Detec Systems is often asked questions regarding Electronic Leak Detection (ELD) testing and continuously monitored leak detection systems. We want to assist in ensuring your waterproofing or roofing membrane is breach free. If you have a question that hasn’t been answered here, please feel free to call us at 855-75DETEC (855-753-3832) or email us. We would be happy to guide you to the best solution for your project.
Electronic Leak Detection (ELD) is the generic industry term used to define products and services that test and monitor for leaks or moisture presence in waterproofing membranes and roof assemblies. Detec provides low voltage ELD testing equipment and fully monitored systems for inverted and conventional roof assemblies and is the only low voltage method that can reliably test vertical surfaces. Detec Systems also created the ability to test semi-conductive membranes such as Black EPDM and Tremco 250GC-R.
Below are some frequently asked questions regarding Electronic Leak Detection.
Browse F.A.Q. Topics
- General Questions11
- Electronic Leak Detection Testing17
- TruGround® Conductive Primer20
- Monitored Leak Detection Systems6
General Questions
Q: Does Detec have any free continuing education courses available online?
A: YES! There is a recorded AIA/IIBEC accredited continuing education (CE) course available on the SPRI website, CCM U website, as well as the BNP Media website. Please contact us if you would like to schedule a webinar.
Q: Does FM have approvals for the Electronic Leak Detection testing equipment?
A: YES! The IntegriScan by Detec Systems is the only FM approved ELD testing equipment. The equipment is to be used in conjunction with the TruGround Conductive Primer in approved FM assemblies within RoofNav. This can be found in the FM Approval Guide under class number 7745.
Q: What membranes can be tested using the IntegriScan?
A: Detec’s low voltage scanning platform can test non-conductive and semi-conductive membranes. Testable membranes include but are not limited to: TPO, PVC, White & Gray EPDM, Black EPDM, Mod Bit, HDPE, Hot Fluid Waterproofing, Cold Fluid Waterproofing (including Tremco 250GC-R), and Traffic Coatings. The low voltage vertical roller can test non-conductive membranes.
Q: Does Detec Systems offer continuing education courses?
A: Yes! Detec Systems offers an AIA and IIBEC accredited course. Contact us to schedule a presentation.
Q: Is there an ASTM practice for Electronic Leak Detection?
A: Yes! ASTM D8231-19 is the standard practice for locating breaches in roofing and waterproofing membranes. This ASTM practice was built upon the existing standard guide D7877-14, and created a more detail oriented approach to Electronic Leak Detection (ELD). D7877-14 is the guideline for all four ELD testing methods. Vector mapping and high voltage can not comply with the ASTM D8231-19.
Q: What is a conductive substrate?
A: Conductive substrates are typically structural concrete and metal. TruGround® conductive primer can be applied to non conductive substrates to enable electronic leak detection testing in new construction. Non conductive substrates include but are not limited to wood, OSB, coverboard, protection board, insulation and light weight concrete (LWC/LWIC). ASTM D8231-19 mandates that the substrate under the membrane must have a surface resistance of less than 10-4 ohms-per-square.
Q: Can black EPDM, or other conductive coatings be tested using Electronic Leak Detection?
A: YES, only with Detec’s IntegriScan equipment! In October 2017, Detec Systems developed the ability to electronically testing semi conductive membranes. Click here to view the technical bulletin. This technical advancement is reflected in the ASTM D8231-19.
Q: How does the wire mesh / vector mapping grid work below the coverboard?
A: ASTM Guide D7877 (sections 4.4 & 5.5) states that the substrate directly/immediately below the membrane must be conductive. A conductive substrate is a basic requirement for all 4 electronic testing methods (scanning platform, vertical roller, vector mapping, high voltage). A testing agency that places a conductive medium anywhere other than directly below the membrane is not in compliance with either ASTM Guide D7877 or Practice D8231, and is performing invalid ELD testing.
Most membrane manufacturers do not approve the vector mapping grid (aka VMG or wire mesh) conductive medium to be installed directly under the membrane. This typically results in the incorrect placement under the coverboard or insulation. The accuracy of the electronic test depends on water penetrating a breach in the membrane, saturating the substrate below the membrane and contacting the wire mesh. This must take place at all breach locations. If water does not have the continuous path from the top of the membrane to the wire mesh, then the breach will be missed.
