How To Detect Flat Roof Leaks

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.

How to detect flat roof leaks.

For example soak the downhill side of a chimney first then each side then the top on both sides. Many of these hard to solve leak issues have been resolved through the use of infrared scanning and technology. How to find a flat roof leak 1. Leaks involving your plumbing are easier to detect than roof leaks since water continuously flows.

Walk around the roof looking at the metal flashing. The inner layer or. Take a hose safely up onto your roof and spray the suspected area. Look in the attic with a flashlight for evidence like water stains trhen trace them up the roof and rafters to the entry point.

Start low soaking the area just above where the leak appears in the house. If a leak is difficult to find enlist a helper and go up on the roof with a garden hose. 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. 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.

If the leak isn t obvious have a helper watch in the attic while you get on the roof with a garden hose. To check for sure you can use these tips. I always start at flashings. Flashings are transitional roofing materials.

Roof leaks on the other hand will only make their presence known when it rains or when snow on the roof begins to melt. Typically there are two layers of flashing. 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 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. Examine the collars around. 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. Ridge cap flashing gaskets around pipes.

Isolate areas when you run the hose. You want to look for trouble spots that generally are the primary source of leaks. Inspect the underside of the roof for objects that have pierced it or have been attached to it. Clear any debris from the roof.

Look for places where tree branches may have gouged or torn the roofing material. Boots the rubber seals that are around the electric service and plumbing vent pipes air vents and exhaust fan.