Smoke generator for tightness testing
Smoke reveals what is hidden.
Smoke testing is the fastest and most effective technique to verify the tightness of flat roofs, waterproofing membranes, sewers, industrial fume extraction ducting and technical cavities. Certified inert smoke is injected into the system under light pressure, and the smoke that escapes at surface level pinpoints the leak or incorrect connection — with no demolition, no damage to finishes and no residue on materials or surfaces. It is the same technology used by fire brigades for evacuation drills and by utility operators for pre-commissioning of new pipework. Results are visible immediately during the test, allowing client, condominium administrator or insurance appraiser to witness firsthand the exact location and extent of the failure.
Typical applications
Tightness verification of bituminous or synthetic membranes on flat roofs and terraces, also immediately after installation as commissioning; detection of incorrect sewer connections in condominium risers, where a drain has been connected to the wrong column; inspection of cavities, technical voids and false walls for hidden rising damp paths; tightness tests on industrial fume extraction ducting (canteens, restaurants, vapour-emitting processes); tightness verification of mechanical ventilation ducts (MVHR) in new buildings.
Operating procedure
Preliminary sealing of all outlets in the system under test to ensure smoke follows only the intended path. Injection of the smoke with battery-powered portable generator. Observation of external surfaces (roof, balconies below, outlets) to identify smoke emissions. Photo and video documentation of every detected leak point. All in complete safety: the smoke used is inert, non-toxic, non-flammable and leaves no residue on materials. The procedure typically takes 1-2 hours.
When smoke testing is preferable
On large surfaces (flat roofs of buildings, condominium terraces) where thermography would generate too much noise and false positives from natural thermal differentials; when the rain event has already passed and the next one cannot be waited for to reproduce the phenomenon; when immediate and unambiguous visual evidence of tightness is needed, even in the presence of third parties (upstairs owner, condominium administrator, insurance appraiser); for the verification of new installations before final commissioning, where smoke testing allows certifying installation quality before flooring or protective coverings make the test impossible later.
Where we operate
Our operative base is in Casale Monferrato (AL). We operate throughout northern Italy — Piedmont (Turin, Alessandria, Asti, Cuneo, Vercelli, Novara), Lombardy (Milan, Bergamo, Brescia), Aosta Valley, Veneto (Venice, Verona, Padua), Liguria (Genoa, Savona, La Spezia), Emilia-Romagna (Bologna, Modena, Parma) — and on request also in France and Switzerland with agreed response times. Our logistics keep a single dedicated technical crew on site from initial survey to intervention completion, avoiding handovers between teams and ensuring continuity throughout the job.
Need an intervention or a quote?
We answer 24/7. Call us or request a free survey.
Frequently asked questions
Is the smoke harmful to people or materials?
No — we use certified inert smoke, non-toxic, leaving no residue on furniture or walls. The same technology is used by emergency services and fire brigades for evacuation drills.
Does it work in winter?
Yes, the test is weather-independent unlike thermography. Indeed on flat roofs moderate wind helps to better highlight leak points.
Can I attend the test?
Yes, it is actually recommended. Physically seeing where smoke exits eliminates any doubt on the diagnosis and speeds the subsequent intervention decision.