Detec’s TruGround is the preferred conductive medium by manufacturers and contractors. TruGround is approved for proper placement directly below the membrane. It not affect adhesion or compatibility, is easier to install and can be applied to verticals and transitions. TruGround is compatible with fully adhered, torch down, mechanically fastened, loosely laid and fluid applied applications. TruGround is also the only FM approved conductive medium.
As described in the ASTM Standard Practice D8231-19, Electronic Leak Detection (aka Electronic Breach Detection) requires a conductive substrate directly below the membrane for a valid test. It is vital that membrane manufacturers, building owners, architects, consultants, roofers and waterproofers know what’s required for a valid ELD test. Click here for a technical note regarding improper placement of the conductive medium for ELD.
Q: Is testing through heavy overburden possible with Electronic Leak Detection?
A: Some vector mapping testing agencies claim that they can reliably test through overburden. Results from testing through heavy overburden are invalid, inconclusive and unreliable due to limitations such as:
- – #1 There must be a continuous layer of water on the membrane within the left in place perimeter wire. Water must always reach from any breach to the conductor cable. Gaps in water coverage can result in missed breaches. There is also no way to confirm that the left in place perimeter wire is in good condition, and left exactly as is after the initial vector mapping test.
- – #2 Vector mapping can not test transitions, details, around grounded objects, and can not reliably test verticals. Breaches could have been missed during the initial vector mapping test.
- – #3 Drain mat, root barrier and insulation are electrical insulators, disrupting the electrical signal from the top of the overburden. A continuous, unbroken water path must be present from the top of the overburden, through electrically insulating materials to the saturated membrane. There is a high probability of false negatives due to all the potential breaks in the electrical circuit.
- – #4 Any grounded items above the membrane will produce false positives.
Valid, reliable and repeatable testing can only be performed on exposed membranes.
Q: Does Detec Systems provide any documentation in spanish or other languages?
A: YES! Detec Systems has translated numerous documents into other languages. Contact us for copies of these documents.
Detec acronyms
EGLL (Electric Gradient Leak Locate)
ELD (Electronic Leak Detection)
MDT (Moisture Detection Tape)
PermaScan-C (Conventional Assembly)
PermaScan-I (Inverted Assembly)
RMIS (Roof Membrane Integrity Scanner)
RMU (Remote Monitoring Unit)
VSLL/VSU (Vertical Surface Leak Locator/Vertical Scanning Unit)
Electronic Leak Detection Testing
Q: Does vector mapping and high voltage work with the TruGround?
A: YES! Vector mapping, high voltage, Detec’s low voltage scanning platform and vertical roller all require a conductive substrate directly below the membrane for a valid ELD test. In conventional roofing, coverboard/insulation block the electrical path to the conductive deck, therefore a conductive medium must be added into the assembly to enable ELD testing. Detec’s conductive medium is the TruGround Conductive Primer. It creates the required conductivity for all ELD methods (ASTM D7877).
Q: Does FM have approvals for the Electronic Leak Detection testing equipment?
A: YES! The IntegriScan by Detec Systems is the only FM approved ELD testing equipment. The equipment is to be used in conjunction with the TruGround Conductive Primer in approved FM assemblies within RoofNav. This can be found in the FM Approval Guide under class number 7745.
Q: What membranes can be tested using the IntegriScan?
A: Detec’s low voltage scanning platform can test non-conductive and semi-conductive membranes. Testable membranes include but are not limited to: TPO, PVC, White & Gray EPDM, Black EPDM, Mod Bit, HDPE, Hot Fluid Waterproofing, Cold Fluid Waterproofing (including Tremco 250GC-R), and Traffic Coatings. The low voltage vertical roller can test non-conductive membranes.
Q: Is there an ASTM practice for Electronic Leak Detection?
A: Yes! ASTM D8231-19 is the standard practice for locating breaches in roofing and waterproofing membranes. This ASTM practice was built upon the existing standard guide D7877-14, and created a more detail oriented approach to Electronic Leak Detection (ELD). D7877-14 is the guideline for all four ELD testing methods. Vector mapping and high voltage can not comply with the ASTM D8231-19.
Q: What is Electronic Leak Detection (ELD)?
