When water appears inside a building, the visible damage is rarely directly below the point of entry. Remicon provides investigation-led water ingress and leak detection services across Canberra, using visual inspection, baseline moisture readings, controlled water testing, dye testing, flood testing and targeted opening-up where required. The service does not stop at identifying the problem: as a remedial building contractor, Remicon develops the rectification scope, provides practical repair recommendations and, where engaged, completes the remedial works and internal make-good through to close-out.
Water can travel through roof assemblies, cavities, slabs, screeds, façades, window interfaces, waterproofing systems and building joints before becoming visible internally. Water ingress is often misdiagnosed when repairs are based only on the location of visible staining or the most obvious external defect. Applying sealant or replacing a local finish without understanding the water path can temporarily mask the symptom while leaving the underlying failure unresolved.
Remicon's investigation process progressively narrows the possible sources. We begin with the internal evidence, review the surrounding construction and then test likely external or adjoining sources in a controlled sequence.
Typical investigations can involve:
Before water is introduced, Remicon documents the existing condition of the affected area. This establishes a baseline against which changes observed during and after testing can be compared.
Where visual inspection is not sufficient, Remicon uses controlled water testing to assist in recreating the conditions that may be contributing to water ingress. Testing is planned around the building element being investigated and is generally undertaken progressively so individual sources can be assessed rather than wetting multiple areas at once.
A low-to-high testing sequence is commonly used where appropriate. Lower-level interfaces and isolated details are tested first before progressing upward or outward to additional areas. This reduces cross-contamination between test zones and improves the usefulness of the observations. Water application rates, test duration and observation periods are selected to suit the building element and investigation objective.
Dye testing
Dye testing is particularly useful where several adjacent building elements could be contributing to the same internal leak. Remicon introduces coloured tracer dye into controlled test zones so water observed internally can be associated with the area being tested. Different colours are used during staged testing to distinguish between potential sources such as a balcony surface, wall junction, door threshold, façade interface or adjoining path. Dye testing does not replace assessment of the building construction; it provides another layer of evidence for identifying likely water paths and prioritising rectification.
Flood testing
Flood testing assesses whether water is passing through or around a waterproofing assembly under controlled ponded-water conditions. Remicon undertakes flood testing to balconies, terraces, podium areas and other waterproofed surfaces where the construction, drainage arrangement and site conditions allow. Flood testing is not appropriate for every building or membrane system. Existing construction, drainage capacity, thresholds, loading, membrane condition and the risk of causing additional damage are considered before testing proceeds.
Roof water testing
Metal and low-slope roof leaks can be difficult to identify visually because water may travel beneath flashings, along sheets, over sarking or through framing before appearing internally. Remicon undertakes targeted roof water testing to flashings, skylights, roof penetrations, cappings, sheet junctions, box gutters and roof-to-wall interfaces, progressively expanded where required with the internal leak location monitored throughout.
Window, door and façade water testing
Water entering around a window or door can originate from the frame, perimeter sealant, sill, façade, cladding junction, cavity, balcony or another element above. Remicon tests individual interfaces separately rather than assuming the window is the source because water is visible beside it. Where testing indicates the need for specialist façade, glazing or consultant assessment, that limitation is clearly identified.
Some water ingress becomes visible immediately; other leaks require time for water to migrate through cavities, screeds, insulation, framing or finishes. Remicon records observations during testing and continues monitoring through an appropriate post-test period. Follow-up moisture readings or next-day observations are undertaken where useful to identify delayed changes that were not evident during the initial water application.
The purpose of the investigation is to convert observations into information the client can act on. Remicon's water ingress reports document the areas inspected, testing undertaken, observations recorded and recommended rectification pathway.
A typical report includes:
Reports are written so strata managers, owners corporations, builders, consultants and property managers can understand both the evidence and the recommended next action without relying on unexplained technical conclusions.
Owners corporations regularly receive consultant reports, engineer specifications and tender documents that describe defects in detail but leave the committee no closer to a decision. Remicon reviews third-party documentation and flags gaps, contradictions and scope that will not resolve the underlying issue, identifies works that can be staged to spread cost without compounding damage, and produces a priced, sequenced scope that can go directly to a committee or AGM.
A major advantage of engaging Remicon is that the investigation does not need to be handed to an unrelated contractor once the source is identified. As a remedial building company, we use the findings to develop and price the rectification scope. Depending on the failure, this may involve waterproofing, roofing, flashing, façade repairs, joint sealing, drainage modifications, concrete works, carpentry, tiling, plastering, painting and associated finishes. Once the primary source has been addressed, Remicon completes the internal water-damage make-good so the client manages the process from investigation through to final presentation with one contractor.
Water ingress testing is an investigative tool. It recreates selected conditions during a defined observation period and cannot reproduce every combination of wind, rainfall intensity, duration, temperature, building movement or hidden construction condition. A positive test provides strong evidence linking a test area with observed ingress. A test that does not reproduce a leak does not prove that the area can never leak under different conditions. Where concealed construction prevents a conclusive finding, Remicon may recommend additional testing, destructive opening-up, specialist assessment or monitoring during natural rainfall before a permanent rectification scope is finalised. This limitation is deliberately documented in our reporting so recommendations remain proportionate to the evidence obtained.
Remicon provides water ingress investigation, testing and reporting across Canberra for strata managers, owners corporations, commercial property and facilities managers, builders, consultants, insurers and private owners. The service is particularly suited to multi-unit and commercial buildings where several potential leak sources overlap and the client requires documented evidence before committing to larger remedial works.
Verify before publishing: do not state that testing guarantees identification of the source. Do not imply Remicon provides specialist engineering, façade certification or statutory compliance certification unless separately engaged. If test standards are later named, confirm the test setup satisfies the full standard first.
Specialists in remedial, strata, and asset protection works.
Across remedial repairs, waterproofing, façade works, and maintenance.
A reliable network supporting quality, safety, and compliance.
Delivering results beyond expectations.
We bring a structured approach to every remedial project, clear communication, detailed inspections, and traceable documentation from start to finish.
Whether resolving waterproofing failures, repairing concrete, or restoring building façades, our team ensures each outcome is durable, compliant, and aligned with your long-term asset needs.
Why choose Remicon?
We combine skilled trades, quality materials, and disciplined processes to ensure long-lasting and precise remedial outcomes.
Our process ensures you receive consistent updates, structured documentation, and solutions shaped around your requirements.
Photo reports, progress updates and documentation delivered digitally as work happens. Strata managers and committees see exactly what was done, when, and why.
Written warranties on workmanship, backed by manufacturer warranties on approved systems. If a repair fails within the warranty period, we come back and fix it.
From investigation to completion, we manage the full remedial process with consistent documentation and quality control.
Fixing the cause, not just the symptom, saves owners corporations money over the long term.
Site inspection to written quote within 48 hours. Clear scope, clear pricing, no chasing us for a response.
We plan remedial works around residents and tenants, coordinating access, staging, and communication so projects are delivered with minimal disruption to daily life.
Our teams arrive with WHS documentation, site-specific risk assessments, and trained supervision so remedial works are completed safely, with minimal disruption to occupants.
Keen to chat about your project? Reach to our construction specialists for a quick and detailed inspection and quote.
