How does it work?
Dry testing applies a high-voltage DC current to the surface via an electrode (such as a phosphor-bronze brush) connected to the detector unit.
An earth return lead from the detector unit is connected to a known earth on the building’s structure. As the operator passes the electrode brush over the roof’s non-conductive surface, any holes allow the completion of an electrical circuit – triggering the detector unit’s alarm – highlighting a fault’s location.
Dry testing is a far quicker process than wet testing although accurate membrane thickness measurement and detector set-up is fundamental. An incorrectly set detector unit can damage the roof’s surface or leave defects undetected.
Most non-conductive roofing membranes have a small amount of low-level electrical conductivity. Buckleys PD30R and PD40R test kits accommodate this ambient conductivity by allowing the user to set a sensitivity threshold below which the detector’s alarm system will not be triggered.
To successfully undertake a dry roof leak detection test, the roof’s entire surface must be completely dry and free from moisture, although moisture beneath the membrane (from leaks) may actually help the dry testing process.
The benefits
Fast and accurate location of leaks in most types of waterproofing membranes
- Effective equipment to detect leaks with high accuracy, normally within a centimetre.
- No need to remove surface coatings or make any special provisions other than weather.
- Defects marked on a roof plan.
- Post survey report.
- Certificate of Waterproofing integrity available on request.
Equipment
’ Dry Roof Pro’ flat electronic roof leak detector kit offers rapid and effective method of testing a wide range of non-conductive flat roof coverings and can test up to 1500m2 per day.
Battery-powered and fully portable; the Dry Roof Pro’ detects an electrical path to earth through leaks and defects in non-conductive flat roofing finishes from 64μm to 25.6mm in thickness.
As the electrode is ‘swept’ over the roof’s surface, any faults trigger the detector’s alarm system; alerting the user.