A: Electronic Leak Detection (ELD) is a portable quality control testing procedure designed to locate discontinuities (breaches, holes, seam voids) in waterproofing and roofing membranes. ELD determines the location of the breaches by applying an electrical current to the surface of the exposed membrane. ELD may also be referred to as: electronic water test, electronic breach detection, membrane integrity testing, membrane integrity survey and electrical conductance testing. Electronic Leak Detection (ELD) encompasses both low voltage and high voltage methods.
Q: How does the IntegriScan differ from EFVM®* (Electric Field Vector Mapping)?
A: How they are similar:
- – Both are listed in the ASTM Standard Guide D7877 (the IntegriScan scanning platform is section 6 and the IntegriScan vertical roller is section 8, vector mapping is section 7).
- – Both are low voltage testing methods.
- – Both use water during the test.
- – Both require a conductive substrate DIRECTLY below the waterproofing/roofing membrane for a valid test.
A: How they are different:
- – Detec’s IntegriScan tests horizontals, verticals, transitions and details. Vector mapping is incapable of testing transitions, and around penetrations, and can not reliably test vertical surfaces.
- – The IntegriScan has a built in isolation area which eliminates the need for extensive set up times and large amounts of water. Vector mapping must isolate the testing area which can take hours. The larger the area that is isolated, the more water that is needed to carry the electrical current.
- – Testing with the IntegriScan does not require the penetrations to be isolated whereas EFVM must isolate each grounded penetration. Detec’s advanced equipment gives the technician the ability to test right up to a grounded object.
- – The IntegriScan vertical roller (aka Vertical Scanning Unit, VSU) pinpoints breaches in verticals. Vector mapping can not reliably test verticals.
- – Detec’s IntegriScan can test black EPDM & semi conductive coatings. EFVM can only test non-conductive membranes.
- – The IntegriScan can test up to 40,000 sq ft per day. EFVM may be able to test up to 20,000 sq ft per day.
- – The IntegriScan is user friendly. Vector mapping test results rely heavily on the technician, slope, and amount of water used.
- – The IntegriScan has minimal set up time. The equipment can be test ready in under 10 minutes. EFVM must set up their perimeter wire and isolate penetrations prior to testing.
- – Detec Systems continues to advance ELD capabilities. Most recently, we invented the ability to test semi-conductive membranes such as Black EPDM and cold fluid coatings containing carbon black. The vector mapping testing method has been the same for 50 years.
*EFVM is a registered trademark of International Leak Detection
Q: Is an IntegriScan a viable alternative to flood-testing?
A: Detec’s patented scanning technology can quickly, safely and accurately pinpoint leaks without the threat of water damage – a concern which is frequently associated with flood testing. Breaches are found immediately, so repairs can be done on the spot, with little or no down time. Flood testing can tell you if there is a leak but can not pinpoint where the breach is located.
Q: Can black EPDM, or other conductive coatings be tested using Electronic Leak Detection?
A: YES, only with Detec’s IntegriScan equipment! In October 2017, Detec Systems developed the ability to electronically testing semi conductive membranes. Click here to view the technical bulletin. This technical advancement is reflected in the ASTM D8231-19.
Q: How does Detec’s IntegriScan compare with Infrared Thermography?
A: Both are effective tools and can work well together. Infrared Thermography is typically used to confirm that there is hidden moisture accumulation below the surface of the roof. Infrared can not determine the origin of a breach. The IntegriScan will pinpoint any breach in the waterproofing membrane. Any breaches found can be repaired and re-tested the same day.
Q: Can the IntegriScan test verticals for breaches?
A: Yes! The IntegriScan method can reliably test vertical surfaces. Detec has developed a patented set of electronics designed to test vertical surfaces. As with all ELD testing, a conductive substrate is required directly below the membrane for valid tests.
Q: What setup is required before an IntegriScan can be performed? How long is the setup process?
A: The IntegriScanner requires very little setup time (less than 10 minutes). The waterproofing membrane must be broom clean. A hose and water source must also be available. There is no need to set up a perimeter wire like vector mapping (EFVM) and no need to isolate grounded penetrations. Typically, a field technician will arrive on site and inspect the areas to be tested. The technician will then connect to building ground, wet the area down and begin scanning.
Q: How many square feet can the IntegriScanner test in one day?
A: Typically, a field technician using the IntegriScanner can test up to 40,000sqft in one day. A field technician using the VSU (Vertical Scan Unit) can test up to 10,000sqft in one day.
