Flat roofing services
Electronic Leak Detection & Roof Integrity Testing
Electronic leak detection finds the exact point a flat roof is failing, without guesswork and without lifting a sound covering. We test the membrane electronically to locate breaches to within centimetres, then provide a full written report with every fault marked and photographed. It is the difference between knowing where the problem is and hoping you have found it.
What is electronic leak detection?
Electronic leak detection, or ELD, uses a small electrical current to find breaches in a waterproof membrane. Because water conducts electricity, even a pinhole or a hairline split shows up as a path where current escapes through the membrane to the deck below. The equipment traces that path straight to the fault.
It is precise, non-destructive and fast. Instead of stripping back a roof or chasing a damp patch on the ceiling, we test the surface and pinpoint the breach to within centimetres, so any repair is targeted and a sound roof is left untouched.
Low-voltage and high-voltage testing
We use the right method for the roof. Low-voltage, or wet, testing traces a current across a wetted surface to a breach, and is ideal for membranes that are covered, including roofs under ballast, paving, green roof build-ups or insulation. High-voltage, or dry, spark testing runs an electrode across an exposed membrane and sparks at any pinhole or breach, ideal for newly laid roofs and detailing.
Both methods find faults that are invisible to the eye and impossible to locate reliably by looking. On a roof that is covered or overlaid, electronic testing is often the only way to find a leak without lifting the whole finish, which saves a great deal of time, cost and disruption.
Integrity testing for new and overlaid roofs
Electronic testing is not only for tracing leaks. It is the best form of quality assurance on a new installation. We test a finished roof before handover, or before a green roof, paving or ballast goes on top, to confirm the waterproofing is sound while it is still easy and cheap to put right.
For warranties, building handovers and high-value roofs, an integrity test and report give the client, the architect and the insurer documented proof that the roof was watertight on completion. It is reassurance that lasts long after we leave site.
Why choose us
What you get with Sureseal
Pinpoint accuracy
We locate breaches to within centimetres, so repairs are targeted instead of guessed at.
Non-destructive
We test the surface electronically without lifting or damaging a sound roof.
Works on covered roofs
We find leaks under ballast, paving, green roofs and insulation, where you cannot simply look.
Full written report
Every fault photographed and mapped, with clear recommendations you can act on.
Systems & materials
What we install and use
Low-voltage (wet) testing
Traces a current across a wetted surface to locate breaches, ideal for ballasted, paved, green or insulated roofs.
High-voltage (dry) spark testing
An electrode sweeps an exposed membrane and sparks at pinholes and breaches, ideal for new roofs and detailing.
Breach location & marking
Faults are located to within centimetres and marked on the roof, so any repair is precise and minimal.
Full written report
Every fault photographed and located, with a clear summary and recommendations, for your records, warranty or insurer.
Our process
What to expect
- 1
Brief & access
We confirm the roof type, the finish and the access, and choose the right testing method.
- 2
Electronic test
We test the membrane with low or high-voltage equipment to locate every breach.
- 3
Mark & record
Each fault is marked on the roof and photographed with its location recorded.
- 4
Full report
You receive a clear written report with findings, photographs and recommendations.
- 5
Targeted repair
Where you want it, we carry out the precise repair the test has pinpointed.
Frequently asked questions
What is electronic leak detection?
It is a non-destructive way of finding breaches in a roof membrane using a small electrical current. Water conducts electricity, so a leak shows up as a path where current escapes through the membrane, which the equipment traces to the exact spot.
Can you find a leak under a green roof, paving or ballast?
Yes. Low-voltage testing is designed for covered roofs, so we can locate a breach beneath ballast, paving, a green roof or insulation without lifting the whole finish.
Do you test new roofs, not just leaking ones?
Yes. Integrity testing on a finished roof, before handover or before a green roof or paving goes on, is the best quality assurance there is. It confirms the waterproofing is sound while it is still easy to correct.
How accurate is it?
Electronic testing pinpoints breaches to within centimetres, which means any repair is small and precise rather than exploratory.
Do I get a report?
Yes. You receive a full written report with every fault photographed and located, plus a clear summary and recommendations, suitable for your records, warranty or insurer.
Will the test damage my roof?
No. Electronic leak detection is non-destructive. We test the surface without cutting or lifting a sound roof.
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