You are looking for a waterproof facade leak test so you know quickly where water is penetrating. We at Ultrices Leak Detection dry out your facade with a clear test and proof.
We apply waterproofing and rain simulation to masonry, pointing, window frames, sealant joints, roof edges, and facade cladding. We also check cavity walls, water barriers, lead flashing, and rainwater drainage.
With a clear photo report and repair advice, you tackle the cause immediately. Read our Google reviews about Waterproef facade leakage Google reviews 5/5.
Table of contents
What is a water test for a facade leak?
Waterproef façade lekkage is a controlled rain simulation on your façade designed to specifically prove water infiltration and façade penetration, isolate the cause, and make substantiated repair choices. We simulate wind-driven rain on critical details such as window frame seals, expansion joints, lead flashing, façade elements, and penetrations. Using measurement protocols from NEN 2778 building physics and international references such as EN 1027 and EN 12208 for watertightness, and AAMA 501.2 and ASTM E1105 for spray tests, we provide reproducible data and photo-video evidence. Our measurement kit combines a constant-pressure spray rack, water-based tracer dye with UV inspection, blower door support according to ISO 9972 for controlled pressure scenarios, and moisture mapping using FLIR thermography and Tramex moisture meters. This allows you to objectively determine where water is penetrating and which measures are effective.
How does a water test on the facade work in practice?
We cordon off the test zone, calibrate the water pressure, and start with a low intensity. We then increase the load in phases while simultaneously measuring airflow, moisture rise, and visible penetration points. By testing segment by segment, you eliminate noise and prove exactly which joint, sealant seam, or connection is failing. For glass and frames, we test in accordance with EN 1027 spray patterns. For masonry and ETICS external facade insulation, we examine capillary action, micro-cracking, porous jointing, and water bridges in the cavity. Our report is suitable for insurers and construction parties, supported by standard TNO and Kiwa terminology and classification. We use SKG IKOB details and ISSO guidelines as a frame of reference for detailed assessment without dispute.
Methods and test protocols for water-test facade leakage
- Rain simulation with sprinkler rack: constant volume flow and pressure for measurable rain load on masonry, render, natural stone and ventilated cladding
- Dynamic load with pressure difference: blower door creates controlled wind pressure so that leak paths caused by air leaks and open seams become visible
- Trace dye and UV inspection: fluorescein in test water makes micro-seepage in the cavity and interior finish immediately demonstrable with UV
- Thermography and moisture measurements: FLIR infrared camera and Tramex measuring equipment show thermal bridges, wet zones, and clogged cavity drains in real time
For window frames and curtain walls, we use classifications from EN 12208. For brick and calcium silicate brick, we assess penetration and drying according to building physics principles such as capillary transport, vapor diffusion, and convection.
Causes of facade leakage that we uncover
- Rain penetration along window frames: failing sealant joints, outdated glazing rubbers, or missing rainproof membranes allow water to penetrate around wooden, synthetic, or aluminium frames
- Facade penetration due to porous masonry: aged pointing, salt cracks, or a poor hydrophobic layer cause capillary absorption and damp interior walls
- Defects in cavity and open weep holes: clogged cavity, missing water barriers, and open weep holes that are too low prevent drainage, causing water to penetrate indoors.
- Expansion joints, lead flashing and connection detailsUnderestimated movements or poorly cut lead and incorrect sealing strips create leak paths at balconies and roof connections.
- ETICS and plaster facade issues: hairline cracks, insufficient sealing at penetrations, and non-continuous water-repellent layers lead to water ingress behind insulation
If you want to dive deeper into rain load and wind directions hitting your facade, read on about our approach at control rain penetration on your facade or let us targeted detection of facade leaks as a follow-up to the water test.
Step-by-step plan for water testing and leak detection without hacking
- Intake and file review: we analyze complaints, year of manufacture, material composition, weather data, and previous repair attempts, and determine the test zones
- Pre-inspection and marking: visual check of jointing, sealant joints, open butt joints, penetrations, balcony supports, and drip edges with photos
- Calibration and baseline measurement: setting flow rate and pressure, measuring initial values with Tramex and thermography for objective comparison
- Phased rain simulation: testing per detail and floor, increasing intensity and controlled pressure difference with blower door where necessary
- Tracer and verification: application of dye, UV inspection, and endoscopy in the cavity to determine the exact leak path
- Analysis and advice: linking findings to standards and building physics and formulating remedial options per detail with priority and risk
- Expert report: within three days you will receive a full report with photo/video evidence, measurements, and repair advice suitable for insurers
Leak detection process request
Practical examples and results
- Townhouse with masonry: driving rain side with weathered jointing caused penetration at the level of the upper floor; a water test confirmed capillary transport through the horizontal joint; repair with deep jointing and a hydrophobic layer stopped the leakage.
