Metal Roof Leak Detection

The valley flashing laid over the joint where the two roofs meet should overlap the step flashing at least 2 in.

Metal roof leak detection.

Superior electronic leak detection testing for vertical horizontal waterproofing roofing membranes including black epdm. Then reshingle sliding metal step flashing behind the fascia board the trim behind the gutter. Strong winds can separate the overlapping edges of the panels and allow the. So you know why your roof can start leaking so now you need to be able to find a leak in a metal roof and quickly.

On a lower slope metal roof like a 4 1 pitch typically found on large commercial warehouses leaks form along seams and gaps. If leaks continue to occur from ice dams consider installing roof edge heating cables. Roof leaks that occur on metal roofs in places other than a transition termination or roof penetration are almost always found in the body of the roof in other words in the metal roofing panel itself. Debris and possible rusting cause metal roofs to weaken and contract for stronger variants.

A high quality watertight roof tape with 30 mil thickness can be easily installed with one worker holding the edge of a 50 foot roll of 4 or 6 inch tape and another worker walking the roll along the seam or gap. There are times where locating a leak source and correcting the problem is a process of elimination. Punctured holes are the first sign of leaking roofs. When installed properly metal roofing screws will seal out the water by compressing a rubber washer down at the base of the screw head.

Metal roofing screws. Ridge cap flashing gaskets around pipes. Boots the rubber seals that are around the electric service and plumbing vent pipes air vents and exhaust fan. The individual panels are attached to wood or metal trusses with steel nails or screws that can rust and cause leaks.

Leaks in the body of the roof. Utilizing infrared scanning as a tool to locate a hard to solve roof leak may assist a homeowner or professional contractor in resolving a difficult leak condition. The integriscan is a low voltage quality control test that pinpoints breaches in roofing or waterproofing assemblies. This should cover the most leak prone areas.

Check the seam transition points. 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. More often than not if you have a leak in your metal roof a metal roofing screw is the culprit. Take note of rust holes and some panels that have slid down due to the expansion and contraction.

These are leaks that can usually be found by doing a visual inspection of roofing material and are a great place to start your inspection evaluation. How to find a leak in a metal roof. Leak investigation is not an exact science.