Water Intrusion Specialist in — Los Angeles
Water is getting into your building, and you need to know where, why, and how to stop it. Absolute Maintenance & Consulting is a water intrusion investigation and building envelope repair specialist serving Los Angeles. We do not guess. We use thermal imaging, moisture mapping, ASTM E1105 water testing, and forensic investigation techniques to find the exact point of entry, trace the moisture path, and repair the building envelope so the water stops for good.
Our founder Cameron Figgins has spent over three decades solving water intrusion problems in Los Angeles properties. We hold IICRC certification (#70018676), MICRO certification, and CSLB license #998184. We are an exterior water intrusion specialist, not a general contractor or plumber. This is all we do.
Residential Water Intrusion Services
If water is entering your home from the outside, we find the source and fix it. Los Angeles homes, especially those built with stucco exteriors, are vulnerable to water intrusion through multiple building envelope failure points.
Stucco Cracks and Failures
Hairline cracks absorb rain into wall cavities. We detect hidden moisture with thermal imaging before cutting a single wall open.
Window and Door Flashing
Improperly sealed frames are one of the most common water entry points we find. Window leak repair starts with understanding where the seal failed and why.
Roof and Parapet Walls
Flat roofs common in Los Angeles trap water at parapet transitions. Roof leak repair requires tracing the moisture path from the entry point to where you actually see the damage inside.
Foundation and Below-Grade Intrusion
Rising groundwater, poor drainage, and hydrostatic pressure push water through foundations and into basements and crawl spaces.
Balconies and Decks
Failed waterproofing membranes allow water into the structure below. This is common in multi-story Los Angeles homes and condominiums.
Chimney Flashing and Roof Penetrations
Any penetration through your roof or walls is a potential entry point. We inspect every one.
Every residential investigation starts with a thorough assessment of your building envelope. You receive a photo-documented report showing exactly where water enters, the moisture path through your structure, and our recommended repair plan.
Commercial Water Intrusion Services
Commercial water intrusion in Los Angeles involves more complex building systems and higher stakes. Absolute Maintenance & Consulting provides investigation and repair for:
- Multi-story commercial buildings where water can travel several stories from the entry point before showing visible damage. Our forensic leak detection traces the full moisture path.
- Condominium and apartment complexes where water intrusion affecting multiple units requires documentation that identifies the source for HOA boards and insurance adjusters
- Parking structures with concrete deck waterproofing failures, expansion joint failures, and drainage issues
- Entertainment industry properties including recording studios, soundstages, and production facilities. See our recording studio water damage restoration work.
- Property management portfolios needing scheduled building envelope assessments across multiple properties
- Insurance and litigation support with investigation reports used by insurance adjusters, public adjusters, and attorneys for claim documentation and dispute resolution
Call Us For Leak Detection Services
How We Investigate Water Intrusion
Absolute Maintenance & Consulting uses a forensic investigation approach. We do not just look for wet spots. We systematically trace water from the point of entry through the building envelope to where it shows up inside your property.
Thermal Imaging
We scan your entire building envelope with FLIR thermal cameras. Moisture-saturated materials show up as cold spots on thermal images, letting us see water behind walls, above ceilings, and under floors without destructive testing. Learn more about the science of thermal imaging for finding hidden leaks.
Moisture Mapping
We take readings at dozens of points using pin and pinless moisture meters. Every reading is documented on a moisture map, giving you a visual picture of where moisture levels are elevated and where the problem starts.
ASTM E1105 Water Testing
For complex cases, we perform standardized water testing following ASTM E1105 protocols. This involves controlled water application to specific building envelope components like windows, doors, and wall assemblies to replicate how rain interacts with your building and pinpoint the exact failure.
Visual and Forensic Assessment
We physically inspect flashing details, sealant joints, stucco conditions, roof transitions, and every penetration in your building envelope. Our three decades of experience means we know where Los Angeles buildings fail.
Photo-Documented Report
You receive a complete report with thermal images, moisture maps, photos, findings, and a detailed repair plan. This report is insurance-ready and can be used for HOA documentation or legal proceedings.
