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Leak.ca Strata

FAQ

Strata leak detection — FAQ

Common questions from BC strata council members, property managers, REIBC licensees, and multi-unit building owners. Don't see your question? Call us at 604-239-9934.

  • Serving all of BCSince 1999
  • Licensed & insuredWorkSafeBC
  • Free phone consultNo pressure
  • 25+ yearsFamily-operated
  • 10,000+ propertiesInspected
Will leak detection damage my property?
No. We use non-invasive technology like thermal imaging, acoustic sensors, and ground-penetrating radar. No drilling, cutting, or demolition required in most cases.
Does insurance cover leak detection?
Many policies cover detection costs when water damage is present. We provide detailed reports for your insurance claim documentation.
How quickly can you respond?
Same-day response is often available for urgent situations. Regular appointments are typically scheduled within 24–48 hours.
What if you don't find a leak?
You receive a comprehensive report confirming no active leaks were detected. This documentation is valuable for insurance, property sales, or peace of mind.
Will you work directly with our property manager?
Yes. Property managers are our most frequent point of contact. We integrate into your workflow — single point of contact, simple invoicing, and reports formatted for council distribution and AGM packages.
Do you serve self-managed strata corporations?
Absolutely. Smaller self-managed strata councils make up a large portion of our work. We explain findings in plain language and write reports volunteer councils can rely on.
Can your reports be used in our depreciation report?
Yes. We work with all major BC depreciation report providers (Normac, RDH, RJC, Morrison Hershfield, and others) — supplying leak-history and current building-condition data for the 10-year and 5-year updates required under the Strata Property Act.
Are your reports accepted by BC strata insurers?
Yes — by every major one. Our reports are accepted by BFL, Wawanesa, Aviva, Intact, Co-operators, Northbridge, and the rest. We tailor depth and format to match what each adjuster expects.
Who pays for the leak detection — the strata or the unit owner?
It depends on where the leak is. If it's common property, the strata is generally responsible; if it's inside a unit (e.g. failed appliance hose), it's typically the owner. Our scope of work and reports are written to make that distinction clearly — protecting the strata's recovery position either way.
Can you support a subrogation claim against the at-fault party?
Yes. We deliver evidence packages designed for subrogation — chain-of-custody documentation, equipment manifests, moisture maps, thermal imagery, and findings narratives that hold up against opposing experts.
Do you offer annual leak survey programs?
Yes — and they're our most cost-effective service. Annual preventive surveys catch developing leaks before they become claims. Most stratas that run an annual program see their deductible hold steady (or drop) at renewal.
Can you locate leaks in parkades and podium decks without excavation?
Yes. Ground-penetrating radar combined with acoustic correlation locates membrane failures and underground leaks before any excavation — typically saving 70–90% of the exploratory cost.
Do you do high-rise façade investigations?
Yes. Façade investigations are usually a hybrid: drone-based aerial thermal imaging (via our drone.leak.ca team) plus interior moisture mapping. We can deliver both in a single contract.
How quickly can you respond to an active leak?
Same-day response is often available for active loss situations. Regular non-emergency surveys are typically scheduled within 24–72 hours depending on building access and tenant coordination.
Do you work with the Condominium Home Owners' Association (CHOA)?
Yes. We're familiar with CHOA's resources and educational materials, and we present occasionally at CHOA strata council education events.
Can you provide a budget estimate before we engage you?
Yes. A short phone consult with the council or PM is usually enough to give a tight estimate. Free, no obligation — and we'll tell you if a site visit isn't warranted.

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