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.

Look for places where tree branches may have gouged or torn the roofing material. 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. Begin soaking low on the roof just above where the leak is visible inside the house. Ridge cap flashing gaskets around pipes.

Leaks involving your plumbing are easier to detect than roof leaks since water continuously flows. Clear any debris from the roof. 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. Look in the attic with a flashlight for evidence like water stains trhen trace them up the roof and rafters to the entry point.

Go inside and have a look to see whether water is. How to find a flat roof leak 1. Isolate areas when you run the hose. Typically there are two layers of 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. For example soak the downhill side of a chimney first then each side then the top on both sides. Roof leaks on the other hand will only make their presence known when it rains or when snow on the roof begins to melt. The inner layer or.

Boots the rubber seals that are around the electric service and plumbing vent pipes air vents and exhaust fan. If you have a flat roof that leaks get up on it when it is dry and cool. Most noticeable to the eye are leaks caused by an object for example an errant nail that s managed. I always start at flashings.

Take a hose safely up onto your roof and spray the suspected area. Start low soaking the area just above where the leak appears in the house. Many of these hard to solve leak issues have been resolved through the use of infrared scanning and technology. Flashings are transitional roofing materials.

Examine the collars around. If a leak is difficult to find enlist a helper and go up on the roof with a garden hose. Inspect the underside of the roof for objects that have pierced it or have been attached to it. You want to look for trouble spots that generally are the primary source of leaks.

To check for sure you can use these tips. 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.