outcomes. In social housing, early water detection has helped avoid costly displacements and reduced insurance claims. In office and retail spaces, continuous monitoring has kept businesses operational during unexpected events, minimizing downtime. On construction sites, sensors have been used to track drying conditions, helping contractors stay on schedule while reducing the risk of moisture-related delays. In every setting, the value is clear: prevention is simpler, cheaper, and more sustainable than recovery.

Conclusion

With climate-driven risks on the rise and insurance losses reaching historic levels, properties can no longer afford to wait for problems to appear. Water and humidity detection sensors give teams the ability to respond instantly, manage risks portfolio-wide, and protect both budgets and the environment.

For managed properties, prevention pays off in every sense: fewer claims, lower costs, stronger sustainability performance, and greater tenant satisfaction. In an era where resilience defines long-term success, prevention is not just the best defense, it’s the smartest investment.

Ready to see how prevention can protect your properties? Connect with one of our team members today to learn more!

Sources:

• https://www.ibc.ca/news-insights/news/2024-shatters-record-for-costliest-year-for-severe-weather-related-losses-in-canadian-history-at-8-5-billion