How To Detect Flat Roof Leaks

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.

How to detect flat roof leaks.

If the leak isn t obvious have a helper watch in the attic while you get on the roof with a garden hose. 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. Most noticeable to the eye are leaks caused by an object for example an errant nail that s managed.

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. 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 find a flat roof leak 1.

You want to look for trouble spots that generally are the primary source of leaks. I always start at flashings. If a leak is difficult to find enlist a helper and go up on the roof with a garden hose. Careful inspection of the roof drainage system for blockages or drain leaks into the building see flat roof drainage.

For example soak the downhill side of a chimney first then each side then the top on both sides. 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. Boots the rubber seals that are around the electric service and plumbing vent pipes air vents and exhaust fan. Typically there are two layers of flashing.

The inner layer or. Clear any debris from the roof. If you have a flat roof that leaks get up on it when it is dry and cool. Walk around the roof looking at the metal flashing.

Look for places where tree branches may have gouged or torn the roofing material. Inspect the underside of the roof for objects that have pierced it or have been attached to it. Look in the attic with a flashlight for evidence like water stains trhen trace them up the roof and rafters to the entry point. Isolate areas when you run the hose.

Start low soaking the area just above where the leak appears in the house. Go inside and have a look to see whether water is. Leaks involving your plumbing are easier to detect than roof leaks since water continuously flows. 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.

Examine the collars around. Flashings are transitional roofing materials.