Popular Methods Implemented in Commercial Property Flat Roof Leak Detection

The process of identifying a leaky roof is especially difficult for flat roofs, because the initial leak site does not always show itself early on. However, using some fail safe detection methods like electronic testing and flood testing, professionals in roof surveys can find the issue at hand.

Since businesses and commercial institutions have to keep their daily business going, they cannot afford a lot of downtime. It is best to go for some of the tried and tested methods of investigating roof leaks that are mentioned below.

Flood Testing 

In the event that the wet test process is not an option, flood testing is the go to method for it utilises large amounts of water to notice the effect of its pressure on the flat roof as a means for detection. Experts of flat roof leak detection in UK advise that it is best to ensure that the drainage system handle the excess water.

Electronic Testing 

 Earth leak detection is a process that tests the waterproofing solidarity of the flat roof as a whole to detect the origin of the problem. Since a majority of the casing is insulated, this aspect can be used to depend on the fact that water is a good conductor of electricity. Also called the wet test method, it identifies the root cause of the leak easily.

Even before your business or institution calls a roof repair company, it is vital that you have leak detection specialists in UK investigate the problem and suggest the best course of action.

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What is Flood Testing?

Although flood testing isn’t a common leak detection practice followed today, it continues to remain effective when electronic testing is impractical or in areas that are continually submerged in water (swimming pools, water fountains, etc.) Sometimes, it is necessary to ensure that a structure can withstand substantial water leakage.

What is flood testing?

The area to be tested is completely filled with water without allowing a chance to escape either through the drain or other source. The water is filled to a minimum depth of 1” and a maximum depth of 4” and poured at a pressure that does not damage the waterproofing membrane. The space below the test area is then checked to look for signs of water leakage within regular intervals. If leakage occurs, water is immediately drained and recommendations are made. The test area should be re-tested after repairs are undertaken to ensure that waterproofing is complete. Tests are conducted within a 24-72 hour time range with regular inspection intervals. Also, tests are not conducted when rain is expected within the test period.

Precautions before flood testing:

Improper test practices have given this method a bad rap. When undertaken by a professional and competent roof leak detection company after ensuring proper precautions, flood testing is very effective. The building leak detection team at UK always ensures that the roof is strong enough to take weight and the drainage system can take the pressure when water is released.

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Common Flat Roof Leakage Issues

Commercial buildings with flat roofs are susceptible to leakage issues and hence need regular leakage inspection. Some of the common issues flat roof problems include:

1. Ponding/Standing Water:
Water that stands on a roof without draining away is always a problem and a major source for leakage. The water collected may seep into the ceiling causing leaks. A slight slope towards the drainpipe can help to solve the problem. Drains should be cleaned regularly to prevent blockage. Ponding water can also damage the waterproofing membrane within the roof.

2. Improper and Hasty Repairs:
Undertaking repairs without properly examining the source of the problem can cause several issues. Professional leak detection companies in the UK and Ireland often use sophisticated techniques like infrared thermography and earth leak detection to determine the exact source and cause of the problem. Similarly using improper materials can cause more harm than good.

3. Blistering:
Water trapped between the roof surface can cause the membrane to detach, thereby causing leakage issues. The problem is typically worse during the day when the heat from the sun causes the moisture within to expand.

4. Improper Care and Lack of Maintenance:
Flat roofs should be subjected to regular inspection to prevent repairs. While it makes sense to enlist the services of a professional leak detection company, you can also conduct a visual inspection from time to time. Simple signs like ponding water, blistering can effectively point towards a potential leak.

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What is Electronic Leak Detection?

Electronic leak detection is a simple but effective method used by professional leakage detection companies in the UK. The method is often hyped up by companies to justify unusually high consultation fees.

What is Electronic Leak Detection?

Electronic leak detection or earth leak detection are a series of procedures used to detect leaks. They’re ideal for all commercial establishments especially rail-road tracks, parking lots, etc. One method is the low voltage test for waterproofing membranes and is used by architects and construction companies. An electrically charged brush is used to pinpoint even the smallest hole on surfaces to report penetrations. When the equipment that is brushed through the surface comes in contact with a penetration source, an audible tone along with a spark is emitted. This is then used by the specialist to detect a hole.

What are the uses of Earth Leak Detection?

