How To Find A Rubber Roof Leak

The black surface gets super hot during summer epdm rubber roofing membrane not a lasting solution for commercial roofs.

How to find a rubber roof leak. See membrane single ply roofs. These leaks may be identified by a soft floor or a water stain on your rv s wall. Identifying the true location of roof leaks in the attic. How to patch a leaking rubber roof 1.

If you have an attic the easiest way to spot the leak is to up there on a rainy day. If the leak isn t obvious have a helper watch in the attic while you get on the roof with a garden hose. Generally a field sheet of rubber roof will not leak unless there is a hole in it and you can typically see these holes when you remove all dirt and debris off the roof. Inspect the underside of the roof for objects that have pierced it or have been attached to it.

Look in the attic with a flashlight for evidence like water stains trhen trace them up the roof and rafters to the entry point. If a leak is difficult to find enlist a helper and go up on the roof with a garden hose. Step 1 locate the leak. Pull off the old rubber roofing from the cut area.

An exterior inspection should ideally take place on the roof. Unscrew and remove the large metal washers holding down the fiberboard substrate. Roofers use a combination of visual inspection and moisture meters to scan membrane coated roofs to find the wet areas below the membrane and thus the probable leak point usually at a seam mechanical damage a roof penetration or at a roof drain. Most leaks occur in common spots low spots on the roof where water pools after rain.

You want to look for trouble spots that generally are the primary source of leaks. I always start at flashings. Water will reflect light so bring a flashlight along. It has a smooth surface and is easy to keep clean.

If you find any signs of a roof look in the interior of your rv you ll have a better idea of where to look for the leak when you head up onto the roof. An epdm rubber roof is very appealing. Therefore look for leaks in other not so visible spots. Start with a dry roof if you have a flat roof that leaks get up on it when it is dry and cool.

Start low soaking the area just above where the leak appears in the house. On a nice day have a helper tap on the mark while you re on the roof. Locate the source of the leak on the roof then use a utility knife to slice through the rubber roof around the. Begin soaking low on the roof just above where the leak is visible inside the house.

Once you locate the source of the water mark the area. Most noticeable to the eye are leaks caused by an object for example an errant nail that s managed.