Commercial roofing systems are particularly susceptible to moisture damage, which is why any leak should be plugged immediately. The new roofing construction experts at Carney Roofing elaborate further on the leak detection process below.
An Overview of the Leak Analysis Process
If you notice a leak or any sign of moisture in your building, have a local contractor conduct an inspection right away. Given that water follows the path of least resistance, the part of the building where water is dripping it is unlikely to be the source of the leak. Listed below is an overview of the typical roof leak call:
- Inspecting the deck – The contractor will measure the leak and locate the possible entry point of water on the roof. For flat roofs with open steel decking, the contractor will check the direction of the high and low flutes, the folds on steel decking that help divert water away, and see if water has accumulated inside low flutes. This extra step is usually needed for flat roofs with steel decking but not for those with wood, tectum, concrete, and gypsum decks. That’s because the aforementioned types of decks wouldn’t normally allow water to travel far into the interior if it manages to infiltrate the underlayers.
- Checking the common entry points – Afterward, the contractor will inspect the usual problem areas, such as curbs, pipes, drains, and seams. A contractor will only inspect the actual roof membrane after ruling out the aforementioned entry points.
- Removing materials for further inspection – If your contractor suspects there’s damage hiding underneath, your contractor might need to remove some roofing components for further inspections or single ply roofing repair.
Challenges to Early Leak Detection
However, several factors, such as worn roof membranes and years of accumulated dirt, can complicate the inspection process, which is why it’s best to hire an experienced contractor for flat roof inspections. If the source of the leak still can’t be found, a contractor will need to make an educated guess after considering the factors involved. Making such an evaluation takes a certain level of expertise that can only be acquired after years in the industry.
Carney Roofing Company, a contractor with more than 50 years’ worth of experience, offers a wide range of professional commercial roofing services. To get a free estimate on your EPDM roofing cost, you can call us at (936) 307-0900 or leave us a message here. We serve homeowners in Tyler, TX, as well as the surrounding communities.
