Full Description

1.1This guide describes methods for determining and evaluating causes of water leakage in low-sloped roofs. For this purpose, water penetration is considered leakage and therefore problematic, is causing or is likely to cause premature deterioration of the roof, building or its contents, or is adversely affecting the performance of other components of the building. A roof is considered an assembly including the membrane, insulation, vapor retarder (if required), deck, and structural components.

1.1.1This guide excludes moisture-related problems in roofs caused by condensation.

Note 1:Condensation-Moisture-related problems in roof systems may be caused by condensation of humid air originating from within the building and be incorrectly attributed to leakage from rain water. The protocol for an investigation of dampness due to condensation and is complicated, requires special expertise, and is beyond the scope of this guide. For information regarding condensation problems as they relate to roofs, refer to ASTM MNL 18,2 ASTM MNL 40,3 and ASHRAE Handbook 2005 Fundamentals.4

1.2Investigative techniques discussed in this guide may be intrusive, disruptive, or destructive. It is the responsibility of the investigator to establish the limitations of use, to anticipate and advise of the destructive nature of some procedures, and to plan for repairing and selective reconstruction as necessary.

1.3This guide does not address steep-sloped roofs, standing or flat seam metal roofs, or architectural standing seam metal roofs.

1.4The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.