On coated concrete flat or low slope roofs the tracing of a leak to its probable source is often a bit easier because the horizontal travel distance will be less and the inside leak will appear close to a crack or close to a roof drain or point of overflow if the drains are blocked.
Flat roof is leaking.
Flat roofs are vulnerable to leaks anywhere a structure rises up through the surface of the roof.
Flat roofs are known as being problematic with many suffering leaks.
Flat roof leak roofs can be a devil to locate.
Even though you may see a spot on the ceiling inside the house it doesn t mean that your flat roof leaked directly above that spot.
If you want to protect these features against leaks different tactics can be used like rain collars installation of flashing field wraps and pipe boots.
Thin pieces of material sometimes metal that have been installed to weatherproof the roof and stop water entering at angles or joint.
Locating a flat roof leak while finding a leak in a flat roof is easier than on a steep sloped shingled roof leaks can still be deceiving.
Where water enters your interior space might not be exactly where the leak is because any water that penetrates a roofing membrane can travel for some distance until it finds a seam in the sub roof or sheathing and seeps inside.
1 being located in a harsh environment 2 standing water on the roofing surface and 3 utilizing outdated roofing technology.
Damaged membrane if your flat roof is made of a single ply membrane it can be susceptible to damage due to ponding water or roof traffic.
This means that moisture can seep into the roof itself and cause problems that may lead to mold and fungus.
A compromised membrane allows water to enter the insulation causing more serious leaks.
Since water seeks the path of least resistance the leak can be.
This flashing is normally installed around pipes and at roof edges but it isn t always that durable.
The same thing can happen on sloped roofs however you can usually discount all the roof area below the area where you see the leak.
In most cases flat roofs leak around vents and plumbing stacks or at the edge of the roof.
A common cause of leaks on flat roofs is often flashing.
What causes flat roof leaks.
Just like any roof a flat roof will develop leaks but since it s flat the water doesn t have anywhere to go but straight down.
These three causes are.
There can be several reasons your flat roof leaks and each of them can strike in almost any situation.
However in my own experience the problems with leaking flat roofs are usually as a result of either poor workmanship installing the roof membrane poor maintenance by the building owner or as a result of age.
The reason is that water can enter one spot and not really express itself inside until it is far away from the leak.
While there are many different causes of leaks there are three that we have identified as the most common and most detrimental to your building s performance.
Ponding water when water remains on your roof for more than 48 hours after precipitation it can lead to damaging leaks.
