Bellingham, WA. (September 8, 2020) – Detec Systems provides leading-edge technology in the field of Electronic Leak Detection (ELD), by way of quality control testing and active monitoring for roofing and waterproofing assemblies.

The new ASTM Standard Practice D8231 provides clear direction in the use of the scanning method (as first described in D7877) to detect and locate breaches in roofing and waterproofing membranes. This new standard helps clarify some of the misconceptions around Electronic Leak Detection regarding proper testing conditions. Importantly, it also describes how moderately conductive membranes such as black EPDM can now be electronically tested,” said David Vokey, P.Eng, President at Detec Systems.

Positive Customer Impact
“As a Roofing Contractor for 38 years, we understand how critical accurate Electronic Leak Detection is for our clients. Over the years, we have used many forms of “interpretive” testing methods, such as Infrared Thermography, Capacitance testing, Hygrometers, Vector Mapping, etc., and found them all to have too many limitations. What we needed was a “definitive” testing methodology that was accurate enough to find a pinhole-sized breach point in roofing and waterproofing membranes. This is why we chose Detec Systems and their IntegriScan testing equipment. If you need 100% coverage and unparalleled accuracy, the choice is clear,” said Joe Sayer, President JST Development.

ASTM Standard Practice D8231
Until now there has been no standard practice for Electronic Leak Detection testing. The recently published ASTM D8231 Standard Practice outlines a procedure for performing Electronic Leak Detection on roofing and waterproofing membranes. D8231 expands on the scanning method described in the ASTM Standard Guide D7877 and creates a detail oriented solution for ELD, dedicated to the low voltage scanning method with two important additions.

The two most important additions in D8231 pertain to the electrical properties of the membrane and the substrate under the membrane. Technical advancements reflected in the new ASTM practice include testing of conductive and semi-conductive membranes such as black EPDM and cold fluid applied coatings.

D8231 also states that testing must be performed before overburden is installed. Once overburden is put in place, the integrity of the ELD test is greatly compromised. Some overburden materials such as drain mat and root barrier are electrical insulators. The layered combination of these materials can make tracing an electrical signal through the overburden impossible. D8231 mandates that the ELD test be performed prior to overburden installation to ensure accurate test results.

TruGround Conductive Primer creates the required conductivity for valid ELD in conventional roof assemblies.

Founded in 2003, Detec Systems is the technical leader in the field of Electronic Leak Detection quality control testing and automated structure monitoring for the roofing and waterproofing industry. Providing unparalleled risk mitigation for property owners and their development teams, Detec is committed to improve the sustainability of buildings through professional structure monitoring services and roof membrane scanning technology.

Detec continues to provide value during construction and throughout the life of the building, benefiting facilities managers, owners and building occupants by identifying moisture intrusion events before they become costly repairs. These products and systems offer a level of quality assurance and peace of mind that remains unequaled in today’s electronic leak detection industry. Providing early-warning of moisture intrusion, Detec benefits all stakeholders throughout the construction phase, including developers, design professionals, consultants, contractors, and insurers.

Read more: New ASTM Standard Practice – Electronic Leak Detection (ELD), an article in CRCA Today by David Vokey, P.E.

The ASTM Standard Practice D8231 is available for purchase though ASTM at https://www.astm.org/Standards/D8231.htm.