Leak detection using flood testing.
Roof flood test.
Testing is performed for a minimum of 24 hours and maximum of 72 hours when rainfall is not forecasted to occur.
This astm testing procedure utilizes a calibrated spray rack with specific water pressures nozzles and distances to wet a wall with water at the rate of five gallons per square foot per hour.
It is commonly referenced as the standard for flood testing roof systems.
Some designers and consultants specify that a flood test of the roof be carried out as a means of assuring that the roof has been properly built.
Typically a roofing contractor will have a technician on the roof performing the water test itself and also a technician on the inside of the building to radio in when the water starts showing up as a leak.
Swimming pools fountains etc or a significant amount of water flow e g.
Manufacturers should specify a minimum time period for materials to cure prior to performing flood test however no testing should be performed during the first 24 h following installation of system materials 48 h min if materials are installed at a time when ambient temperatures are below 10 c 50 f.
Some times it can take 30 minutes to an hour of keeping the water on the roof to ensure that it is or is not leaking.
We have developed a system of creating flexible dams to improve the speed of preparatory works for instigating the flood test.
Water height is maintained so as not to exceed a minimum level of 2 inches below the edge of flashings.
Test area is flooded with water to achieve a minimum cover of 1 inch but not exceed a maximum depth of 4 inches at the lowest point.
Upon completion of a roof installation many owners wish to verify the integrity of construction prior to taking possession.
If you contemplate flooding your roof please check with your structural engineer.
The practice of flood testing tile and stone installations which will be subjected to continuous submersion e g.
A membrane integrity test conducted by temporarily plugging or otherwise closing any drains and erecting temporary dams where required to retain water on the surface of a waterproofing membrane and then flooding the surface to a maximum depth of 2 inches at the high point.
Flood testing to detect leaks and verify the quality of newly installed assemblies has a long history in the roofing industry.
20psf corresponds to just under 4 inches of water.
The crca national technical committee does not support this practice believing that flood testing is not a reliable quality assurance method and that the risks associated with flood testing.
In many parts of the country roof design live loads are 20 psf which for large tributary areas can be reduced to 12 psf.
Astm d5957 standard guide for flood testing horizontal waterproofing installations is a guide for conducting flood testing of horizontal surfaces with slopes no greater than 1 4 in.
This has largely been superseded by electronic testing as a means of establishing the waterproofing integrity of a roof or other installation.
Flood testing is the oldest simplest and basic method of testing a roofs integrity.
It is possible you will have to pick him up off of the floor.
Showers is a critical step to ensuring that no damage is done to a structure due to water leakage.
It can still be useful however where finishes are in place and electronic testing is impractical.
