Electronic Leak Detection & Building Envelope Diagnostics
Specialist flat roof testing, water ingress investigation, façade diagnostics and technical building-envelope support across London and the South East.
Why Clients Choose Vertex
An independent building-envelope diagnostic practice built on technical evidence, engineering judgement and impartial recommendations.
Independent Technical Advice
We do not sell roofing systems or repair works. Our recommendations are evidence-based and impartial.
Building Envelope Expertise
We investigate how moisture, heat and air move through buildings to identify the root cause of defects rather than simply treating symptoms.
Advanced Diagnostics
Every investigation uses the most appropriate diagnostic techniques for the building — not simply the equipment available.
Professional Technical Reporting
Clear, structured reports that support informed repair decisions, insurance investigations and long-term asset management.
Evidence-Based Recommendations
Every recommendation is supported by observed evidence, measured data and engineering judgement.
What problem are you experiencing?
Select the option that best describes your situation. We'll recommend the appropriate Vertex service.
Specialist Flat Roof Testing & Building Envelope Diagnostics
Investigate a Building Envelope Problem
Condition Surveys & Technical Building Envelope Support
Professional Technical Reporting
Every investigation concludes with a structured engineering report. Below is a preview of the sections you can expect.
Executive Summary
Diagnostic Technologies
Every investigation uses the most appropriate technique for the building — not simply the equipment available. Below is an overview of the technologies Vertex draws upon.
Dry Electronic Leak Detection
Locating invisible breaches in flat roof membranes without flooding the roof.
A high-voltage sweep across a non-conductive membrane reveals exactly where continuity is lost — pinpointing pinholes, cuts and failed seams that allow water ingress.
Wet Electronic Leak Detection
Testing membrane integrity across large roof areas in damp conditions.
A low-voltage current is passed through a thin film of water on the membrane surface. Breaches are detected where the current finds a path to earth through the defect.
Thermal Imaging
Seeing moisture, heat loss and missing insulation that are invisible to the eye.
Infrared thermography maps surface temperature differences across roofs and façades, revealing trapped moisture, thermal bridging and discontinuities in insulation.
Moisture Mapping
Understanding the full extent and pattern of moisture within a construction.
Systematic moisture readings across a surface build a map of moisture distribution, helping trace the pathway from source to visible symptom.
Drone Inspection
Safely accessing high-level roofs, façades and difficult-to-reach areas.
Aerial inspection captures high-resolution imagery of areas that would otherwise require scaffolding or rope access — reducing cost and risk during initial assessment.
Building Physics
Understanding why a defect is happening, not just where it is.
Applying principles of heat, air and moisture movement to interpret how a building is performing and why defects are occurring at specific locations.
WUFI Hygrothermal Analysis
Predicting long-term moisture behaviour within complex wall and roof build-ups.
Computer simulation of coupled heat and moisture transfer through construction assemblies, assessing whether a build-up will accumulate moisture over time under real climate conditions.
Thermal Bridge Analysis
Identifying localised heat loss at junctions, details and material transitions.
Detailed modelling of thermal bridges at construction junctions — revealing where surface temperatures drop low enough to cause condensation, mould and energy loss.
U-Value Assessment
Verifying that a construction meets thermal performance requirements.
Calculation of the rate of heat transfer through a building element, confirming whether insulation levels comply with Building Regulations and perform as intended.
Vertex does not promote specific equipment brands. Technology selection is driven by the building, the reported problem and the investigation objective — not by commercial preference.
The Investigation Workflow
From first contact to final recommendations — a clear, structured process at every stage.
Client Contacts Vertex
You send project details, photographs, drawings and information about the issue.
Client Contacts Vertex
You send project details, photographs, drawings and information about the issue.
Technical Review
The information is reviewed and the appropriate investigation scope is confirmed.
Site Investigation
On-site assessment of roof, façade, junctions and building envelope conditions.
Evidence Collection
Photographs, measurements, moisture readings and defect locations are recorded.
Technical Analysis
Findings are analysed against building physics, construction details and weather data.
Report
A structured engineering report is compiled with all findings and supporting evidence.
Recommendations
Clear, prioritised remediation recommendations are provided to guide next steps.
UK Coverage
Based in Hemel Hempstead, Vertex provides building-envelope diagnostics across the South East and wider UK for larger commercial, industrial and specialist investigations.
~2 hours travel
Rates covered
By quotation
Primary Service Area
Approximately two hours' travel from Hemel Hempstead, covering London, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Essex, Surrey, Kent and the wider South East.
We Can Travel Further
Vertex can undertake projects outside the primary service area where travel time and expenses are agreed as part of the project fee.
UK-Wide Projects
Available by quotation for larger commercial, industrial, insurance and specialist investigations. Please include the project location in your enquiry so coverage and travel arrangements can be confirmed.
Request Technical ReviewBuilt on Technical Depth
Vertex Envelope Solutions is led by Douglas Silva, a building-envelope technical specialist whose experience combines practical construction knowledge with building physics and technical design expertise.
Nearly 20 Years' Construction Experience
Two decades of hands-on construction and building-envelope technical roles, combining practical site knowledge with engineering understanding.
Architectural Design & Technology Degree
BSc (Hons) in Architectural Design & Technology, providing a foundation in construction technology, detailing and building performance.
Building Envelope Diagnostics
Specialist experience investigating roof leaks, water ingress, moisture, condensation and façade defects across a wide range of building types.
Building Physics
Applied understanding of heat, air and moisture movement through building assemblies — essential for identifying root causes, not just symptoms.
Technical Specification Expertise
Experience preparing and reviewing technical specifications, construction details and system build-ups using Revit, AutoCAD and specialist analysis software.
Commercial & Industrial Experience
Practical experience across commercial and industrial buildings, including large-scale roofs, façade systems and complex building interfaces.
Who We Help
Building Owners
Independent technical guidance before major repair costs.
Learn moreProperty Managers
Repair prioritisation and persistent leak investigation.
Learn moreHousing Associations
Damp, moisture and recurring ingress complaints.
Learn moreMain Contractors
Defect investigation and remediation strategy.
Learn moreRoofing Contractors
Difficult leak investigation and independent reporting.
Learn moreArchitects & Designers
U-values, thermal bridge and detail reviews.
Learn moreDevelopers
Building envelope review and remediation planning.
Learn moreManufacturers
Site investigation and installation condition review.
Learn moreBuilding Envelope Experience
Vertex Envelope Solutions is led by Douglas Silva, a building-envelope technical specialist with 19 years of construction industry experience and a BSc (Hons) in Architectural Design & Technology.
His background covers façades, external wall insulation, render systems, roofing interfaces, moisture risk, thermal performance, U-values, thermal bridging, technical specifications, detailing and remediation strategies.
Read About VertexClear Fee Guidance
Vertex is a specialist building-envelope diagnostics company, not a general roofing contractor. The fees below reflect independent technical investigation, specialist equipment and professional reporting.
Desktop Technical Review
From £250
Remote review of drawings, photographs and available documentation.
Site Investigation
From £650
On-site inspection and assessment of the reported problem.
Detailed Investigation & Report
From £750
Site investigation with comprehensive technical findings and reporting.
Complex Multi-Day Investigation
By Quotation
Large-scale or multi-visit investigations quoted individually.
A correctly diagnosed building-envelope defect can prevent unnecessary repair expenditure, repeated contractor visits and costly disruption.
Have a Building Problem That Has Not Been Properly Explained?
Send us the project details, photographs and any available drawings or reports. The information will be reviewed and the appropriate next step discussed.