Water Ingress, Moisture & Leak Investigation
Finding where the water is actually getting in, using thermal imaging and moisture measurement rather than guesswork.
Who this report is for
Owners, tenants, landlords, owners corporations and insurers dealing with water appearing where it should not be — and with repairs that have not stopped it.
When to order it
As soon as the water appears. Every week it continues, it does more damage to things you cannot see: framing, insulation, plasterboard, flooring and the conditions that grow mould.
What is inspected
- The affected area and the full extent of moisture around it, mapped rather than estimated
- Thermal imaging to identify temperature anomalies associated with moisture, air movement and insulation gaps
- Moisture measurement at targeted points to test what the thermal image suggests
- The likely entry point, reasoned from building construction, weather exposure and the moisture pattern
- Roof, roof void, walls, windows, doors, balconies, wet areas and subfloor as the evidence directs
- Whether the leak is active, intermittent or historic
- Secondary damage: framing, linings, insulation, finishes and the conditions for mould
What you receive
- A written report identifying the likely source and the reasoning behind it
- Thermal images alongside standard photographs, so the anomaly and the room are both visible
- Recorded moisture readings at identified locations
- A description of what the repair has to achieve, and what will not fix it
- A clear statement where the evidence is inconclusive and what further investigation would settle it
Important exclusions and limitations
Publishing this is unusual. It should not be — you should know where the gaps are before you rely on the document.
- Thermal imaging detects temperature difference. It does not see water directly, and it is not proof of a defect by itself — it is used to direct moisture testing and interpretation by an experienced builder.
- Non-destructive. Where the evidence cannot be resolved without opening up, the report says so and identifies the one place worth opening.
- Some leaks are weather-dependent and simply are not present on a dry day. Where that applies, the report says what conditions would be needed.
- Not a plumbing service, and not a certification of any repair.
Technology and equipment used
- Professional FLIR thermal imaging
- Moisture measurement and mapping
- FPV micro-drone access where safe and permitted
Thermal imaging identifies temperature anomalies and supports professional interpretation; it is not proof of a hidden defect on its own. Drone use depends on weather, airspace, privacy and site conditions and supplements physical inspection rather than guaranteeing complete coverage.
Turnaround
Need it fast? An urgent report is delivered within 6 hours of the inspection when you ask for one at the time of booking. Standard turnaround is confirmed in writing with your booking, before the inspection takes place.
Pricing
The guide price for this report starts at $445 (inc GST) for a standard job of this type. The confirmed figure is subject to travel distance and job complexity, and also depends on the property type and size, access, the scope of the report, urgency and any specialist equipment or testing required. You receive a confirmed price and a written scope before anything is booked.
- Property type and size
- Location and travel
- Access to the areas that need inspecting
- The scope of the report
- Complexity, and how many concerns are involved
- Urgency
- Any specialist equipment or testing required
Service areas
This report is available across Sydney, The Illawarra, Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven. Outside these areas, call 1300 140 579 and ask — travel is often workable.
Questions
Questions about this report
Three trades have looked at it and it is still leaking.
That is the usual reason people call. A roofer inspects the roof, a waterproofer inspects the membrane, and each correctly reports that their part looks sound — because the water is entering somewhere else and travelling. An investigation that starts from the moisture pattern rather than from a trade’s scope is a different exercise.
Can thermal imaging see through walls?
No, and anyone who says otherwise is selling something. It shows surface temperature. Wet material and dry material hold and lose heat differently, which is why a thermal camera can reveal a moisture pattern on a wall that looks uniform — but it takes moisture readings and building knowledge to say what the pattern means.
It only leaks in heavy rain from one direction.
That is useful information, not an obstacle — wind-driven rain from a single direction points hard at particular junctions and details. Tell us the conditions when you book.
What do I get at the end of it?
A written report setting out what was tested, the moisture and thermal evidence, where the water is entering, the path it takes, and what has to be addressed to stop it. Where the evidence supports more than one possible source, the report says so and sets out what further testing would separate them, rather than guessing.
Request a report
Tell us the property and the problem
You will get a confirmed price and a written scope before anything is booked. No deposit is taken to answer a question.
Would rather just talk it through?
1300 140 579Describe the property and the concern. You will get a straight answer about which report fits, including when the answer is that you do not need one.
- NSW Licensed Builder
- Professional Indemnity Insured
- $20 Million Public Liability Insurance
- More than 20 years of hands-on building experience
- Independent — the report is written for you
Enquiry received.
Thank you — your request has been sent and you will get a reply with availability, scope and cost.
If you are working to an auction or a cooling-off deadline and need an answer quickly, call 1300 140 579.