To find flat roof leaks in any house is a difficult task, but locating leaks on a flat roof can be even more difficult because flat roofs do not have slopes that allow the water to flow downwards, instead the water will flow in many directions and determining where the leaks are coming from will be quite difficult.
For instance you might find that water leaks down the corner of the wall in the kitchen so you would assume that that is where the leaks are originating from, wrong, the leaks can be coming from anywhere on the roof that is just the escape point that the water is seeping thorough.
Because the roof is flat you will have to choose a day when the roof is totally dry before you can try locating the leaks. Here are some of the places that you might want to check:
. Flashing - check the flashing very carefully and be sure and look out for any pieces that might have become loose and also check to see if any gaps or cracks have developed which will need to be repaired. Also check that the flashing is properly installed with the other parts of the roof and that the water is moving in the right direction, towards the flashing instead of in the opposite direction.
. Seams - Because the seams are vulnerable to developing cracks and splits over a period of time you should always check to see if there are any cracks or splits present and if so you will have to reseal these with the appropriate sealant.
. Low roof areas - Any area of the roof where water is accumulating should be inspected very carefully. Look for sighs such as circles of dirt rings with the center ring being the smallest and the darkest as it reaches the lowest spot. If you notice any concentric rings then check this point for holes, cracks or splits, as this is a sure sign that the roof might be leaking form this particular point.
. Last Resort - So you have checked all the possible places that might be causing your roof leaks but you still have not located the source of the leaks, well your last alternative would be to spray the roof down with a garden hose starting at one end of the roof and making your way as you go, do not just start spraying water all over the roof, because you will never be able to determine where the leaks are coming from.
As you move from portion to portion you continue to spray enough water to allow the roof to drain for a good fifteen minutes and hopefully you will soon discover the source of the leaks on your flat roof.
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