Commercial building water detection case study

Case Studies

Real results from our water penetration detection projects across British Columbia. See how we help clients identify and solve complex leak problems.

High-Rise Envelope Failure
Vancouver, BC
High-Rise

Challenge

A 25-story condominium tower experienced persistent water ingress affecting 12 floors. The strata council had spent significant resources on ineffective repairs based on assumptions about the leak source.

Solution

Using thermal imaging and systematic water testing, we traced the water path from the roof membrane down through compromised transitions at the parapet wall. The actual source was 8 floors above where damage was most visible.

Results

Identified failed membrane transitions at parapet
Mapped water path through building structure
Prevented estimated $2.5M in structural damage
Provided documentation for contractor remediation

Outcome: Targeted repairs at the actual source stopped all water intrusion within 2 weeks of remediation.

Municipal Facility Leak Investigation
Surrey, BC
Municipal

Challenge

A municipal recreation center experienced unexplained water accumulation under the concrete slab in the mechanical room. Traditional visual inspection found no obvious source.

Solution

We deployed acoustic correlation technology to scan underground pipes beneath the slab. Combined with thermal imaging, we identified a pinhole leak in a supply line that was pressurizing water into the building.

Results

Located hidden pipe leak under concrete slab
Identified leak within 6 inches of actual location
Avoided unnecessary slab demolition
Saved estimated $150,000 in exploratory excavation

Outcome: The city was able to perform a precise, minimally invasive repair that resolved the issue permanently.

Commercial Roof Membrane Failure
Burnaby, BC
Commercial

Challenge

A 50,000 sq ft warehouse experienced recurring ceiling leaks despite multiple roof repairs. Each repair temporarily stopped leaks, but water intrusion would resume in different locations.

Solution

Our comprehensive roof assessment using electronic leak detection (ELD) and thermal imaging revealed that the membrane was failing systemically, with multiple breach points that were not visible to the eye.

Results

Identified membrane breach pattern across entire roof
Documented 47 compromise points
Prevented ongoing interior damage to inventory
Provided evidence for insurance claim

Outcome: The building owner successfully filed an insurance claim and replaced the entire roof system based on our documentation.

Strata Balcony Water Intrusion
Richmond, BC
Strata

Challenge

Multiple units in a 15-year-old strata building reported water damage to interior ceilings. The strata suspected balcony membrane failures but needed evidence before committing to expensive repairs.

Solution

We performed controlled flood testing on balconies combined with moisture mapping of affected ceilings. This identified which specific balconies were the source of leaks and documented the water paths.

Results

Tested and documented all 48 balconies
Identified 12 balconies with membrane failures
Mapped water intrusion paths for each
Prioritized repairs by severity

Outcome: The strata was able to phase repairs over 2 years, addressing the most critical balconies first while budgeting for the remaining work.

Industrial Process Water Leak
Langley, BC
Industrial

Challenge

A food processing facility detected moisture in walls adjacent to a processing area but could not locate the source. Production schedules made shutdown for investigation difficult.

Solution

We worked around production schedules using non-invasive thermal imaging and moisture meters. The investigation revealed a slow leak from a process water supply line hidden behind wall finishes.

Results

Located leak without production shutdown
Identified failing pipe joint behind wall
Prevented potential contamination issues
Minimized operational disruption

Outcome: Repairs were completed during a scheduled maintenance window with no impact on production.

Underground Parkade Infiltration
North Vancouver, BC
High-Rise

Challenge

A residential tower parkade had chronic water infiltration that was causing concrete deterioration and rebar corrosion. Previous attempts to seal cracks had failed.

Solution

Our investigation combined moisture mapping with injection testing to identify the primary water entry points. We discovered that the waterproofing membrane had failed at construction joints, not at the visible cracks.

Results

Identified construction joint failures
Mapped all water entry points
Documented concrete condition for engineers
Guided targeted remediation approach

Outcome: Focused repairs on actual entry points reduced water infiltration by 95% at a fraction of the cost of full membrane replacement.

25+

Years in Business

1000+

Successful Projects

$1B+

Property Protected

98%

Client Satisfaction

Facing a Similar Challenge?

Every water penetration problem is unique. Contact us to discuss your situation and learn how we can help identify and solve your leak issues.

Stop Water Damage Before It Escalates

Our rapid-response team provides priority commercial leak investigation across British Columbia.