What are some causes for moisture/water getting underneath single-ply membrane? First of all, we want to prevent this from happening, so we are hoping that providing you with this information can lead you to the steps to keep everything below the membrane dry!
Redundancy is the big one! If the seams on single-ply membranes aren’t formed correctly, water has a good chance of getting underneath the membrane and leaking into the facility. Proper installation for any roofing material is a must! Make sure that good specifications are written for the entire roof system installation, and that the installer has lots of experience and success installing your particular type of roof.
Failed flashings is another big reason. EPDM single-ply membrane shrinkage, in particular, can cause the membrane to pull apart from the vertical flashing and the roof. This can unseal the flashing and provide an easy path for water to get under the membrane. For PVC and TPO membranes, it can be difficult to form flashings around odd shaped penetrations, like square posts or wide-flange beams. So flashing installation is incredibly important! Make sure your contractor has lots of experience and can show you, or tell you, exactly how he is going to build the flashing and why it will keep the water/moisture out. For more causes and other building maintenance tips, go to http://bit.ly/GWSPey
– Key source: Greg Zimmerman, Executive Editor – Building Operating Management Magazine