Professional Façade Testing, Diagnostics & Remediation for Buildings of All Types
Water leaks, façade failures and uncontrolled moisture ingress can compromise the durability, safety and performance of buildings. At Structura UK, we specialise in CWCT water testing and advanced leak investigation, helping architects, project teams and building owners identify, diagnose and resolve façade water issues with technical rigour and proven best practice methods.
Whether it’s a new build façade, complex curtain wall system or weathering problems on a refurbishment project, our team delivers reliable testing, clear reports and repair recommendations designed to protect your asset over the long term.
What We Do
At Structura UK, we work across commercial, residential, institutional and listed building sectors. Our CWCT Water Testing & Leak Investigation services include:
- CWCT (static and dynamic) water testing procedures
- Pre-installation water testing advice
- On-site leak investigation and diagnostics
- Defect analysis and reporting
- Repair recommendations and implementation support
- Independent façade performance assessments
- Performance validation for certification and handover
Why CWCT Water Testing & Leak Investigation Matters
CWCT (the Centre for Window and Cladding Technology) water testing is the recognised UK standard for façade performance verification, ensuring that walls, windows, curtain walls and glazing systems meet established performance criteria for weather tightness. CWCT water testing (and its associated guidance documents) provides a structured protocol for simulating wind-driven rain conditions and evaluating system performance. (Source: CWCT Guidance)
Water penetration through façades and cladding can lead to:
- Corrosion of structural elements
- Insulation degradation, thermal losses and higher energy bills
- Internal finishes being damaged
- Mold and poor indoor air quality
- Reputational and compliance issues
How It Works
To ensure a consistent, reliable and transparent engagement, we follow a structured, technical 6-step workflow:
1. Initial Assessment & Briefing
To ensure we select the most appropriate testing methodology and access scope, we begin with an on-site meeting with your project team to:
- Understand the history of the leak or complaint
- Review any previous reports or contractor notes
- Capture photographic evidence and preliminary observations
2. Site Preparation & Inspection
We collate photographic records and identify key test locations. Our technicians complete a detailed façade inspection, checking:
- System types and materials
- Joint and seal conditions
- Drain paths and flashings
- Evidence of previous water ingress or staining
3. CWCT Water Testing Setup
Depending on system complexity, testing may be static or dynamic as per CWCT standards. Using CWCT-compliant rigs and protocols, we prepare the façade for testing, including:
- Nozzles and rigs are placed at designated test zones
- Pressurisation setup to simulate wind-driven rain
- Controls for water flow and exposure time
4. Monitoring & Data Capture
On-site validation ensures results are credible and defensible. During testing we monitor:
- Water ingress points
- Pressure differentials
- Interior leak points and water tracking
- Performance against CWCT acceptance criteria
5. Leak Investigation & Diagnostics
Using moisture meters, borescopes, thermal imaging and other investigative tools, we determine root causes. If water penetration occurs, we undertake a systematic investigation to:
- Map leakage pathways
- Identify defective components
- Check sealant/shim defects, window interfaces, flashings, and gaskets
6. Reporting & Recommendations
Reports are suitable for contractor tendering, compliance submissions and client records. We deliver a technical report within agreed timelines, including:
- CWCT test results with pass/fail outcomes
- Test location plans and photo evidence
- Recommended remediation works
- Material performance advice and specification references
Why Choose Structura UK for CWCT Water Testing & Leak Investigation?
We’re not just testers – we’re building envelope experts with deep technical capability and industry experience. Here’s what sets us apart:
Proven CWCT Compliance & Accreditation Knowledge
Our team uses CWCT test methodologies and acceptance criteria aligned with the CWCT Rain Test Code of Practice, ensuring your façade testing aligns with best practice.
We also provide guidance on how test results influence design decisions, remedial works and contractor specifications.
