CWCT FACADE WATER TESTING
Certified On-Site Façade Water Testing
At Platinum Facades Ltd, we provide professional CWCT water testing services across the UK to help clients verify the weather performance of installed façade systems before completion.
Our testing is carried out using UKAS 17025:2017-compliant procedures, performed by qualified technicians using calibrated equipment. Each test is supported by detailed reporting, photographic evidence, and digital documentation through our integrated Quality Management System.
When Should You Book Your Water Test?
Water ingress remains a leading cause of façade system failures in the UK construction industry. While cladding and glazing components may achieve laboratory certification, actual installation conditions can introduce vulnerabilities that compromise weather performance.
We recommend scheduling your water test before internal fit-out begins. Early testing allows our engineers full access to inspection areas without the need to dismantle finished interiors, saving both time and cost.
Testing after completion often requires removal of internal walls, fixtures, and finishes to enable proper inspection, creating unnecessary delays and expense that could have been avoided with the correct scheduling.
Hose Testing
CWCT & AAMA Standards
Used for closed jointed systems such as curtain walling, this test involves spraying controlled water at the façade and inspecting from inside for any leaks.
All parameters including pressure, flow rate, spray distance, and duration are recorded to ensure accuracy and repeatability across every test location.
-
Our hose testing equipment is calibrated and maintained to meet CWCT Section 9 and AAMA 501-94 standards:
350-litre mobile water bowser for consistent supply throughout testing
110V pressure pump generating controlled flow and pressure
Calibrated pressure gauge verified before each test
Monarch B-25 spray nozzle producing a 30° solid cone pattern
Flow rate: 22 litres per minute at 2.2 bar pressure
All equipment is inspected and calibrated regularly as part of our quality assurance programme.
-
Hose testing follows a two-stage methodology designed to replicate severe weather exposure:
Stage 1 – Water Application Five percent of the façade area (windows, doors, curtain walling) is tested systematically. Water is applied for five minutes per 1.5 linear metres, starting from the lowest horizontal joint and progressing methodically across each vertical and horizontal element.
Stage 2 – Inspection Period Following water application, a 30-minute drain-down period allows our team to inspect all internal surfaces for signs of water penetration, capillary action, or moisture ingress.
This process is repeated across designated test zones until the agreed scope is complete. Any defects identified are photographed, logged, and reported with precise location references.
Why Choose Platinum?
Our Commitment to Quality and Compliance Includes:
Fully trained and competent test engineers with ongoing professional development
Calibrated equipment and controlled testing procedures maintained to industry standards
Full compliance with CWCT, AAMA, NHBC and EN 12155 testing standards
Comprehensive method statements and risk assessments tailored for each project
Integration with our ISO/IEC 17025:2017-aligned Quality Management System
Detailed photographic and written reports issued promptly after every test
Transparent communication with your site management team throughout the process
Precision, accurate documentation and accountability are built into every test we deliver.
Nationwide Service from Our Harlow Base
Operating throughout the UK, we provide CWCT façade water testing services to projects across England, Scotland, and Wales.
From our headquarters in Harlow, Essex, our operatives travel to your site location with accommodation and logistics managed efficiently by our in-house team. Whether your project is in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, or anywhere across the UK, we deliver the same standard of professional testing and reporting.
Ready to Discuss Your Testing Requirements?
Our team is available to answer questions about testing procedures, scheduling, or project-specific requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
We conduct testing in accordance with CWCT Section 9, AAMA 501-94, NHBC standards, and EN 12155:2000 depending on project requirements.
-
Under normal circumstances we will return your estimates within 48 hours and can be on site within 7 days of receiving your order.
Timings can sometimes depend on how quickly you respond to our information requests, and the accuracy of the information provided.
-
Duration depends on the scope and size of the façade area being tested. A typical test programme can range from half a day to several days for larger projects.
-
Yes. All tests are documented with detailed written reports, photographic evidence, pressure and flow readings, and defect logs where applicable.
-
Under normal circumstances, you will receive your full test report within 48 hours of our test being completed.
-
Yes, however extremely cold conditions may affect testing procedures. We assess weather conditions on the day and advise if postponement is necessary to ensure accurate results.
-
We require safe access to both external and internal areas of the façade being tested. Scaffolding, MEWPs, or internal access as appropriate to the building height and design.
