How To Detect Flat Roof Leaks

Many of these hard to solve leak issues have been resolved through the use of infrared scanning and technology.

How to detect flat roof leaks.

Take a hose safely up onto your roof and spray the suspected area. Roof leaks on the other hand will only make their presence known when it rains or when snow on the roof begins to melt. For example soak the downhill side of a chimney first then each side then the top on both sides. 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. Most noticeable to the eye are leaks caused by an object for example an errant nail that s managed. 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. To check for sure you can use these tips.

If the leak isn t obvious have a helper watch in the attic while you get on the roof with a garden hose. Go inside and have a look to see whether water is. The inner layer or. Look for places where tree branches may have gouged or torn the roofing material.

Ridge cap flashing gaskets around pipes. You want to look for trouble spots that generally are the primary source of leaks. Typically there are two layers of flashing. Walk around the roof looking at the metal flashing.

Flashings are transitional roofing materials. If a leak is difficult to find enlist a helper and go up on the roof with a garden hose. 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. Careful inspection of the roof drainage system for blockages or drain leaks into the building see flat roof drainage.

Clear any debris from the roof. I always start at flashings. Inspect the underside of the roof for objects that have pierced it or have been attached to it. 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.

Look in the attic with a flashlight for evidence like water stains trhen trace them up the roof and rafters to the entry point. If you have a flat roof that leaks get up on it when it is dry and cool. 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. Isolate areas when you run the hose.

Examine the collars around. How to find a flat roof leak 1.