- Apartment with aluminium window frames: water ingress through a defective sill connection and non-compliant drainage holes, test according to EN 1027 revealed the failure, new sealant build-up and drainage profiles restored the watertightness
- ETICS facade: hairline cracks around penetrations and putty joints allowed moisture to creep behind the insulation, water tracer and thermography showed the pattern, elastic repair and detail sealing solved it
- Balcony support: leak via incorrectly installed lead flashing and missing sealing strip at the point of support, phased water loading revealed the leak path, correct detailing and new flashing provided a lasting result
If you want to better understand the underlying mechanisms of tip-off and which measure works when, check out our in-depth analysis on Facade penetration causes and solutions.
Costs, reporting and insurance
Our water-test facade leak detection saves demolition and prevents repairs based on guesswork. You receive a clear rate, a complete expert report within three days, and support with the insurer including clear photos, measurement results, and cause-and-effect substantiation. Thanks to our "no solution, no payment" policy and our 99 percent success rate, your process is factual and risk-free. Simply request your process and Receive a free quote for a water test on your facade within 24 hours..
Why Ultrices leak detection for your watertight facade leaks
We combine fifteen years of experience with professional detection equipment and work nationwide for private individuals, HOAs, contractors, and property managers. We are VCA VOL and NEN 3140 certified, provide service day and night with an emergency service, work with insurers, arrive on-site within one hour if necessary, and offer a guarantee of coverage provided we demonstrably establish the cause and follow your repair advice. Everything is done without any demolition or breaking and is completely customer-friendly, with a five out of five score from Google reviews. For additional investigation, we utilize infrared facade scanning, cavity wall leak detection, and tracing techniques, always with a person-oriented explanation and a plan that you can implement immediately.
Call or WhatsApp 085 2505 217 or email info@Ultriceslekdetectie.nl for direct assistance from Ultrices leak detection. Ready to take immediate action after the water test with customized, detailed detection? Then schedule our follow-up inspection via facade leak detection with evidence report.
Frequently asked questions
How does a water test for facade leakage work for your home or business premises?
We simulate driving rain in a controlled manner on sections of the facade and log pressure and flow rate according to principles from NEN EN 12865. Meanwhile, we monitor the interior using moisture meters from Protimeter and Tramex, a FLIR thermal imaging camera, endoscopy in the cavity, and UV dye where appropriate. In this way, we trace capillary transport, leaking weep holes, window frame connections, defective water barriers, or cracked expansion joints without any demolition or breaking work.
With Ultrices leak detection, you receive a clear cause analysis, photos and measurement data, and advice for repair. We are available around the clock, can be on-site within 1 hour in case of emergency, and deliver an expert report within 3 days. To learn more about rain penetration and facade behavior, read on. Targeted detection of rain penetration into the facade.
Which signs indicate that your facade needs a water test
Typical signs include damp patches or efflorescence on interior walls, mold and a musty odor along skirting boards, peeling plaster, discoloration under window frames, dark streaks under expansion joints, or wet spots that appear especially after wind and rain. Peaks in humidity and cold zones in thermography also indicate penetrating damp or moisture entering through the cavity.
If you notice that the facade only shows wet marks during a westerly wind or specifically during driving rain, a targeted watertightness test confirms the route of the leak. We link the pattern to building physics, such as capillary suction or failing lead flashing, and make it verifiable for repair and insurance purposes. Read more about a targeted approach for rain specifically via Facade leaks only during rain: explanation and solution.
What does a water test for a facade leak cost and how quickly do you receive an insuranceable report?
You will receive a free quote within 24 hours with transparent rates and no surprises nationwide. Thanks to professional detection equipment, 15 years of experience, and a 99 percent success rate, we work efficiently and risk-free on no-cure-no-pay investigations. For urgent cases, we schedule immediately, often on the same day.
Our report contains measurement data, a photolog, a clear cause and repair advice, and is tailored to insurer requirements. We are VCA VOL and NEN 3140 certified and actively assist with your claim processing. Coverage remains dependent on policy conditions; however, we aim for maximum acceptance. If you would like to prepare the insurance process, view Report for facade leakage insurance.
Is a water test wiser than immediate impregnation or repair in case of moisture in the facade?
Yes, diagnosing first prevents costly mistakes. Impregnating or renewing joints without identifying the cause sometimes masks the problem, while leakage routes through the frame connection, weep joint, cavity battens, or damp-proof course persist. With a water test, we evaluate scenarios under controlled load and link this to the NEN 2778 moisture classification and real-world data.
This allows you to determine specifically whether local repair, joint repair, lead flashing correction, or a detail adjustment is necessary, and whether impregnation is worthwhile at all. We work non-destructively, provide a clear plan, and are by your side quickly in emergencies. With Ultrices leak detection, you get certainty for your next step and, consequently, real cost control.