How To Detect Flat Roof Leaks

Careful inspection of the roof drainage system for blockages or drain leaks into the building see flat roof drainage.

How to detect flat roof leaks.

It s a given that in order to find a leak or two in your home water must flow over the spot where it can enter. There might also be more than one source of the leak so just because you ve found one spot that doesn t mean it s the. If you have a flat roof that leaks get up on it when it is dry and cool. Clear any debris from the roof.

To check for sure you can use these tips. If a leak is difficult to find enlist a helper and go up on the roof with a garden hose. Start low soaking the area just above where the leak appears in the house. Take a hose safely up onto your roof and spray the suspected area.

Most noticeable to the eye are leaks caused by an object for example an errant nail that s managed. Look in the attic with a flashlight for evidence like water stains trhen trace them up the roof and rafters to the entry point. For example soak the downhill side of a chimney first then each side then the top on both sides. Typically there are two layers of flashing.

The inner layer or. Go inside and have a look to see whether water is. Roof leaks on the other hand will only make their presence known when it rains or when snow on the roof begins to melt. Examine the collars around.

Look for places where tree branches may have gouged or torn the roofing material. Isolate areas when you run the hose. I always start at flashings. How to find a flat roof leak 1.

Leaks involving your plumbing are easier to detect than roof leaks since water continuously flows. Flashings are transitional roofing materials. Ridge cap flashing gaskets around pipes. Walk around the roof looking at the metal flashing.

Boots the rubber seals that are around the electric service and plumbing vent pipes air vents and exhaust fan. Steps in tracking down a flat or low slope roof leak careful visual inspection of the roof surface above for possible leak points such as any anomaly in the roof surface. If you don t have an attic or just can t find the source of the leak you can check several places for problems with moisture or damage. You want to look for trouble spots that generally are the primary source of leaks.

Many of these hard to solve leak issues have been resolved through the use of infrared scanning and technology. When a roof leaks moisture penetrates through the surface of the roof system and begins to saturate the underlayment or decking for the roof system.