HomeCompanyServicesNewsContact Expertise Around Buildings mtnview logo
mtnview  

Water Testing &
Spray Testing

Water testing of building exteriors is a very generic term that encompasses a truly wide range of testing methods. Water is commonly used to test exterior performance and identify potential leaks or failure points in a building or structure. Water testing is used to analyze performance in new construction (which can be a part of the commissioning process), and in existing structures to identify leaks of failures.

Most water test methods incorporate the use of several types of specialized spray equipment. These are set up to mimic rain or wind-driven precipitation events. Other methods are as simple as flood testing horizontal membrane systems and related areas.

However, it is not enough to own the proper equipment. Our team possesses the knowledge of how various building components interact and work together. This expertise is what helps us provide our clients with a better understanding of the different test results. We understand that tests may require isolating independent building components in order to identify the very specific areas of compromise. MTNVIEW has been very successful in utilizing water testing techniques and identifying exact specific failure points on buildings. We are often called upon by other industry professionals to perform these tests as an independent third party.

It is critical that a leak source is identified before any repair work is conducted. Premature assumptions, without proper investigation, often result in very costly outcomes. We approach your project with a wide range of tools and methods to pinpoint the origin of the leak. Only then can remediation options be reviewed.

Another water test we use to identify moisture infiltration is the Rilem test method. This test method is designed to identify the absorption rate of a specific substrate. In some cases moisture does not necessarily compromise a structure of building through one specific failure or entry point. It may be that the exterior materials are allowing for this moisture infiltration to occur. The test is designed to evaluate the moisture resistance of the material(s) surface to wind driven rain.

Read more...

 
Spray testing performed with specific focus on area just above metal counterflashing. MTNVIEW was hired as independent consultant to help identify the leak issues which occurred during specific weather conditions. The spray test is one simple method which can be combined with a series of other test methods to help identify points of failure.
MTNVIEW evaluated leaks in this facility and and pinpointed the source of the leaks. Several techniques were utilized including an infrared cameraand water testing. Infrared images identifiy moisture migration into the building envelope long before it can be seen with naked eye. The infrared image shows the water(darker area) traveling within wall cavity and then entering interior space.
Rilem testing in progress. MTNVIEW was performed evaluation of the performance of the exterior masonry. The Rilem test was used to review the rate of moisture migration/absorption of the brick as well as mortar joints. Test methods referenced Rilem TC139-DBS.
Flood test being used to confirm the performance of the new roof system. MTNVIEW reviewed and verified the performance of a new installation of a roof on a very high profile building in NYC. We utilized various testing disciplines. One of the tests performed was a flood test. We utilized ASTM D5957 as a guide.
Water testing of a large expansion joint installation on a new construction project. MTNVIEW performed independent performance (water) testing of a newly installed expansion joint system on a new high profile retail center in NYC. Part of the testing included simulated weight of snow loads as well as rain and wind driven rain over a select period of time.