Electronic Roof Leak Detection System?

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Author Message Robert Swan, FCSI, SCIP Senior Member Username: robeswan Post Number: 10 Registered: 12-2016 Posted on Wednesday, March 01, 2023 - 04:20 pm:    The Owner wants to install an electronic leak detection system in a currently being designed project. As the the Architectural specifier do I get this or do I get to pass this to the Electrical Consultant? Margaret G. Chewning FCSI CCS Senior Member Username: presbspec Post Number: 358 Registered: 01-2003 Posted on Wednesday, March 01, 2023 - 04:23 pm:    It should be part of your roofing system spec. There is a coordination element with the electrical source but it should be part of the roofing system. Edward J Dueppen, RA, CSI, CCS, LEED AP Senior Member Username: edueppen Post Number: 86 Registered: 08-2013 Posted on Wednesday, March 01, 2023 - 04:27 pm:    This is an architectural item. AIA Masterspec has some decent language in their roofing specs for addition of ELD systems. I recommend talking to Detec and ILD about options. In order to work properly they need to be continuously monitored which means ongoing costs for the Owner. The Owner needs to understand this before you include it so they can weigh the benefits and risks. Brian Payne Senior Member Username: brian_payne Post Number: 302 Registered: 01-2014 Posted on Wednesday, March 01, 2023 - 04:52 pm:    Electronic Leak Detection (ELD) Testing: Test roofing areas for leaks using ELD method that locates discontinuities in membrane roofing in accordance with ASTM D7877 or ASTM D8231. Testing agency to submit Daily Field Report (DFR) in accordance with ASTM D8231 indicating daily details of work performed. Testing agency to submit training certification to ensure that technician performing ELD testing is currently certified in accordance with relevant training program. Also, I've been told some of the primers for leak protection systems can have compatibility issues with the roofing system. I don't remember the specifics though. Melody Fontenot New member Username: melodyccs Post Number: 1 Registered: 01-2023 Posted on Wednesday, March 01, 2023 - 07:04 pm:    I updated the MasterSpec ELD language a few years ago when I worked there; glad to hear it is 'decent', hehe! I'll take it! There is more information on the different types of ELD testing in the MS Evaluations. -Not all ELD systems require coordination with electrical, some use a conductive membrane (fluid or sheet) directly below the roof membrane which responds to the testing equipment -No requirement for continuous monitoring, this is an option and will make a difference on which type of ELD system to use (monitored systems are usually 'wired' and do require coord with elec) -EPDM membranes are conductive, so use a slightly different system -Yes to consulting with the ELD manufacturer directly to make sure you select the appropriate type of testing and system and spec all the necessary components Melody Fontenot, AIA, CSI, CCCA, CCS, CDT, LEED AP, SCIP Portland, OR ken hercenberg Senior Member Username: khercenberg Post Number: 1557 Registered: 12-2006 Posted on Wednesday, March 01, 2023 - 08:32 pm:    I agree with Melody. Detec offers a conductive primer that complies with the two ASTM standards that Brian listed. Both standards apply. See https://www.greenroofs.com/2020/09/08/detec-systems-adheres-to-new-astmd8231-standard-practice-for-performing-electronic-leak-detection-on-roofing-and-waterproofing/ for more information. ILD uses a conductive mesh, not too dissimilar from chicken wire from what I can tell, but there is some discussion as to placement. Note that in order to comply with the ASTM standards the conductive plane has to be directly under the membrane. Numerous roofing manufacturers have now tested using Detec TruGround (the conductive primer) and have achieved at least 60 PSF wind uplift with most exceeding 90 psf. A quick RoofNav search with just listing Detec as manufacturer of the substrate primer under "Specification" in the Assembly Search https://www.roofnav.com/AssemblySearch#Specifications yields 10,786 assemblies. I'd say the question about how effective the primer is regarding wind uplift has been answered. Robert, if you'd care to have a short sidebar about this, I'd be happy to talk with you. Please drop me a line at kenhercenberg at gmail and let's set up a time. Grant Otto (Unregistered Guest) Unregistered guest Posted on Monday, March 13, 2023 - 03:47 pm:    If the Owner is still interested in the active leak detection systems which alert in the event of a breach, you can have them check us out as well. http://www.sentinelrooftechnologies.com. We use sensors throughout the roof assembly wired to a monitoring panel and if water penetrates the assembly an email gets to sent to the owner with maps showing the location. We also have a customer portal where they can view the information.