Q: Is testing through heavy overburden possible with Electronic Leak Detection?
A: Some vector mapping testing agencies claim that they can reliably test through overburden. Results from testing through heavy overburden are invalid, inconclusive and unreliable due to limitations such as:
- – #1 There must be a continuous layer of water on the membrane within the left in place perimeter wire. Water must always reach from any breach to the conductor cable. Gaps in water coverage can result in missed breaches. There is also no way to confirm that the left in place perimeter wire is in good condition, and left exactly as is after the initial vector mapping test.
- – #2 Vector mapping can not test transitions, details, around grounded objects, and can not reliably test verticals. Breaches could have been missed during the initial vector mapping test.
- – #3 Drain mat, root barrier and insulation are electrical insulators, disrupting the electrical signal from the top of the overburden. A continuous, unbroken water path must be present from the top of the overburden, through electrically insulating materials to the saturated membrane. There is a high probability of false negatives due to all the potential breaks in the electrical circuit.
- – #4 Any grounded items above the membrane will produce false positives.
Valid, reliable and repeatable testing can only be performed on exposed membranes.
Q: How does the IntegriScan pinpoint a breach?
A: When the equipment is positioned over a breach, the electronics will produce a visual and audible alert pinpointing any breaches.
Q: I have an existing leak in my roof. Is it possible to find the breach?
A: Yes. If there is a continuous water path to building ground, it is likely we will find the breach. Please contact us for more details on forensic scans.
Q: Is the IntegriScanner available for purchase?
A: Yes! The IntegriScanner is available for purchase. This equipment is made in the USA. Detec’s IntegriScan is the only low voltage method capable of testing verticals and the only ELD method (low or high voltage) available for electronically testing semi conductive and conductive membranes such as black EPDM.
Q: I’m considering a green roof for my building. How can Detec help?
A: Detec’s patented PermaScan systems can be installed under Green Roofs to permanently monitor the performance of the waterproofing membrane. These permanent systems will pinpoint leaks early so corrective action can be taken immediately, preventing costly water damage from hidden moisture.
TruGround® Conductive Primer
Q: Can TruGround remain exposed overnight?
A: Detec suggests that the membrane be installed the same day as the TruGround is applied.
Q: Does vector mapping and high voltage work with the TruGround?
A: YES! Vector mapping, high voltage, Detec’s low voltage scanning platform and vertical roller all require a conductive substrate directly below the membrane for a valid ELD test. In conventional roofing, coverboard/insulation block the electrical path to the conductive deck, therefore a conductive medium must be added into the assembly to enable ELD testing. Detec’s conductive medium is the TruGround Conductive Primer. It creates the required conductivity for all ELD methods (ASTM D7877).
Q: Is TruGround approved for the Florida Building Code or Miami Dade?
A: YES! TruGround is the only conductive medium that is accepted by the Florida Building Code. Please contact us for more information.
Q: WHAT TOOLS ARE NEEDED FOR INSTALLING TRUGROUND?
A: Click here to view the TruGround Application Video. Detec recommends using a 3/8″ nap roller, a paint brush for details and touch ups, and boot covers.
Q: What is TruGround® Conductive Primer?
A: TruGround® Conductive Primer is a patented water based epoxy developed specifically for electronic testing of conventional roofing assemblies. Once applied to a non-conductive substrate, such as wood, insulation or coverboard, the primer enables Electronic Leak Detection testing of the membrane for the life of the roof. TruGround® is required to be placed on the substrate directly below the membrane. Any other conductive mediums placed below the coverboard results in invalid leak detection tests.
Q: What is a conductive substrate?
A: Conductive substrates are typically structural concrete and metal. TruGround® conductive primer can be applied to non conductive substrates to enable electronic leak detection testing in new construction. Non conductive substrates include but are not limited to wood, OSB, coverboard, protection board, insulation and light weight concrete (LWC/LWIC). ASTM D8231-19 mandates that the substrate under the membrane must have a surface resistance of less than 10-4 ohms-per-square.
Q: What manufacturers have approved TruGround®?
A: Detec has received approvals from numerous manufacturers. Contact us for more information.
Q: Is TruGround® FM approved?
A: Yes! TruGround is FM approved. TruGround is listed in RoofNav as a substrate primer in over 10,000 FM assemblies. TruGround is required per FM class number 7745.
