Building-Envelope Problems We Investigate
The visible symptom is not always the root cause. These are the types of problems Vertex can help investigate.
Recurring Roof Leaks
Leaks that return after repeated repairs often indicate the root cause sits elsewhere in the roof build-up, at a junction or penetration rather than where water appears internally.
Water Ingress During Heavy Rain
Water entering during heavy rainfall may be travelling through façade details, sealant joints, window perimeters or roof-to-wall junctions before it becomes visible.
Wind-Driven Rain Ingress
Wind-driven rain can expose weaknesses in cladding interfaces, parapets and coping details that do not leak in normal conditions.
Damp Patches
Damp patches on walls or ceilings can result from penetrating moisture, condensation, or concealed leaks — the visible mark is not always the source.
Unexplained Moisture
Moisture appearing without an obvious source often requires investigation of construction details, thermal performance and moisture pathways.
Condensation
Surface or interstitial condensation frequently relates to thermal bridging, insulation gaps, ventilation and cold surfaces rather than a direct leak.
Mould-Related Building Conditions
Mould growth is typically a symptom of excess moisture, condensation or cold surface conditions. Investigating the cause is essential before remediation.
Cold Internal Surfaces
Cold patches on internal surfaces often indicate thermal bridging or insulation discontinuity that can contribute to condensation and mould.
Thermal Bridging
Thermal bridges at junctions, fixings and details can cause localised heat loss, cold surfaces and moisture problems.
Render Cracking
Cracking in render can result from movement, substrate issues, detailing or installation. The pattern and location help identify the likely cause.
Render Delamination
Render separating from the substrate may indicate moisture behind the system, substrate failure or installation defects.
EWI Defects
External wall insulation defects can include cracking, water retention, detachment and thermal performance issues that need technical assessment.
Sealant Failures
Failed sealants at window perimeters, expansion joints and interfaces are a common route for water ingress that is rarely visible from ground level.
Window Perimeter Leaks
Leaks around window frames often involve the interface between the window, the wall and the sealant — not the window itself.
Door Interface Problems
Water at door thresholds and interfaces can relate to detailing, drainage and junction design rather than the door product.
Parapet Defects
Parapets and copings are frequent sources of concealed water entry due to their exposure and the number of junctions involved.
Coping Defects
Displaced, cracked or poorly detailed copings allow water behind parapet build-ups, often travelling some distance before appearing internally.
Roof-to-Wall Junction Problems
The junction between roof and wall is one of the most common locations for concealed water ingress in buildings.
Balcony Water Ingress
Balcony leaks often involve waterproofing, detailing and junction failures that are difficult to identify without investigation.
Terrace Water Ingress
Terrace waterproofing, upstands and drainage details can all contribute to water entering below or adjacent to the terrace.
Façade Staining
Staining on façades can indicate water pathways, biological growth or detailing issues that direct moisture onto the surface.
Biological Growth
Algae, moss or mould growth on external surfaces often signals retained moisture or detailing that keeps the surface wet.
Building Defects with Unclear Causes
When the cause of a building defect is unclear, a structured investigation of the construction, symptoms and available information is the practical first step.
Not sure what type of investigation you need?
Tell us what you are experiencing and provide photographs or project information. We will review the issue and discuss the appropriate next step.
Tell Us About the ProblemReady to Investigate the Cause?
Send project details, photographs and any available drawings or reports. The information will be reviewed and the appropriate next step discussed.