Leak Doctor
Water Penetration Testing
Masonery wall, Stone, Brick Foundation and Parkade Leak Inspection
Welcome to Leak Doctor, your trusted provider of leak detection, foundation leak inspection, parkade, and condominium survey services in Calgary.
Our team of experts specializes in masonry wall drainage testing and is equipped with the latest technology and techniques to ensure the effective identification and resolution of any water penetration problems in your building.
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Masonry wall systems, although durable and capable of fulfilling their purpose for many years, are not immune to defects. Deficiencies in design, poor workmanship, inadequate project supervision, or complicated cladding transitions can lead to water intrusion within a building. Some defects may arise soon after construction, while others may not develop until many years later.
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Brick masonry walls are typically constructed using either a masonry barrier wall or a masonry drainage system. A masonry barrier wall is formed when bricks are applied directly to a substrate, while a masonry drainage system is designed with an air space between the outer wall (brick exterior) and the inner wall (backup wall) of 1 to 2 inches. This space serves to provide drainage for water that penetrates the wall while allowing air to circulate and dry the moisture from water penetration and condensation.
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The exterior masonry wall, or masonry wythe, primarily acts as a rain screen. Despite the common misconception that masonry walls are waterproof, brick and mortar joints actually draw water into the wall system. During heavy rain, water penetrates the masonry wythe and is directed down the interior drainage space to the thru-wall flashing. This flashing is typically made of rubberized asphalt or EPDM flashing material over a formed metal pan system made of stainless steel, copper, or lead-coated copper. Water is then diverted back to the exterior through weep holes located at the base of the pan system.
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One of the biggest challenges in diagnosing water penetrations in masonry walls is that the masonry walls are often overlooked. ASTM has developed a standard, the ASTM C 1715 (Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Water Leakage Performance of Masonry Wall Drainage Systems), to test the effectiveness of masonry drainage systems. This test procedure involves drilling small ½-inch holes in the exterior brick façade and inserting plastic tubing to the inside edge of the wall system. Water is applied at a low, consistent flow into each of the holes, and the ability or inability of water to exit the wall system via the weep drainage holes is documented. This test can be used to identify flashing system failures, determine the cause and origin of water infiltration, evaluate the effectiveness of thru-wall flashing repairs, or provide quality assurance for new construction.
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At Leak Doctor, we use custom-built testing equipment that conforms 100% to the ASTM standard. Our equipment is calibrated every 6 months and maintained to ensure accuracy during onsite testing. Our newest commercial testing equipment features custom-made aluminum manifolds, precision valves, and low-volume flow meters, and is capable of testing at multiple elevations.
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Water often enters the masonry wall cavity through separations between the mortar and brick units or through absorption through the brick units and mortar. However, relying on sealants to fix a leaky brick wall is not a viable solution. Sealers will penetrate the masonry wall and initially repel water, but within a few months, they will begin to degrade at the surface, and water will again penetrate the wall system.
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At Leak Doctor, we take a comprehensive approach to masonry wall drainage testing. We do not rely on band-aid solutions like sealants, but instead, we focus on identifying and resolving the root cause of the problem. Our team of experts is equipped with the knowledge and expertise to diagnose and fix any issues
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Test Service List
TESTING SERVICES
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ASTM & AAMA
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ASTM E331
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ASTM E547
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ASTM E783
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ASTM E1105
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ASTM C 1601
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ASTM C 1715
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AAMA 501.2
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AAMA 502
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AAMA 503
Water Intrusion Inspection & Testing
Water Intrusion Inspection & Testing
Windows, Siding & Stucco
Leak Doctor™ uses multiple types of voluntary diagnostic water intrusion testing protocols and analysis to accurately isolate and reproduce previous water intrusion events caused by storm action, as well as multiple industry standards and specifications for analysis of proper building methodology.
In addition, we provide diagnostic leak testing for monitoring quality control and performance of new existing exterior wall and roof assemblies, including doors, operable and fixed glass windows, skylights, shower assemblies, and wall installations.
All water testing services may be field modified to conform to any specific building situation. Water intrusion testing results are visually identified, then verified using static-level height differentials, diametrical increase in "ponding" areas, and water intrusion pH paper for verification of source entry points.
Procedures include:
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Spray Rack Test - involves a rectangular, calibrated piping system with spray nozzles every 12 inches to cover the building component with a uniform spray pattern. The unit is placed 12 inches away from the building component and is pressurized with pumps to provide adequate pressure according to such standards as ASTM E1105, AAMA 502, & AAMA 503 Standards.
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Chamber Testing – consists of a negative air pressure chamber constructed on-site in the field on the interior face of windows in combination with the spray rack to test windows for specifications and water leakage according to such standards like ASTM E1105 & AAMA 501.2.
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Line Rack Test – involves a linear perforated/calibrated pipe with specific size holes every horizontal inch in the line rack to provide wall/roof coverage at a very low volume for wall and roof testing according to such standards as ASTM E514, ASTM C1601, & ASTM C1715 Standards.
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Monarch Nozzle Test – handheld use of a calibrated Monarch Nozzle for fixed storefront glass/frame testing at a specified pressure and distance from the building component according to such standards as the AAMA 501.2 Standard.
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Hose Stream Test - uses a fixed fan head sprayer at specified distances for application of arc-shaped water pattern at specified pressure levels hitting building component assembly at a specified angle according to such standards as the ASTM E2128 Standard.
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Double Fan Head Hose Stream Test - uses two fan head sprayers at specified distances from the target for application at specified pressure levels according to such standards as the ASTM E2128 Standard.
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Static Sill / Threshold Test - involves placing a malleable "dam" around a specific area to be tested - alarm sensor/sill penetrations, window or door frame junctures, as well as threshold penetrations. The test dam may be constructed using a plumber's putty, plexiglass, or an adhesive tape/membrane configuration. The dam is then filled to a specified, marked level, and the level is noted at timed intervals to determine water leakage through the test area according to such standards as the AAMA 511 Standard.
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Shower Pan Test - consists of damming the shower drain followed by an independent introduction of water into the shower to test the shower pan assembly for water leakage according to such standards as the UPC 412.8.1 Standard.
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French Drain/Site Drainage Testing – involves testing of wall/grade conditions above drainage systems to verify the performance/failure of the system according to such standards as the ASTM E2128 Standard.
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Air Infiltration Testing – consists of a negative air pressure chamber placed over windows/doors to verify window specifications and rate of air infiltration according to such standards as the ASTM E783 Standard.
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