Standard Guide for Electronic Methods for Detecting and Locating Leaks in Roofing and Waterproofing Membranes

Abstract

4.1 The failure to correct membrane defects during and as soon as possible after its installation can cause premature failure of the membrane. Problems include design deficiencies, faulty application of the membrane system, and damage by subsequent trades.4 Roof designs incorporating a waterproof membrane under overburden such as a vegetative roof, insulation layer, wear-course, or topping slab greatly exacerbate the problem of leak locating. 4.2 This guide describes methods for using electric conductance testing to locate breaches in roofing and waterproofing membranes.5 The methods described include testing procedures designed to provide a part of the construction quality control of membrane installations. 4.3 The methods described in this guide may also be used for integrity or forensic testing of existing roofing and waterproofing membranes; specific limitations apply. 4.4 The electric conductance methods described in this guide require a conductive substrate under the membrane to serve as a ground return path for the test currents. In roof assemblies where the membrane is installed over electric insulating material such as insulating foam or a protection board, or both, the electric path to any conductive deck is interrupted. The situation can be remedied by placing a conductive material directly under the membrane. The conductive material provides the return path for the test currents.