Water travels in a downward motion which helps provide a clue to locating sloped roof leaks but with flat roofing the water can travel in any direction.
Like all roofing leaks, locating the source of a leak on a flat roofing system can present a bit of a challenge.
Water travels in a downward motion which helps provide a clue to locating sloped roof leaks but with flat roofing the water can travel in any direction.
High-Tech Membrane Roofing Ltd, which installs unique flat roofing systems across the Basildon area and beyond, has many years of experience which can help point you in the right direction. Here are our handy tips to locate the source of your leak, but remember to call us out to get it fixed or replaced as DIY jobs are likely to result in a similar event in the future!
It is important to remember that dampness on a ceiling, a water stain or leaking water doesn’t mean the leak is directly above that spot. The only way of determining the location for certain is to get up on the roof to examine the surface on a dry day.
Observe the flat roofing surface for any signs of a leak such as a low spot surrounded by a dirt-stained ring which is evidence of pooling water.
One of the most common sources of flat roofing leaks is flashing, thin continuous pieces of sheet metal or other materials to weatherproof the roof and prevent water entering premises from an angle or joint. Flashing is typically installed around the roof transitions such as around pipes or at roof edges, so check for peeling, cracks or holes.
During periods of intense heat and over many years, the top material can bubble and develop into cracks. These crevices can also be the source of a leak.
Seams are another potential source of leaks. Check all seams carefully, especially any areas where materials overlap and examine for holes.
To confirm an area you suspect is the source of the leak, take a hose up to the roof and spray the area before returning inside to see whether water trickles inside at the spot where you first identified there was a problem. It can take many minutes for water to arrive at this area depending on where the leak originates so be patient. This can be a rather tiresome process if you do not find the right spot first time but it will eventually confirm once and for all the location of the leak.
It is important to remember that there might be more than one source of the leak which could be feeding water into one low spot underneath the roofing material. Also, any other areas of repair identified during your examination, even if they are not resulting in a leak at this stage, should be repaired sooner rather than later to ensure the problem doesn’t happen again later down the line.
Once you have located the source of the leak, it is advisable to contact a professional roofing company to assess the damage and carry out the repairs.
High-Tech Membrane Roofing Limited offers free advice, repairs to leaking flat roofs as well as the supply and installation of maintenance free PVC Single-Ply Flat Roofing Systems.
