Water Intrusion Specialists in West Los Angeles
Water intrusion is rain, runoff or wet soil getting into a building through the roof, walls, windows, doors, decks or foundation. Absolute Maintenance & Consulting provides water intrusion services in West Los Angeles, Culver City and nearby communities. We trace the water to where it gets in, repair that entry point, then dry and restore what it damaged. Call (310) 678-4345 and we’ll walk you through what to do before we arrive.
Our Water Intrusion Services
Our water intrusion services cover both halves of the job: six find the source, and seven repair it.
Water Leak Detection
Water leak detection traces a stain, drip or damp wall back to where water gets in. Our water leak detection service covers rain leaks and leaks that come and go with the weather.
Thermal Imaging Leak Detection
Our thermal imaging leak detection uses an infrared camera to spot temperature patterns that suggest hidden moisture, confirmed with a moisture meter.
Moisture Mapping
Moisture mapping charts meter readings across floors, walls and ceilings to show how far water spread. Moisture mapping guides drying and proves when it’s done.
Forensic Leak Detection
Forensic leak detection proves the cause of a leak and puts it in a written report. Insurance adjusters, public adjusters and attorneys use our forensic leak detection reports to establish cause.
ASTM E1105 Water Testing
ASTM E1105 is the standard field test method for water penetration of installed exterior windows, skylights, doors and curtain walls. ASTM E1105 water testing sprays the opening while an air pressure difference pushes water inward, the way wind drives rain.
Building Envelope Inspection
A building envelope inspection checks the whole outer shell of a building for places water can get in. A building envelope inspection lets you fix weak points before they leak.
Water Intrusion Repair
Water intrusion repair fixes the entry point, not just the damage it caused. Water intrusion repair covers failed flashing, sealants, membranes and wall sections.
Roof Leak Repair
Roof leak repair fixes the flashing or roofing that lets water in, often where the roof meets a wall, chimney or skylight. Our roof leak repair also covers the wet decking or ceiling below.
Window Leak Repair
Window leak repair fixes the part that failed: the glass seal, the frame corners or the joint where the frame meets the wall. Window leak repair starts by finding which one it is.
Wall Leak Repair
Wall leak repair stops water coming through stucco, siding or gaps around openings. Wall leak repair covers the outer wall and the wet framing and drywall inside.
Ceiling Leak Repair
Ceiling leak repair traces a ceiling stain to the roof, deck or wall above and fixes that source. Our ceiling leak repair service then restores the ceiling itself.
Rain Leak Repair
Rain leak repair fixes leaks that only show up in storms. Rain leak repair often uses water testing to recreate the rain on a dry day.
Basement Leak Repair
Basement leak repair stops water from wet soil and runoff coming through below-grade walls. Basement leak repair seals the entry points against water pressing in from outside.
Book a Water Intrusion Inspection
Our Water Intrusion Process
We inspect first, test when we need proof, repair the entry point, then dry and restore the damage.
1. Inspection
We check the damage inside, then the roof, walls, windows, doors and decks around it. A thermal camera and moisture meters show where materials are wet without opening walls.
2. Water Testing When Needed
Water testing proves the entry point when an inspection can’t. We recreate the rain on one area at a time, including ASTM E1105 testing for windows and doors.
3. Findings and Repair Plan
We show you where the water gets in, what it damaged and what the repair involves, with photos and moisture readings.
4. Source Repair
We repair the entry point itself: the flashing, sealant, stucco, membrane or opening that failed. The permanent fix is often a waterproofing system, like a new deck membrane or a coating on a below-grade wall.
5. Drying and Restoration
We dry the structure and rebuild what can’t be saved once the source is fixed.
How Much Does a Water Intrusion Inspection Cost?
A water intrusion inspection costs $375 to $775 for a single home or unit, and $975 to $1,500 for multi-unit and larger properties.
- Basic Inspection: $375 to $575, depending on size and time. About 15 to 20 minutes, with an infrared camera.
- Detailed Inspection: $575 to $775. A more in-depth investigation of up to about 1 hour, for one household or unit up to 3,000 sq. ft.
- Multi-Unit / Larger Property Inspection: $975 to $1,500. Up to 5 units or properties, 3,500 to 10,000 sq. ft.
- Water Intrusion Testing: $1,275 to $1,850+. Integrated water testing performed with our crew.
- Complex Water Testing: $1,950 to $2,600+. More extensive testing, depending on conditions.
Water testing isn’t included in inspection prices. When we do the work, the fee for a Basic or Detailed Inspection is credited toward the cost of the work. Multi-Unit / Larger Property Inspection fees and water testing fees are not credited. Repair pricing depends on the scope and comes in a written estimate after the inspection. Our guide to what a water intrusion specialist costs in Los Angeles explains what drives the price.
Book a Water Intrusion Inspection
Commercial and Multi-Unit Buildings
For apartment buildings, condos and commercial property, our commercial leak detection and water intrusion page covers multi-unit investigations, water testing and the documentation owners, boards and insurers need.
Why Choose Absolute for Water Intrusion?
Your Inspection Fee Goes Toward the Work
Basic and Detailed Inspection fees are credited toward the work when we do it. Multi-Unit inspection and water testing fees are not credited.
More Than 30 Years Finding Leaks
Cameron Figgins, our founder and principal, has more than 30 years of hands-on experience identifying complex water intrusion issues in Southern California homes.
One Licensed Team From Leak to Repair
We’re a licensed California contractor (CSLB #998184), an IICRC-certified firm (#70018676) and a MICRO Certified Firm. The team that finds the leak can repair it and restore the damage.
Areas We Serve
We provide water intrusion services in West Los Angeles, Culver City, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Venice, Pacific Palisades, Brentwood and Bel Air. See all areas we serve.
Book a Water Intrusion Inspection
Water Intrusion FAQs
What does a water intrusion specialist do?
A water intrusion specialist finds where outside water gets into a building, proves it with testing and repairs the entry point. That takes building knowledge: how flashing, stucco, windows and roofing shed water, and where they fail. We also dry and restore the damage the water caused.
How do I know if the water is coming from outside?
A leak that shows up during or after rain points to an outside source. Stains near windows, under a roof or deck, or at the base of an exterior wall point the same way. Our guide on telling exterior from interior water intrusion covers more signs.
How long does a water intrusion inspection take?
A Basic Inspection takes about 15 to 20 minutes with an infrared camera. A Detailed Inspection takes up to about 1 hour for one home or unit up to 3,000 sq. ft. Water testing takes longer, because we wet one area at a time and watch for water before moving on.
Is water intrusion an emergency?
It is when water is actively coming in, reaching lights or outlets, or pooling in a sagging ceiling. A stain that only appears in storms is less urgent, but it still needs to be found before the next rain. Wet materials can grow mold, and the EPA advises drying them within 24 to 48 hours.
Does homeowners insurance cover water intrusion?
It depends on your policy and the cause. Many policies cover sudden, accidental damage but exclude flooding and leaks that build up slowly over time. Check with your agent. Either way, our findings document the cause and extent of the damage, which is what your adjuster needs to review the claim.
Can you find a leak without opening walls?
Often, yes. Thermal imaging, moisture meters and water testing let us trace many leaks from the surface. If a wall must be opened to confirm the path or make the repair, we explain why first and keep the opening as small as possible.
Still have questions? Our experts are here to help.