Technician on ropes reflected in a window wall

Leak investigation by rope

A stain on a ceiling rarely sits under the hole. We go down the outside of the wall on ropes, open what needs opening, and test with water until the leak shows itself.

How we trace a leak

We work from the lowest suspect joint upward, one area at a time, so a result points at one detail and not a whole wall.

  • Interview and history

    When it leaks, in which wind, and what has been tried already.

  • Close inspection

    Every joint, flashing lap and penetration above the stain, at arm’s length.

  • Water test

    Controlled spray on one detail at a time, with someone inside watching.

  • Repair

    Sealant, flashing or membrane repair on the same visit where the fix is small.

  • Photo report

    Each finding located on the elevation, for council, owner or engineer.

Two technicians on ropes under a balcony beside a window wall

Questions about leak investigation

Short answers. Call us for the long ones.

How long does an investigation take?

A single suite on one elevation is usually a day on site: half to inspect, half to test. Several stacked suites take longer because each level is tested on its own.

Will you need access to the suite?

Yes, during the water test. Someone has to watch the inside of the wall while we wet the outside.

Can you repair it the same day?

Often. A failed sealant joint or an open flashing lap is repaired while we are on the ropes. Larger repairs are priced separately with the report.

Do you work with our engineer?

Yes. We follow an envelope consultant’s test protocol where there is one, and hand them the photographs and locations.

A band of low cloud over Surrey with the mountains behind, from a high-rise

Leak inspection at the glass

Each gasket and joint is checked by hand before any water goes on the wall.

Two technicians on ropes on a glass tower, seen from below