Skip links
New look, same BECI. Learn more about our rebrand
(800) 842-7043
Request a Proposal
Location Near You
Talk To Our Experts
BECI

Electronic Leak Detection Testing

Our Services

Electronic Leak Detection Testing

Electronic Leak Detection (ELD) testing is a category of testing that offers a non-destructive method for verifying that roofing and waterproofing membranes have been installed correctly and will perform as intended. It encompasses both high-voltage and low-voltage testing, including Electric Field Vector Mapping (EFVM).

As a specific type of Electronic Leak Detection, EFVM specifically refers to low-voltage testing on a wet surface, while the term ELD refers to a broader category that includes high- and low-voltage leak detection methods on both dry and wet surfaces, enabling the quick detection of breaches. In both types of testing, a fully intact membrane resists the current, while a compromised area allows it to pass through, creating a measurable signal that pinpoints the breach in the membrane, even if the breach is invisible to the eye.

electronic-leak-detection-testing-beci
electronic-leak-detection-testing

Features & Benefits

  • Pass/Fail Precision: ELD and EFVM confirm whether the membrane system is watertight, helping contractors, consultants, and owners verify performance prior to turnover.
  • Applicable Across Systems: Works for a range of roof and deck assemblies.
  • Low-Voltage & High-Voltage Methods: We utilize both techniques depending on site conditions, material type, project phase, and surface area to be tested.
  • Non-Destructive: Testing requires no cutting or disruption to the installed membrane.
  • Quality Assurance: Confirms installation integrity and identifies any deficiencies early, saving time and preventing costly rework.

How It Works

For accurate testing, three conditions must be met.

  1. A proper grounding medium beneath the membrane (typically a structural concrete deck, metal deck, or other conductive layer).
  2. A nonconductive waterproofing membrane that allows electrical current to be measured accurately.
  3. No electrically insulating materials between the membrane and the ground.

When these conditions are met, ELD becomes one of the most effective and reliable methods for verifying the quality of installation.

Setup

Our team sets up specialized equipment, checks for the need of a water source, and ensures the membrane assembly meets the criteria for valid testing.

Testing

We apply a low or high-voltage electrical current to detect any breach in the waterproofing layer.

Locate

Any detected breaches are mapped with precision, giving contractors clear direction for remediation.

Report

You receive a pass/fail verification report detailing the test areas’ findings and ASTM compliance, as well as recommendations for remediation of any defects found.

Learn more about ASTM D7877-14 standards for electronic leak detection at the ASTM International website.

Build with confidence from day one.

Schedule an ELD Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

We apply a high- or low-voltage electrical current across the waterproofing membrane. A fully intact membrane resists the current, while a breach allows it to pass through, giving us a measurable signal that pinpoints the leak’s exact location.

Electronic Field Vector Mapping (EFVM) specifically refers to the detection of low-voltage leaks using an electronic field. Electron Leak Detection (ELD) encompasses both high- and low-voltage leak detection methods.

Both EVFM and ELD are electronic integrity tests used to detect breaches in waterproofing membranes – such as roofs, plaza decks, planters, or below-grade waterproofing.

They rely on the principles that elevtric current follows the path of least resistance – so if the membrane is intact, it insulates; if there’s a hole, current passes through to the conductive cubstrate, allowing detection.

If the source of water intrusion is already visible or defined, ELD may not be the most efficient next step. In those cases, our forensic leak investigation services are often a better fit. We’ll confirm the cause, document the extent of the damage, and provide both a remedial scope and rough order of magnitude (ROM) so you can plan your repairs with confidence.

It’s highly precise, often identifying the leak location within a square foot, making repairs faster and more cost-effective.

No. It is non-invasive and safe for finished surfaces, unlike traditional methods that require cutting or invasive inspection.

Our team responds quickly to site calls and delivers timely reports. Our goal is to issue a formal report within 5 business days of testing, if not sooner. Each report includes not just a diagnosis, but also remedial scope recommendations and ROM (rough order of magnitude) pricing, so you know what repairs may cost.

We frequently work with hospitals, universities, government facilities, commercial buildings, and condo associations. Any building that has a membrane roofing system can potentially be tested, assuming that other conditions such as correct substrate are met. Anywhere persistent leaks demand both speed and clarity of cost.