Question 1

What is the difference between moisture detection and water leak detection?

Accepted Answer

Moisture Detection is when SMT Research equipment monitors for moisture accumulation in the building enclosure - the walls, roof and foundation of the building, and there is a slow gradual build up of moisture in which over time may cause damage to the building.

Leak Detection is when SMT Research equipment monitors for water intrusion into a space, which could be the building enclosure and roof & envelope, but also could wider spread from leaks from plumbing fixtures and mechanical equipment. In most water leak cases, the water leaks over a very short period of time and the monitoring and reporting occurs in minutes.

Question 2

Can you detect mold?

Accepted Answer

No. We can detect the conditions that lead to mold growth - the temperature and moisture content levels of your building wall or roof systems.

Question 3

Can your moisture detection system be installed in existing buildings?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our equipment and monitoring system were specifically designed taking into account application to existing buildings. The system can be installed to the outside of a building enclosure wall or roof system while performing routine inspection or maintenance - without interruption to the building occupants.

Question 4

Can you support projects across Canada and USA?

Accepted Answer

Yes. SMT Research System have be installed by many General Contractors, Communication Contractors, AV, IT companies. The sensors, and hardware systems are delivered configured and ready to install into your building. In certain projects, an SMT representative will commission the entire system, and certify that all is in working order piror to sign off.

SMT Research can provide Turn-Key monitoring solutions – from design and specifications though final commissioning and long term monitoring.

Please contact us with your project details for a free quotation.

Question 5

Relative Humidity Sensors Versus Moisture Content Sensors

Accepted Answer

“Why not just use a Relative Humidity Sensor (Rh) in an assembly to get the amount of moisture?”

Short Answer: The Rh Sensor measures the relative amount of water vapour in the air around the structure, but NOT what is inside of the structural element itself, such as wood, gypsum, or concrete.

Long Answer: SMT is often required to answer questions about the practical end of monitoring for moisture in assemblies using a variety of sensor classes. Humidity, Temperature, and Moisture Content are but a few tools SMT has as its disposal.

The measurement of Rh is derived from an analysis of the amount of water vapor in the air. This vapor is a gas and is invisible. An increase in relative humidity means that subject to air flow and spatial/thermal dynamics, regional moisture is increasing. As such, when humidity rises, the presence of moisture is likewise increasing and doing so in proximity to the Rh sensor itself.

On the other hand, Moisture Content is a measurement of liquid water in a substrate or on a surface. Water content is generally expressed as a ratio from 8% - 45%.

Typical RH sensors have an upward limit of nearly 99% relative humidity. This means that once the air reaches saturation, the level in which the air can not absorb any more water, also known as the condensation threshold or dew point. When using an Rh sensor for Building Science purposes, the proper placement and use in assemblies that require careful study must be considered. Moisture Content Sensors such as the the SMT Point Moisture Measurement Sensor (PMM) or SMT Embedded Moisture Sensor (EMS) or the SMT Moisture Detection Sensor Tape (MDS) pick up monitoring beyond the 100% Rh air saturation level, and monitor when Moisture Content or Moisture Level in a substance when there is free water or fibre saturation.

The RH sensor when installed for long term monitoring in wet environments may not operate beyond a few months due to such high levels of moisture effecting the electrical sensor. The use of SMT PMM and MDS are required for monitoring structures long term when liquid forms of water are present for the life span of the structure.

Question 6

What do all these acronyms stand for?

Accepted Answer

WiDAQ: Wireless Precision Data Acquisition Node
BiG: Building Intelligence Gateway
BiSS: Building Intelligence for Sustainable Structures
BiOS: Building Intelligence Organizational Software
MC: Moisture Content
ML: Moisture Level
MDS: Moisture Detection Sensor
PMM: Point Moisture Measurement
EMS: Embedded Moisture Sensor
DMVM: Digital Multivector Mapping

Question 7

Why don't we list all of our projects and clients here on our website?

Accepted Answer

Many of our clients have requested confidentiality, and we respect that. Please contact us if you want references from the building professionals and owners that we have worked with. We'll ask our clients for permission for you to give them a call - and give you full contact information.

Question 8

What is electronic leak detection (ELD) for roofs?

Accepted Answer

Electronic Leak Detection (ELD) is a method used to identify breaches or defects in waterproofing membranes on roofs and waterproofed surfaces. By applying electrical current across the membrane, technicians can accurately locate punctures, holes, or membrane failures that may allow water to enter a building. ELD is commonly used on commercial roofs, plazas, foundations, and other waterproofing systems to verify membrane integrity.

Question 9

How does electronic leak detection work?

Accepted Answer

Electronic leak detection works by introducing an electrical charge across a waterproofing membrane. If the membrane has a breach, the electrical current will travel through the defect and identify the exact location of the leak. This allows technicians to pinpoint membrane damage without destructive testing and helps ensure the waterproofing system is functioning properly.

Question 10

What is roof leak detection?

Accepted Answer

Roof leak detection refers to technologies and inspection methods used to locate water infiltration or damage in roofing systems. These methods include electronic leak detection, infrared scanning, and automated roof monitoring systems. Leak detection helps identify problems early, reducing repair costs and preventing long-term damage to buildings.

Question 11

Why can a roof still leak after passing an ELD test?

Accepted Answer

A roof may still leak after passing an ELD test if the leak originates from components outside the membrane field itself. Traditional ELD testing often focuses only on the membrane surface and may not detect failures at drains, penetrations, parapets, flashings, or air barrier transitions. Because a roof is a complex system, leaks can occur in areas that standard testing may not fully evaluate.

Question 12

What is building envelope leak detection?

Accepted Answer

Building envelope leak detection involves identifying water infiltration in the exterior systems of a building, including roofs, walls, foundations, and waterproofing membranes. Monitoring and testing these components helps protect the structure from moisture damage, mold growth, and long-term deterioration.

Frequently asked questions