Do I need a conductive substrate for electronic integrity testing?

Yes. Both low-voltage wet testing and high-voltage dry testing require a conductive substrate directly below the waterproofing membrane — typically a concrete or metal deck. On timber decks, a conductive medium such as wire mesh or conductive glass felt can be installed during construction to enable EIT. See LRWA Guidance Note 18 (2025) for full substrate requirements.

Can you electronically test a green roof or buried waterproofing?

Not with standard EIT once the overburden is in place. For buried waterproofing, the correct method is electrical field mapping (EFM) — a buried leak location technique that locates membrane breaches to within approximately one metre without lifting the overburden. CIRIA C817 and the GRO Green Roof Code both recognise EIT as a pre-covering QA method and EFM as the post-burial investigation method.

What is the difference between moisture mapping and leak detection?

Moisture mapping tells you where moisture has accumulated within the roof build-up. It does not tell you where the membrane has failed. Leak detection methods such as low-voltage EIT or electrical field mapping locate the actual breach in the membrane. The two are complementary: moisture mapping identifies which areas need investigation; breach-location methods find the source.

Is flood testing safe for flat roofs?

Flood testing carries real risks. A 150mm head of water adds approximately 150kg per square metre of loading — structural sign-off is essential. Water can take many hours to manifest internally, making short test periods unreliable. Flood testing can also cause structural deflection that opens up laps and details. It has a legitimate role in post-repair verification of specific, structurally appropriate areas only.

What qualifications should a roof leak detection specialist hold?

Look for: NVQ Level 3 in waterproofing testing and inspection; RAWTA membership (the Roofing and Waterproofing Test Association); and a demonstrable CV in flat roofing and waterproofing systems. Under the Building Safety Act 2022, appointing an incompetent inspector carries legal liability for duty holders.

Which leak detection method works on a single ply membrane?

For QA of weld continuity at laps and details, vacuum box testing is most reliable. For field-sheet investigation with a conductive substrate, low-voltage wet EIT is standard. High-voltage dry testing also works on non-conductive single ply on conductive substrates. Black EPDM membranes are generally not suitable for EIT due to carbon black content.

How does permanent sensor monitoring differ from leak detection surveys?

Leak detection surveys are point-in-time investigations locating a breach. Permanent sensor monitoring is continuous infrastructure embedded during construction, monitoring moisture in real time and triggering automated alerts. CIRIA C817 specifies permanent monitoring for blue-green roofs; BS 6229:2025 references electronic devices for detecting leaks between inspections.

Does electronic leak detection work in the rain?

Low-voltage wet testing requires a wet surface so rain is not a problem. High-voltage dry testing requires a dry membrane and cannot be performed in wet conditions. Tramex capacitance mapping works in most weather. Infrared thermography requires dry sunny conditions. Tracer gas is best in calm dry conditions as wind disperses escaping gas.

Geomembrane Leak Detection and Location

Advanced geophysical verification for critical containment infrastructure

Once buried, confirming zero leaks in containment infrastructure is notoriously difficult. Even more difficult is locating such defects.

Vector are uniquely placed to determine whether there are leaks and where they are.

Unique Leak Location Technology

Underwater Measurements

Non-Destructive Investigation

Exact Leak Location

Vector Test Methodology

We’re proud to partner with Texplor to deliver to the UK the highest standard of global best practice.AS SIKB 6700, 67001 and 67002 (Dutch standards) move beyond the requirements of LGG 113 (referencing ASTM D7953 and D7002).

Why the Dutch Standard Matters

Proven On-Site Sensitivity
Protocol 6702 requires every survey to be calibrated on the actual site conditions. We introduce a controlled simulated defect, demonstrating that our system can identify a leak as small as 1 mm². This delivers measurable, defensible proof of survey sensitivity.

Liquid-Tight Qualification
Through defined active and passive electrode configurations, we verify whether a facility meets the Dutch criteria for “liquid-tight” (vloeistofdicht). This ensures all flow is contained and routed only to intended collection points.

Regulator-Ready Reporting
Our reporting structure follows the SIKB framework, providing clear evidence of compliance and supporting your regulatory submissions, environmental audits, and stakeholder assurance.

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