The IntegriScan is a portable, low-voltage electronic leak detection (ELD) quality control test that identifies gaps in roofing or waterproofing. This method is also interpretive and provides relative readings that the technician must decipher to determine moisture content. The test works by emitting a stream of neutrons, which collide with hydrogen atoms and bounce off the meter. When neutrons return to the meter, the speed at which they did so is recorded and a digital readout is provided to indicate the possible moisture content at each point of the ceiling grid.
Areas of suspected moisture content are then visually inspected to determine if there is a leak and where exactly it originates. A flood test is a simple but effective way to check if the membrane is intact and has any defects. Once the outlets have been blocked and the roof has been filled with a limited amount of water, it is simply a matter of waiting to see if a leak occurs underneath. Some of the gaps were large enough to be visually observed without ELD, while others were much smaller (about the size of a pencil tip) and required the use of ELD for detection.
There should be an alternative way to get the water out of the roof and help remove the water once the leak starts. During the tests, the consultant detected an excessive number of pinhole gaps in the installation of the membrane on vertical surfaces. The internal scan, which is electrically protected by the external scan, will detect a leakage current when the unit is directly over the membrane defect. PermaScan electronic leak detection and moisture monitoring systems are specifically designed to minimize disruption to both membrane assembly and overload, and to ensure the longest possible life of the waterproof membrane.
A conductive bristle broom or brush that emits a high-voltage current (albeit very low amperage or milliamperes) passes through the entire roof membrane, and wet building materials below the surface (a clear signal of a leak) will complete the circuit and alert the technician. As the name suggests, flood tests are usually done by flooding a waterproofed roof surface with two or more inches of water and leaving it for a maximum of 48 hours. Standard Practice D8231 provides specific procedures for using a low-voltage electronic scanning system to detect and locate gaps in roofing and waterproofing membranes. A leakage current will flow from the ground connection through the gap location, and return to the receiver through the wetted sensor.
For building owners, it's easy for roofs to get out of sight, out of mind, especially with so many other daily business activities that usurp their full attention. Conventional roof assemblies require a conductive medium directly under the membrane for a valid test. The first low-voltage electronic leak detection (ELD) test method for waterproof membranes was developed in Europe in the early 80s. We offer leak research, condition studies, roof corrosion treatment, repairs and ongoing roof maintenance plans for commercial or retail buildings and warehouses.
Similar to the scenario described above, the portable perimeter loop is energized and the probes are used to detect discontinuities in the membrane.
