How to Detect a Leak on a Flat Roof

Use certain indications to detect a leak on a flat roof.

The ease of construction and cost efficiency of flat roofs is appealing to some homeowners. Since flat roofs entail less material to construct, they are structurally lighter than sloped roofs. However, flat roofs are prone to leakage from rain and snow accumulation. Since flat roofs allow water to flow any direction from existing leaks, the leaks may take awhile to detect. To successfully detect flat roof leaks, you must inspect certain areas of the roof for specific indications.

Things You'll Need

• Slip-resistant shoes
• Sturdy ladder
• Garden hose

Instructions

1. Put on slip-resistant shoes to prevent slipping off the ladder or roof. Use a sturdy ladder to access the flat roof.

2. Inspect the flashing around the edge of the roof for cracks, openings and seam damages. Check all of the other flashing materials around chimneys, plumbing stacks and skylights for cracks.

3. Check for accumulated water in low areas of the roof. Search for rings of dirt, if there is no standing water on the roof. Inspect these rings of dirt for tiny holes and splits in the roof.

4. Analyze the seams in the roofing material. Look for cracks, holes and raised edges of the seams.

5. Test for low areas of the roof, using water from garden hose. Work backwards away from center drains and allow the water to flow slowly. Turn off the water once it starts leaking inside the home.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not attempt to access the roof during rainy, snowy, icy, windy or harsh weather condition; you could slip off the roof.

References

• Ask The Builder: Locating Flat Roof Leaks
• Online Tips: Flat Roof Materials