How To Detect Flat Roof Leaks

Look for places where tree branches may have gouged or torn the roofing material.

How to detect flat roof leaks.

Isolate areas when you run the hose. If the leak isn t obvious have a helper watch in the attic while you get 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. How to find a flat roof leak 1.

Most noticeable to the eye are leaks caused by an object for example an errant nail that s managed. If you have a flat roof that leaks get up on it when it is dry and cool. I always start at flashings. Careful inspection of the roof drainage system for blockages or drain leaks into the building see flat roof drainage.

Ridge cap flashing gaskets around pipes. Flashings are transitional roofing materials. Many of these hard to solve leak issues have been resolved through the use of infrared scanning and technology. 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.

Begin soaking low on the roof just above where the leak is visible inside the house. Take a hose safely up onto your roof and spray the suspected area. Clear any debris from the roof. 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.

If a leak is difficult to find enlist a helper and go up on the roof with a garden hose. 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. Typically there are two layers of flashing.

For example soak the downhill side of a chimney first then each side then the top on both sides. Inspect the underside of the roof for objects that have pierced it or have been attached to it. Go inside and have a look to see whether water is. You want to look for trouble spots that generally are the primary source of leaks.

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. To check for sure you can use these tips. 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.

The inner layer or. Examine the collars around.