Common Water Intrusion Sources in Los Angeles
|
Source |
Why It Happens |
Where We Find Damage |
|
Stucco cracks |
Hairline cracks absorb rainwater into wall cavity |
Behind exterior walls, especially south and west facing |
|
Window/door flashing |
Improper installation or aged sealant fails |
Wall cavities around frames, below sills |
|
Roof/parapet transitions |
Flat roofs trap water at parapet walls |
Ceilings, attic spaces, top-floor walls |
|
Balcony/deck membranes |
Waterproofing membrane deteriorates |
Rooms below balconies, garage ceilings |
|
Foundation seepage |
Rising groundwater or poor grading |
Basements, crawl spaces, ground-floor walls |
|
Chimney flashing |
Metal-to-masonry seal fails |
Walls and ceilings near chimney |
|
HVAC penetrations |
Poorly sealed ductwork penetrations |
Around air handlers, ceiling near vents |
Most water intrusion in Los Angeles traces back to the building envelope, not plumbing. That is why you need a water intrusion specialist, not a plumber. Read about what we specialize in to understand the difference.
Contact Our Water Intrusion Experts Today
Our Water Intrusion Investigation & Repair Services
Absolute Maintenance & Consulting offers the full scope of water intrusion investigation and building envelope repair:
- Building Envelope Inspection & Assessment – Comprehensive evaluation of your building’s exterior weather barrier
- Thermal Imaging Leak Detection – Non-invasive scanning to detect hidden moisture
- Moisture Mapping & Assessment – Documented moisture readings across your entire property
- ASTM E1105 Water Testing – Standardized water testing for complex intrusion cases
- Water Intrusion Repair – Building envelope repair to permanently stop water entry
- Forensic Leak Detection – Investigation-grade leak tracing for insurance and litigation
We also handle the problems that water intrusion causes:
- Mold Inspection and Mold Remediation for mold growth caused by moisture intrusion
- Waterproofing for preventive protection of foundations, roofs, stucco, and crawl spaces
- Water Damage Insurance Claims documentation and support
Why Choose Absolute Maintenance & Consulting
Exterior water intrusion is all we do. We are not a general contractor, a plumber, or a restoration franchise. We specialize in finding where water enters buildings from exterior sources and repairing the building envelope so it stops. Read about our specialization for the full picture of what we do and what we do not do.
Over three decades of investigation experience. Cameron Figgins founded Absolute Maintenance & Consulting and holds the “The Water Wise Home” trademark. He has investigated water intrusion in everything from single-family homes to SFSU dormitory complexes and entertainment industry facilities.
We find the source, not just the symptom. Most contractors treat the visible damage. We trace the water back to its origin through the building envelope. If you do not fix the source, the damage comes back.
IICRC and MICRO certified. We carry IICRC certification (#70018676), MICRO certification, and CSLB license #998184.
Investigation-grade documentation. Our reports are used by insurance companies, public adjusters, HOA boards, and attorneys. Every finding is photo-documented with thermal images and moisture maps.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does water intrusion investigation cost?
Investigation cost depends on the size and complexity of your property. Residential investigations typically start at $375. Commercial properties and complex cases are quoted based on square footage and building type. Call (310) 678-4345 for a quote.
Does homeowners insurance cover water intrusion?
Most policies cover sudden and accidental water damage. Water intrusion that develops gradually (like a slow stucco leak over months) is typically excluded. However, the resulting damage may be covered depending on your policy. We help you document findings for insurance claims and work with adjusters regularly.
What is the difference between water intrusion and a plumbing leak?
Water intrusion means water entering your building from exterior sources: rain, groundwater, or condensation through the building envelope (roof, walls, windows, foundation). A plumbing leak is an interior water supply or drain line failure. Absolute Maintenance & Consulting handles water intrusion. We do not do plumbing work. If our investigation determines your problem is plumbing-related, we tell you and refer you to a qualified plumber. See our specialization for more detail.
How long does a water intrusion investigation take?
A standard residential investigation takes 2 to 4 hours on site. Complex commercial investigations or multi-unit buildings may take longer. You receive your complete report within 24 to 48 hours after the investigation.
Is water intrusion an emergency?
Active water entering your building should be addressed as soon as possible. Mold begins growing within 24 to 48 hours of moisture exposure. The longer water intrusion goes unaddressed, the more extensive (and expensive) the damage becomes. Call (310) 678-4345 to schedule your investigation.
Still have questions? Our experts are here to help.
Service Area
Absolute Maintenance & Consulting serves all of Los Angeles County, including West Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Venice, Culver City, Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Bel Air, Century City, Hollywood, Silver Lake, Echo Park, Pasadena, Glendale, Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Encino, and the South Bay communities.
Call (310) 678-4345 or email info@leakmoldrepair.com to schedule your service.