Electronic Leak Detection

MAKING BUILDINGS PERFORM BETTER

Waterproof Testing Technology

WATERPROOFING SOLUTIONS FOR ANY BUILDING

ELECTRONIC LEAK DETECTION (ELD)

ABBAE provides specialized leak detection and membrane performance testing with the most advanced equipment available to perform Electronic Leak Detection (ELD), that is precisely calibrated for each project condition and waterproofing membrane assembly. ABBAE’s highly trained technicians have extensive knowledge and are specialized in all types of waterproofing materials, assemblies, moisture intrusion investigations and forensics. Our ELD services include both high and low voltage testing, covering horizontal and vertical waterproofing membranes.

In addition to analytical testing, our technicians can perform comprehensive analysis of the waterproofing membrane, including a thorough visual inspection of all details, adjoining materials, and seals. If requested, combined testing and observation investigation are provided in an accurately documented final photographic analysis report.

If failures or issues are discovered, and at the direction of the client, our staff has the ability to provide analysis, diagnose, prepare a remedial plan, and implement repair and/or an alteration to procedures to resolve the issues.

about abbaeAllana Buick & Bers, Inc. (ABBAE) is a leading Architectural Engineering firm with over 31 years of experience mak-ing buildings perform better. We spe-cialize in building envelope services in-cluding design, forensics, construction administration, and quality assurance services, like testing. We are architectur-al engineers, tradesmen and construc-tion managers, with unique expertise to solve your most complex building is-sues.

ABBAE provides testing for:• Horizontal Waterproofing• Roofing• Lanais, Balconies, Decks• Windows, Glazing• Exterior Facade• Below-Grade

Typical testing and verification services include on-site testing, integrity testing, mock-up testing, observation for quality assurance, commissioning verification, and code compliance verification.

When testing and verification are used in conjunction with proper design and observations, it can be invaluable. Testing can help discover failures early; remitting the cost of damage and structural repairs.

800-378-3405 • WWW.ABBAE.COM

TESTING HORIZONTAL WATERPROOFING

HIGH VOLTAGE SPARK TESTING

TESTING VERTICAL WATERPROOFING

Electronic Leak Detection Low Voltage Horizontal

Electronic Leak Detection conforms to ASTM test standard D7887. ELD testing utilizes low voltage electricity to locate breaches in waterproofing membranes. ELD horizontal testing is completed with a scanning device (shown on the left) and requires a wet surface. With ELD testing, re-testing of a repaired breach can be completed on the same day.

Electronic Leak Detection Low Voltage Vertical

ELD testing is versatile and can test vertical membranes with a wet roller attachment. ELD testing pinpoints the exact location of a leak, whereas EFVM uses triangulation, which is less precise.

Electronic Leak Detection High Voltage Spark Testing

Spark testing is the only ELD test method that does not require water for testing. Spark testing uses high voltage electricity and can effectively test horizontal and vertical areas. This test method may be difficult to test new membranes as they are “sticky” when brooming. Additionally, improper settings of the equipment can damage the membrane. Retesting after completion of repairs cannot be performed.

WHY CHOOSE ELD OVER EFVM?

ELD TECHNOLOGY - A CLOSER LOOK

ELD TECHNOLOGY AND ITS USES

In the AEC industries Manufacturer’s Warranty and Project Requirements are specifying the use of ELD testing and Electric Field Vector Mapping (EFVM); however, the limitations of EFVM are lesser known.

Here are some benefits and drawbacks to the test methods and why ABBAE recommends ELD testing:

Issues with Traditional EFVM

• Requires a welded wire mesh and is often not directly below the membrane • Wetting of membrane may not produce significant leakage to allow water through Dens Deck type

substrate to get to and contact mesh• Very technician sensitive (relies heavily on personal experience) • Open breaches detected cannot be blocked from testing equipment resulting in possible breaches

missed where multiple exist• Does not test vertical membrane, drains/sumps, vertical transition details and penetrations (all

locations outside the trace wire) • Wire mesh below cover board not below membrane. Does not follow ASTM D7877.• Moisture from waterproofing membrane breach must migrate through cover board and come in

contact with wire mesh. • Moisture could pass through the wire mesh opening(s)

without contacting wire mesh.• Certain wire meshes only cover 20 to 25 percent of total

horizontal area.

Benefits of ELD• Does not require or incorporate wire mesh• Requires a conductive primer, except with concrete

substrates• Can test vertical membranes and penetrations including

the drain connection and transitions

Electronic Leak Detection Low Voltage Vertical - Platform Circuitry Testing Tools

A wet roller, finger scanning, and glove probing extend the circuit and offer versatile testing methods.

Advanced ELD Circuitry Works with EPDMMost commonly performed on new membranes for commissioning and integrity testing, but can also be performed on existing construction. Detects leaks and voids that other testing equipment cannot locate as accurately.

800.378.3405 • WWW.ABBAE.COM • INFO@ABBAE.COM

I N V E ST I G AT I O N | D E S I G N | M E C H A N I C A L | C O N ST R U C T I O N | L I T I G AT I O N S U P P O RT

MAKING BUILDINGS PERFORM BETTER

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Seattle2025 1st Avenue, Suite 310Seattle, WA 98121Telephone: 206.443.6499

North Carolina2020 South Tryon Street, Suite 2ACharlotte, NC 28203Telephone: 980.256.3440

Oahu707 Richards Street, Suite 635Honolulu, HI 96813Telephone: 808.538.0115

Maui2662 Wai Wai Place, Suite 204Kihei, HI 96753Telephone: 808.538.0115

Allana Buick & Bers is dedicated to providing comprehensive and innovative solutions with award-winning expertise. We offer testing solutions for all building envelope systems. Our building envelope specialization includes testing, roofing, waterproofing lanais and podiums, window and curtain wall solutions, and façade repairs. We perform over 600 projects per year with over 130 in-house staff, experienced to meet your needs, including:

• Licensed Professional Engineers — Mechanical Civil, and Structural

• Registered Architects• Certified Nuclear Troxler Operators• ICC Certified Inspectors• Certified Exterior Insulation and Finish System

(EIFS) Inspectors• Certified Infra-Red Thermographers

• Registered Roofing Observers (RROs)• Registered Roofing Consultants (RRCs)• Registered Waterproofing Consultants (RWCs)• Registered Building Envelope Consultant (RBEC)• Registered Exterior Wall Consultant (REWCs)• Quality Assurance Monitors for Exterior Enclosure• Certified Construction Contract Administrator

(CCCA)