The problem with finding a leak in a flat roof that sets it apart from finding one in a sloped roof is that the water can run in any direction.
How do you fix a leaking flat roof.
There are many ways you can replace your flat roof and we won t go into detail of all of them here.
If a leak is difficult to find enlist a helper and go up on the roof with a garden hose.
Go above the leaking area and search around it trying to determine how the water could flow down the roof and into the rooms below.
I took this video while i was doing a commercial repair on a building hope the tips i give you on this.
Press the membrane flaps to the cement to reseal the cut.
Locating a flat roof leak.
Below you will see several flat roof replacement options for a leaking or outdated roof.
How do you find a leak in a flat roof.
Be careful since being on the roof can be dangerous especially during icy winters.
While finding a leak in a flat roof is easier than on a steep sloped shingled roof leaks can still be deceiving.
Begin soaking low on the roof just above where the leak is visible inside the house.
Let s have a look how to find a leak in a flat roof.
Start low soaking the area just above where the leak appears in the house.
So if you ve got a flat roof with a leak then look no further.
Run water over the low side of the penetration for several minutes while the helper watches for any water droplets.
Flat roof replacement options.
For example soak the downhill side of a chimney first then each side then the top on both sides.
This will plug it and will also provide an adhesive for the flaps of the membrane to stick to.
Examine the roof s slope above the area you measured.
Peel back the layers of the membrane you cut and apply roofing cement to the leak and to the entire section of the roof underneath the membranes you cut away.
Use enough water to mimic heavy rains.
How to find and fix water leaks on any flat roof.
Isolate areas when you run the hose.
The leaking flat roof repair guide.
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.