Wet roof decks are a serious issue — and they can’t be overlooked! Simply recovering a wet roof deck won’t resolve the problem and can actually lead to more severe issues, like roof blistering, which typically won’t be covered under warranty. Don’t worry, CP Rankin can help!
To address a wet roof deck correctly, the first step is to identify the affected areas. This requires a moisture survey, of which there are three types: infrared, nuclear, or capacitance. These surveys don’t measure moisture directly but rather assess the effects moisture has on roofing materials.
Choosing the right moisture survey for your roof is crucial since each method operates differently. For example, infrared surveys detect heat retention or loss in damp insulation, but they’re less effective on ballasted roofs, as the stones retain heat and can lead to false readings. Nuclear moisture surveys detect hydrogen atoms within the roof, meaning membranes with a high hydrogen content could show positive readings. Capacitance surveys, which measure the conductivity of electricity through roofing materials, are not suitable for roofs with wet or ponded areas and may require specialized tools for EPDM roofs.
The amount of moisture detected in your roof will influence whether it’s best to recover or replace it. If only small, isolated areas are wet, replacing those sections may be the cost-effective solution. However, if significant moisture is widespread across the roof, the labor costs to replace scattered sections may rival the cost of a complete tear-off.
But what if your roof leaks shortly after a recent replacement? Unfortunately, this isn’t uncommon due to design or installation flaws. Often, water leakage through a roof membrane goes unnoticed because a vapor retarder at the base of the roof system traps the water. This trapped moisture is absorbed by the insulation, severely reducing its thermal efficiency and accelerating the deterioration of the roof system.
A well-thought-out design is key to preventing water from infiltrating your roof. While the membrane in the roof field typically prevents bulk water leakage, most leaks originate from problematic detailing.
Roofing system manufacturers provide standard details for perimeter conditions, usually with flashing exposed and sealed on the wall surface. However, these standard details often rely on sealants to block water infiltration and don’t always address potential leaks around the roof system.
For instance, surface-mounted termination bars or metal flashing are common roof terminations, but they aren’t always ideal for brick masonry walls. Water can bypass these flashings, penetrate the masonry, and seep into the insulation. To avoid this, roof flashing for masonry walls should include through-wall flashing that extends through the masonry, capturing and diverting water away from the roof system.
When it comes to maintaining the integrity of your roof, addressing moisture issues promptly and correctly is essential. Ignoring a wet roof deck or opting for a quick fix can lead to costly repairs and premature roof failure. At CP Rankin, we understand the complexities of roofing systems and offer comprehensive solutions tailored to your specific needs. Whether it’s conducting accurate moisture surveys or implementing effective design strategies, our team is here to ensure your roof remains strong and reliable. Don’t leave your roof to chance — contact CP Rankin today for expert guidance and quality service you can trust.