Atrium Leak Detection & Repair
Fast, effective resolution of water ingress in commercial overhead glazing. We identify the source, fix the problem and guarantee the result — with minimal disruption to your building.
Why Atrium Leaks Demand Specialist Attention
Water ingress through overhead glazing is one of the most common — and most damaging — issues affecting commercial atriums. Unlike vertical glazing leaks, overhead leaks are subject to constant hydrostatic pressure from standing water, which means they worsen rapidly if left unaddressed. Pooling water on glazing bars corrodes aluminium cappings, degrades sealant joints and can eventually compromise the structural integrity of the entire glazing system.
Many general glazing contractors attempt atrium leak repairs from below using mastic guns and generic sealants. This approach almost always fails because it treats the symptom rather than the cause. Our specialist team works directly on the overhead glazing from above, using rope access and MEWPs to reach every joint, seal and drainage channel. We identify the precise failure point using controlled water testing, thermal imaging and systematic joint inspection before carrying out a targeted, permanent repair.
Our Leak Detection Process
Every atrium leak investigation begins with a comprehensive visual inspection of the overhead glazing system from both above and below. We assess the condition of all sealant joints, gaskets, glazing bar cappings, drainage channels and flashings. Where the source of ingress is not immediately apparent, we deploy controlled water testing — systematically flooding individual sections of the glazing to isolate the exact failure point.
For complex or intermittent leaks, we use thermal imaging cameras to detect moisture trapped within the glazing system that is invisible to the naked eye. This non-invasive technique allows us to map the full extent of water penetration and identify secondary failure points that would otherwise be missed. Once the source is confirmed, we provide a detailed report with photographs, a clear diagnosis and a fully costed repair proposal.
Permanent Repair Solutions
Our repair methodology is designed to deliver permanent results, not temporary fixes. Depending on the nature and extent of the failure, our solutions include complete strip-and-reseal of affected glazing bar joints using high-performance structural silicone sealants, replacement of failed EPDM gaskets and compression seals, repair or replacement of corroded aluminium glazing bar cappings, clearance and re-grading of blocked drainage channels, and installation of additional weathering details where the original design is inadequate.
All sealants and materials are specified to withstand the UV exposure, thermal cycling and standing water conditions unique to overhead glazing applications. We do not use general-purpose construction sealants — every product is selected specifically for its performance in horizontal and low-pitch glazing environments.
What's Included
- Comprehensive leak investigation and diagnosis
- Controlled water testing to isolate failure points
- Thermal imaging for hidden moisture detection
- Full strip-and-reseal of affected joints
- Gasket and compression seal replacement
- Drainage channel clearance and re-grading
- Glazing bar capping repair or replacement
- Detailed photographic completion report
- Workmanship guarantee on all repairs
Access Methods
- IRATA rope access
- Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs)
- Bespoke scaffolding solutions
Shopping Centre Atrium — Emergency Leak Resolution
The Challenge
Persistent water ingress through a 1,200m² barrel-vault atrium roof was causing damage to retail units below. Previous repair attempts by other contractors had failed to resolve the issue.
The Result
Our team identified 34 individual failure points across glazing bar joints and drainage channels using systematic water testing. All joints were stripped, cleaned and resealed with structural silicone. Drainage channels were cleared and re-graded. The atrium has been fully weathertight for over 3 years since completion.
Frequently Asked Questions
We offer emergency response for active leaks causing damage to building interiors. In most cases we can have a surveyor on site within 24-48 hours to carry out an initial assessment and implement temporary protection measures while a permanent repair is planned.
The most common reason is that the repair was carried out from below rather than above, or that a general-purpose sealant was used rather than a product specified for overhead glazing. Many contractors also treat the visible symptom without investigating the root cause — for example, resealing a joint that is leaking because a blocked drainage channel is causing water to back up behind it.
Yes. The majority of our leak repair projects are carried out in live, occupied buildings. We use rope access and MEWPs to work from above the glazing, which means there is minimal disruption to building users below. Where internal access is required for inspection, we schedule works out-of-hours.
All our leak repairs are fully guaranteed, and we offer insurance-backed guarantees (IBGs) on larger projects. We are confident in the permanence of our repairs because we always identify and address the root cause rather than applying surface-level fixes.
Costs depend on the extent of the leak, the size of the affected area and the access requirements. Minor seal repairs may start from a few hundred pounds, while comprehensive strip-and-reseal projects for large atriums can run into tens of thousands. We provide free site surveys and fully detailed quotations with no obligation.
Request Your Free
Site Survey
Tell us about your leak repair requirements and we will arrange a free site survey at your convenience.
Our Other Services
Explore our full range of specialist atrium glazing services.