A common problem

Waterproofing membrane defects can be caused during or after installation, i.e. mechanical damage caused by others, workmanship defects, material defects, design faults, weather related defects or membrane deterioration.

Ultimately it is the builders responsibility to seal the building for its intended use. However the inclusion of a qualified green roof installer in the planning and implementation will mean your roof will not leak and provide it’s intended purpose.

We provide a system that is unique in its ability to test the integrity of waterproof membranes without needing to remove the overburden.

This non-destructive method is important for greenroof systems because the waterproof membrane is effectively fully submerged in water posing a greater risk of a breach.

The solution

Our system is a low voltage test method that creates an electrical potential difference between a non-conductive membrane surface and a conductive substrate, which is earthed or grounded.

By applying water on the membrane surface and using the water as a conductive medium, an electric field is created and a breach in the membrane creates a vector (ground fault connection).

Our technician reads the electric flow travelling across the membrane mapping the breaches with pin point accuracy.

Advantages of the system

·       Exact pinpointing of membrane breaches

·       Non-destructive to the membrane

·       Can be performed on sloped structural decks

·       Membrane defects can be repaired and retested without delay to the construction schedule

·       Limited use of water required for the EFVM® test

·       Eliminates unnecessary removal of the overburden to locate a membrane breach

·       Membrane performance can be monitored during its lifespan through the overburden

Where and when to USe

·       Garden Roofs

·       Roofs with ballast

·       Roofs with paving stones

·       Upon completion of the installation or repair of the waterproofing membrane

·       Prior to the expiration of warranties

·       Annually, to detect any membrane defects at an early stage to prevent costly water damage.

Our fully trained and certified technicians complete the EFVM® integrity test by conducting a visual inspection of all wall junctions, perimeter details and membrane penetrations, then providing CAD drawings, picture documentation and a written report detailing the locations of the breaches.