UKAS Accredited CWCT Water Testing Services | Facade Hose Testing
Professional UKAS Accredited Water Testing for Building Facades
Platinum Facades is a UKAS accredited testing laboratory (No: 31951) specialising in external envelope water testing for curtain walling, cladding systems, and glazed facades. Our comprehensive water tightness testing services ensure your building envelope meets the rigorous performance standards required by building control, NHBC, and warranty providers.
We conduct all facade water testing in strict accordance with CWCT Standards for Systemised Building Envelopes, AAMA 501.2-15, and NHBC requirements, using calibrated equipment and providing UKAS accredited test certificates that are recognised throughout the construction industry.
Hose Testing
CWCT Hose Testing for Curtain Walling & Closed Joint Systems
Hose testing is the primary method for assessing water penetration resistance of permanently sealed joints in curtain wall systems, sloped glazing and fixed window installations. The CWCT test method applies controlled water spray at specified pressure and flow rates to verify the system's weather tightness.
All parameters including pressure, flow rate, spray distance, and duration are recorded to ensure accuracy and repeatability across every test location.
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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.
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Our UKAS Accredited Hose Test Process:
• Testing conducted to CWCT Section 9 and AAMA 501.2-15 standards
• Calibrated equipment: 350L bowser, 110V pump, Monarch B-25 nozzle
• Controlled flow rate: 22 litres per minute at 2.2 bar pressure
• 30° solid cone spray pattern maintained at 300mm from facade
• Minimum 5% of completed system tested per CWCT requirements
• Full UKAS accredited test certificates provided within 48 hours
Why Choose Platinum Facades For Water Testing?
Our Commitment to Quality and Compliance Includes:
UKAS Accredited Laboratory (No: 31951) - Your guarantee of testing quality and regulatory compliance
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
Nationwide Coverage - UK-wide water testing services with rapid mobilisation
Precision, accurate documentation and accountability are built into every test we deliver.
When Should You Book Your Water Test?
Building regulations and NHBC standards require water tightness testing to validate workmanship and weather resistance.
Platinum Facades recommends scheduling UKAS water testing after external weathering is complete but before interior construction begins, allowing easy access for inspection and any necessary remedial works.
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.
Optimal Testing Timeline:
• After all external sealing and weathering is complete
• Before internal finishes and construction commence
• The minimum amount of days after sealant application to allow the full cure time
Understanding UKAS Accreditation for Water Testing
UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) accreditation provides independent verification that a testing laboratory operates to the highest international standards. For facade water testing, UKAS accreditation ensures calibrated equipment, documented procedures, trained personnel, and traceable results that meet ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.
Platinum Facades maintains UKAS Laboratory Accreditation No: 31951, demonstrating our commitment to testing quality. Building control authorities, NHBC, and insurance companies recognise UKAS certification as the gold standard for water penetration testing, making our test certificates invaluable for project handover and warranty compliance.
CWCT Testing Standards Explained
The Centre for Window and Cladding Technology (CWCT) publishes the industry-recognised standards for on-site water testing of building envelopes. CWCT standards define precise testing methodologies including water pressure, flow rates, spray patterns, test duration, and sample size requirements to ensure consistent and reliable facade performance assessment.
Key CWCT Standards:
• CWCT Standards for Systemised Building Envelopes: 2006
• CWCT Technical Note 41: Site Testing for Watertightness
• CWCT Technical Note 101: Testing Building Envelopes
• CWCT Technical Note 102: Structural Testing
• CWCT Section 9: Hose Test methodology
• BS EN 13051:2001: Curtain Walling - Watertightness - Site Test
Get Your UKAS Accredited Water Test Certificate
Contact Platinum Facades today to schedule your UKAS accredited CWCT water testing. Our experienced team provides nationwide coverage across the UK, with rapid mobilisation and competitive pricing for all hose testing requirements.
Call us on 01279 312186 or email info@platinumfacades.co.uk for a quotation.
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
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UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) accreditation confirms that our testing laboratory operates to ISO/IEC 17025 standards. This means our water testing equipment is calibrated, our procedures are documented, and our test certificates are recognised by building control authorities, NHBC, and insurance companies across the UK.
Platinum Facades holds UKAS Laboratory Accreditation No: 31951 for on-site facade water testing.
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Testing duration depends on the facade area and test type. Hose testing typically takes 5 minutes per 1.5m linear length, plus 30 minutes drain-down time per test area.
We provide estimated timelines during project planning and work as efficiently as possible to minimise site disruption.
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If water penetration is detected during testing, we document the failure locations and provide a detailed report identifying the source of water ingress.
After remedial works are completed we can return to re-test the affected area.
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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.
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Under normal circumstances, you will receive your full test report within 48 hours of our test being completed.
All test reports are UKAS approved documents with detailed written evidence, photographic evidence, pressure and flow readings, and defect logs where applicable.
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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.
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Yes, Platinum Facades provides UKAS accredited water testing services nationwide across England, Scotland and Wales.
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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.