How Do I Find A Leak In My Flat Roof

You want to look for trouble spots that generally are the primary source of leaks.

How do i find a leak in my flat roof.

Once you locate the source of the water mark the area. Run water from a garden hose along any potential trouble spots. So all you need to do is simply follow it up to its source. Flat roof leaks are among the most common and the most undesirable.

If you own a commercial property that has a flat roof and would like to educate yourself about the threat of roof leaks then read on. The best time to look for a leak is when the roof has been dry for at least three days and in the evening night time when after cooling down the flat roof leak hot spot will release heat that has stored underneath the hole during the day. 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. This article will discuss three of the most common causes of flat commercial roof leaks.

I always start at flashings. If you have a flat roof that leaks get up on it when it is dry and cool. If you still cannot find the leak systematically wet down the roof. Wait inside for several minutes for the water to begin to drip.

Water will reflect light so bring a flashlight along. Roofers use a combination of visual inspection and moisture meters to scan membrane coated roofs to find the wet areas below the membrane and thus the probable leak point usually at a seam mechanical damage a roof penetration or at a roof drain. Flashings are transitional roofing materials. After the underlayment or decking is saturated and can no longer absorb any additional moisture the water begins to leak into the inside of the building.

If the leak isn t obvious have a helper watch in the attic while you get on the roof with a garden hose. See membrane single ply roofs. Isolate areas when you run the hose. The goal is to find the leak before the entire roof goes bad.

If a leak is difficult to find enlist a helper and go up on the roof with a garden hose. If you have an attic the easiest way to spot the leak is to up there on a rainy day. For example soak the downhill side of a chimney first then each side then the top on both sides. With a traditional sloped roof a leak can be found quite easily as water will flow in a downward motion.

How to find a leak in a flat roof the problem with finding a leak in a flat roof that sets it apart from finding one in a sloped roof is that the water can run in any direction. Start low soaking the area just above where the leak appears in the house. Look in the attic with a flashlight for evidence like water stains trhen trace them up the roof and rafters to the entry point.