Water ingress is one of the most destructive and costly defects in any building, compromising structural integrity, damaging finishes, and accelerating corrosion. Misdiagnosed leaks lead to repeated failures and wasted repair budgets. Our Leak Detection & Mapping service eliminates guesswork — combining specialist equipment, forensic inspection methods, and building science expertise to pinpoint the exact origin, pathway, and extent of leaks.
1. Comprehensive Investigation Process
- Visual inspection: Initial assessment of visible damage, staining, or material deterioration.
- Moisture mapping: Using calibrated moisture meters to record moisture content across affected areas.
- Thermal imaging: Detecting temperature anomalies that reveal moisture behind walls, floors, and ceilings.
- Dye testing: Tracing leak pathways with coloured, non-toxic test liquids.
- Water testing: Controlled spray and flood testing to replicate leak conditions.
2. Source & Pathway Identification
- Documents precise ingress points (e.g., failed joints, cracks, flashing terminations).
- Traces water migration paths within building elements.
- Differentiates between primary ingress points and secondary leak sites caused by capillary action or gravity migration.
3. Digital Mapping & Reporting
- Annotated building plans showing ingress points and moisture spread.
- Photo and video evidence with time-stamped records.
- Moisture readings logged in digital format for comparison over time.
4. Repair Strategy Recommendations
- Prioritised recommendations based on severity and risk.
- Specification of materials and repair methods aligned with AS/NZS standards.
- Optional cost estimation to assist with budgeting and decision-making.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is professional leak detection needed — can't we just find it ourselves?
Water is deceptive. It enters a building at one point and can travel significant distances through structural elements before becoming visible. DIY identification routinely targets the wrong location, leading to costly repairs that don't fix the problem. Professional leak detection using thermal imaging, moisture meters, and controlled water testing identifies the actual source, not just the symptom.
How long does a leak investigation take?
A standard residential or strata leak investigation typically takes 2–4 hours on site, depending on the building size and number of ingress points. A written report with findings, moisture maps, and repair recommendations is usually provided within 2–3 business days of the inspection.
Can leak detection be carried out without opening up walls or ceilings?
Yes — our primary investigation methods are non-destructive. Thermal imaging, moisture meters, and controlled water testing identify ingress sources and moisture extent without any demolition. Where a minor penetration is needed to confirm a finding (e.g., to assess membrane condition), we discuss this with the building manager first and make good all access points.
What information do you need before the investigation?
It helps to know the location and duration of the leak, which units or areas have been affected, whether any previous repairs have been attempted, and whether there are any existing defect reports or engineering assessments. Providing building plans where available is also useful, but not essential — we can work from site conditions alone.
Can the investigation report be used for insurance or legal purposes?
Yes. Our leak detection reports are documented using calibrated instruments, time-stamped photography, and structured methodology. This makes them suitable for use in insurance assessments, strata disputes, and as supporting evidence in NCAT or court proceedings. For formal expert witness purposes, we can extend the engagement to a full expert report format.
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