ELD or electronic leak detection is better than other techniques as they’re cost and time efficient. The source of leaks are precisely identified, hence repairs are precise. Tests can be conducted without interrupting day to day operations of a company or without damage to the property. Rather than guessing about potential problems, specialists can submit exact evidence of a problem. ELDs have helped a lot in issues where roofs were suspected to be the source of a problem, but the actual problem turned to be somewhere else. This has saved companies thousands of pounds in roof repair and replacement. Electronic Leak Detection is recognized in the UK as a standard method for leak detection. It is also included as a standard within the National Building Specifications to detect water leakage.

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Three Reasons Why Your Business Needs a Professional Leak Detection Specialist

Identifying the exact place and source of a leak is the most difficult aspect of fixing leaks. More often than not these leaks remain hidden until they begin to permeate through the ceilings. When left undetected such leaks may need extensive and costly repairs. Here’s why you should choose professional leak detection specialists like us to protect your factories, offices and other commercial establishments:

The Stakes Are High:

Seemingly minor leaks can cause substantial losses by way of damage to stock or machinery. They can disrupt day to day operations and affect the morale of your workforce. There are strict regulations in place to ensure that commercial roofs are safe and leak proof; violating these rules can attract severe penalty.

Professional Building Leak Detection Companies Think Beyond Visual Clues:

Looking for visual clues does not help always especially when the problem is still in its nascent stage. Professional leak detection specialists in UK are equipped with sophisticated equipments like thermal imagers and techniques like electronic testing, moisture path analysis, and ultrasound testing to detect issues even before they manifest into a problem.

Holistic Approach:

A professional water leak detection company like Thornton UK doesn’t simply look for leaks; they analyse the problem and suggest ways to resolve these issues. Every inspection report produced by the company includes a detailed explanation of facts and issues pertinent to the leak. This includes detecting leaks from all sources including pipework, roofs, drainage, and hydrant systems.

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Advantages of Using Infra-Red Thermography for Roof Leak Detection

One of the most effective techniques for detecting roof leaks is the use of infra-red imaging. The use of this roof investigation technique has been supported by advancements in technology and has clearly grown into an indispensable tool for roof repair consultants. Listed here are some of the key benefits that can be availed by using this technique:

Infra-red Cameras for Detecting Roof Leaks Consume Very Little Time

Roof repair consultants believe that the inception of this technique has revolutionized the roofing industry by considerably reducing the time required to detect the leaks in the roof. This has in turn allowed the business to stay more focussed and acquire more number of clients.

Helps Diagnose Leaks Perfectly Which Are Otherwise Invisible To the Naked Eye

Roofers do not have to remove the ceiling in order to locate the intrusion points in the affected area. Infra-red cameras can be used to perfectly locate leaks without the destruction of the good parts of the roof.

Infra-Red Techniques Are Cost Effective

Leak detection specialists who employ this technique, save more money by obtaining a clear map of the issues without much work. Roofers and home owners using this technique can save a substantial amount of money by keeping the good roof intact.

Helps Keeping the Environment Cleaner

A roof replacement is expensive, time consuming and also leaves behind heaps of good roofing to the landfills. Using the infra-red technique leak detection specialists in UK alleviate this problem and pave way for smarter work.

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Tips to Handle Basement Leaks

Basement leaks are a common problem in many households. When left unattended they can cause health hazards and damage the floors and the walls of your basement. Professional intervention is recommended to ensure that the leak has been successfully fixed. Here are a few tips that help you tackle the situation of waking up to a flooded basement on a fine morning.

Stay Away From the Water Filled Basement

If you find your basement flooded with water, it is best not to rush into your basement to retrieve your belongings. Instead switch off the main fuse box to eliminate the chances for a shock due to electric wires immersed in the water.

Clear out the Basement

Take help from friends and clear out the basement of all its contents once the standing water recedes. Ensure you collect all valuables safely and dry out all electronic and electrical appliances immediately. This allows better circulation of air within the basement thus paving way for the place to dry out faster. Open all windows and place fans inside the basement to speed up the drying out process.

Remove Carpeting Immediately

If your basement was covered by a carpet, make sure you remove it immediately. Carpets absorb water and retain them for longer periods. Basements flooded with dirty water results in total damage of the carpeting.

Seek Professional Help

Call for basement leak detection specialist in UK to help you find a permanent solution for the problem. Discuss with them about the possible places of leaks and take their guidance to avoid such fiascos in the future.

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