Electronic Leak Detection for Flat Roofs
Specialist testing to help locate breaches and defects in suitable non-conductive flat roof membranes.
What is Electronic Leak Detection?
Electronic Leak Detection (ELD) is a specialist testing method used to locate breaches and defects in non-conductive flat roof membranes. It uses electronic signals to pinpoint the exact location of membrane discontinuities that allow water to penetrate.
The method can support:
Why Clients Request It
Typical Situations
Roof Suitability
ELD is effective on non-conductive membranes. Roof suitability is reviewed before any testing is confirmed.
Suitable
- Single-ply membranes (TPO, PVC)
- Liquid-applied waterproofing
- Asphalt on non-conductive substrates
- Hot melt systems
- Roofs with non-conductive insulation
Requires Assessment
- EPDM membranes (composition dependent)
- Roofs with extensive metal detailing
- Membranes with unknown composition
- Wet surfaces (may need drying first)
- Roofs with partial conductive elements
Alternative Investigation Recommended
- Metal roofing systems
- Conductive membrane surfaces
- Green / brown roofs (extensive vegetation)
- Roofs with conductive substrates
- Surfaces that cannot be safely accessed
Where the roof construction or membrane type is uncertain, provide available specifications, drawings and photographs with your enquiry. Vertex will review the information before confirming the investigation approach.
Is ELD Suitable for Your Roof?
Answer four quick questions to get an initial indication. A full suitability review is always carried out before testing is confirmed.
Roof Type
Dry vs Wet ELD
Two ELD methods are available. Explore each method to understand the differences in application, requirements and limitations.
Best Applications
- Pre-handover membrane integrity testing
- Precise defect location on known leaks
- Quality assurance on new installations
- Post-repair verification
Weather Requirements
- Dry roof surface required
- No rain during testing
- Surface must be free of standing water
Advantages
- No water required on the roof
- Pinpoint accuracy for defect location
- Faster testing on suitable surfaces
- No clean-up after testing
Limitations
- Cannot test in wet conditions
- Not suitable for conductive surfaces
- Requires dry weather window
Typical Roof Systems
- Single-ply membranes (TPO, PVC)
- Liquid-applied waterproofing
- Hot melt systems
- Non-conductive membranes on dry substrates
The appropriate method depends on the roof type, surface condition, weather and investigation objective. Vertex will recommend the correct method during the suitability review.
How It Works
Submit Roof Information
Provide the roof location, building type, membrane information, photographs and available plans.
Suitability Review
Vertex reviews the available information to assess whether ELD is an appropriate investigation method for the roof.
On-Site Testing
Electronic testing is carried out across the roof surface to identify membrane discontinuities.
Defect Identification
Breaches and defects are located and marked. Photographic evidence is recorded.
Reporting
Findings are compiled into a structured report with photographs, defect locations and recommendations.
Browse a Sample Report
Explore the key sections of a Vertex investigation report. Click through each section to see what you'll receive.
Executive Summary
Coverage Area
Based in Hemel Hempstead, Vertex provides building envelope diagnostics across the South East and wider UK.
Primary Service Area
Approximately 2-hour travel radius from Hemel Hempstead, covering:
Wider UK Projects
Larger commercial projects can be undertaken anywhere in the UK, subject to agreed travel costs. Please include the project location in your enquiry so coverage and travel can be confirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Testing time depends on roof size, complexity and accessibility. A typical commercial roof can take between 2–6 hours. Larger roofs may require multiple visits.
Request Technical Review
Send roof details, photographs and any available drawings or specifications for review. Vertex will assess the information and contact you to discuss test suitability, scope and pricing.
A correctly diagnosed building-envelope defect can prevent unnecessary repair expenditure, repeated contractor visits and costly disruption.