Multi-System, Multi-Material Expertise
We tailor our approach to each façade type’s unique performance characteristics. We work with:
- Curtain wall and stick systems
- Structural and architectural glazing
- Brick, stone and panelised cladding systems
- Window assemblies and roof glazing
- Heritage façades requiring sensitive handling
Rapid Response & Thorough Diagnostics
We minimise disruption and stakeholder downtime. Leaks rarely wait. Our teams are mobilised quickly to:
- Attend the site with the right equipment
- Capture accurate diagnostics
- Provide immediate feedback and interim findings
Clear, Technical Reporting & Guidance
Our reports are:
- Professional and easy to understand
- Supported by clear photo documentation
- Aligned to RIBA stages and contractor requirements
- Suitable for planning conditions or compliance documentation
Repair & Remediation Support
We don’t just identify problems, we help you fix them. This means less ambiguity at install stage and fewer costly callbacks:
- Specifying durable repairs and materials
- Offering practical implementation advice
- Supporting contractor tendering and supervision
Specifications & Standards
Our CWCT Water Testing & Leak Investigation services reference and align with a range of national and industry standards, including:
RIBA Work Stages & Specification Frameworks
Reports, remediation designs and advice align with recognised frameworks, this ensures consistent integration with design and construction documentation:
- RIBA Work Stages 3–7 (Architectural stages)
- NBS specification clauses (e.g. H11 Curtain Walling, J10 Waterproofing)
CWCT (Centre for Window & Cladding Technology)
CWCT guidance is widely referenced in UK façade specification standards. CWCT provides best practice protocols for testing and evaluating:
- Wind-driven rain resistance
- Air permeability performance
- Façade system durability and water tightness
British and European Standards
Our testing and investigation also adhere to relevant standards that support quantitative acceptance limits for façade performance, such as:
BS EN 13830
Curtain Walling and Glazing Product Standard.
BS 6297
Code of practice for design and installation of joints.
BS 8200
Code of practice for installation of windows and doors.
BS EN 1027 / BS EN 12208
Water tightness and pressure tests.
Typical Project Timeline
Note: Exact durations vary by building size, complexity and access constraints. Large façades, phased testing zones and complex interventions may extend this schedule. A typical CWCT Water Testing & Leak Investigation schedule looks like the following:
Stage
Initial Consultation & Site Reconnaissance
Detailed Inspection & Setup Planning
CWCT Water Testing
Leak Investigation & Diagnostics
Report Writing & Review
Remedial Specification & Advice
Duration
1–2 days
1–2 days
1–3 days per elevation
1–3 days
3–5 days
As required
As London-based façade investigation specialists, Structura conducts CWCT water testing and leak investigations for commercial properties across Greater London and throughout the UK, identifying performance issues and supporting compliant remedial strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CWCT water testing?
CWCT water testing is a recognised UK best practice method for assessing the resistance of building façades to wind-driven rain and weather penetration.
Can you help implement repairs?
Yes, we provide remediation specifications, product recommendations and project support through repair implementation.
Do all façades need CWCT testing?
Not always, but where water tightness is critical (e.g., curtain wall systems, commercial glazing, warranty conditions, compliance obligations), CWCT water testing is widely recommended.
Does CWCT testing certify compliance?
CWCT testing is diagnostic and performance-oriented. A certified pass provides evidence that your façade meets performance criteria, useful for contractor handover, compliance, warranties and client assurance.
How long does the testing process take?
Testing can range from a single day for small façades to multiple days for complex, multi-zone façades. Diagnostic investigation and reporting extend the timeline.
What happens if the façade fails testing?
If leaks are detected, our team conducts structured diagnostics, determines root causes, and provides a repair scope and specification for rectification.
Why hasn’t my façade failed in simple rain tests, but fails in CWCT tests?
CWCT testing simulates more extreme and sustained wind-driven rain conditions than a simple hose test, revealing performance issues that visual checks or light rain events may miss.
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We’ve worked together before and despite the small size of the project, I was impressed it received the same attention as larger ones I have used Structura on.
James Featherstone, Brawdia