Field inspection and leak remediation · Lesson 1 of 4

Field inspection and leak remediation: principles and terminology

The difference between a planned inspection and a leak investigation, why flashings come first, why a stain is not the entry point, and the safety rules to settle before access.

You will be able to: Define the key terms of flashing inspection and leak investigation, name who does what, and state the safety boundaries before anyone goes on a roof.

13 min · 11 slides · 11 questions

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Slide 1 of 11

Two different jobs

ASTM E2128 is a guide that covers methods for determining and evaluating the causes of water leakage of exterior walls.

A planned inspection looks for trouble before water gets in. A leak investigation finds the cause of water that already has.

Sources

ASTM E2128 Standard Guide for Evaluating Water Leakage of Building Walls (E2128-26, scope, store page) - ASTM International

Glossary

Leak investigation: The work of finding the cause and entry point of water that is already getting into a building, done before any repair is made. ASTM E2128 is a guide written for exterior walls.
Maintenance inspection: A planned, repeated look at a roof and its flashings that includes housekeeping, clearing drains, securing loose fasteners, replacing sealant and noting conditions that need attention.
Reference point: A fixed place on the roof, such as the outside face of a parapet (always say which face is used), from which the location of interior leak damage is measured so the matching roof area can be found.
Non-destructive inspection: A survey method that does not cut into the roof, such as infrared thermography, electrical capacitance or nuclear detection; it supports a visual inspection and never replaces it.
Warrantor: The company that gave the warranty on a roof or metal system. It should be contacted for recommendations before repairs are made to a roof that is under warranty.