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.

I always start at flashings. Typically there are two layers of flashing. Start low soaking the area just above where the leak appears in the house. Begin soaking low on the roof just above where the leak is visible inside the house.

Look for places where tree branches may have gouged or torn the roofing material. Clear any debris from the roof. 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. Take a hose safely up onto your roof and spray the suspected area.

Flashings are transitional roofing materials. Look in the attic with a flashlight for evidence like water stains trhen trace them up the roof and rafters to the entry point. Examine the collars around. Walk around the roof looking at the metal flashing.

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. Many of these hard to solve leak issues have been resolved through the use of infrared scanning and technology. Isolate areas when you run the hose. 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.

Inspect the underside of the roof for objects that have pierced it or have been attached to it. Boots the rubber seals that are around the electric service and plumbing vent pipes air vents and exhaust fan. Go inside and have a look to see whether water is. To check for sure you can use these tips.

Leaks involving your plumbing are easier to detect than roof leaks since water continuously flows. If a leak is difficult to find enlist a helper and go up on the roof with a garden hose. How to find a flat roof leak 1. If you have a flat roof that leaks get up on it when it is dry and cool.

The inner layer or. For example soak the downhill side of a chimney first then each side then the top on both sides. Ridge cap flashing gaskets around pipes. Roof leaks on the other hand will only make their presence known when it rains or when snow on the roof begins to melt.

You want to look for trouble spots that generally are the primary source of leaks. 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.