Q: Is TruGround® Conductive Primer UL listed?
A: YES! TruGround® Conductive Primer is UL listed.
Q: Do I still need to apply the required primer on top of the TruGround®?
A: Yes. TruGround® is not a substitute for required primers and adhesives. TruGround® is used for a conductive medium ONLY.
Q: Where does the TruGround® Conductive Primer get applied?
A: Detec’s patented TruGround® Conductive Primer provides the required conductivity for an Electronic Leak Detection test to be valid. TruGround® is to be applied on the substrate located directly below the membrane. Once the TruGround® is dry to the touch, the waterproofing/roofing membrane can be installed. Other materials, such as the vector mapping grid/wire mesh, is typically placed under the coverboard or under the insulation, which produces invalid testing results. To detect breaches, water would have to penetrate a breach and saturate any electrically insulating materials to reach the incorrectly placed wire mesh. ELD requires a conductive substrate directly below the membrane to complete the electrical circuit (ASTM D8231-19). Click here for a technical note on testing conventional roofs using Electronic Leak Detection.
Q: How much area can TruGround® cover?
A: Detec’s TruGround® Conductive Primer is sold in 5 gallon pails. One 5 gallon pail of TruGround® covers approximately 1,250 square feet. Coverage depends on the substrate the primer is being applied to as well as how it is applied. Substrates such as wood, light weight concrete and open cell insulation require 2 coats.
Q: What is the desired mil thickness for applying TruGround®?
A: TruGround® is to be applied as thin as possible therefore it can not be measured in mil thickness.
Q: Who applies the TruGround® primer?
A: TruGround® is typically applied by the roofer or waterproofing contractor.
Q: Do I have to tape the seams when applying TruGround®?
A: No. If the joint is larger than 1/8″, apply the TruGround® with a paint brush to the joints to confirm continuity from board to board.
Q: How many coats are required when applying TruGround®?
A: TruGround® conductive primer only requires one coat on most substrates. Any coloration of the substrate visible through the primer indicates more primer is required. Substrates such as plywood, OSB, lightweight concrete and open cell insulation require two coats of primer to ensure proper coverage.
Q: Do I have to have a dedicated connection to the TruGround®?
A: No. When TruGround® is applied to the substrate, apply the TruGround® from the field to all metallic/grounded penetrations. Those penetrations can then be used as a ground connection for electronic testing.
Q: How fast does the TruGround® primer dry?
A: Typically, TruGround dries in approximately 30 minutes. Drying time depends on the substrate, temperature and relative humidity (RH). TruGround should be dry to the touch.
Q: CAN TRUGROUND BE APPLIED TO INSULATION?
A: YES! TruGround can be applied to any non-conductive substrate such as coverboard, insulation, wood or lightweight insulating concrete (LWIC).
Q: How does the wire mesh / vector mapping grid work below the coverboard?
A: ASTM Guide D7877 (sections 4.4 & 5.5) states that the substrate directly/immediately below the membrane must be conductive. A conductive substrate is a basic requirement for all 4 electronic testing methods (scanning platform, vertical roller, vector mapping, high voltage). A testing agency that places a conductive medium anywhere other than directly below the membrane is not in compliance with either ASTM Guide D7877 or Practice D8231, and is performing invalid ELD testing.
Most membrane manufacturers do not approve the vector mapping grid (aka VMG or wire mesh) conductive medium to be installed directly under the membrane. This typically results in the incorrect placement under the coverboard or insulation. The accuracy of the electronic test depends on water penetrating a breach in the membrane, saturating the substrate below the membrane and contacting the wire mesh. This must take place at all breach locations. If water does not have the continuous path from the top of the membrane to the wire mesh, then the breach will be missed.
Detec’s TruGround is the preferred conductive medium by manufacturers and contractors. TruGround is approved for proper placement directly below the membrane. It not affect adhesion or compatibility, is easier to install and can be applied to verticals and transitions. TruGround is compatible with fully adhered, torch down, mechanically fastened, loosely laid and fluid applied applications. TruGround is also the only FM approved conductive medium.
As described in the ASTM Standard Practice D8231-19, Electronic Leak Detection (aka Electronic Breach Detection) requires a conductive substrate directly below the membrane for a valid test. It is vital that membrane manufacturers, building owners, architects, consultants, roofers and waterproofers know what’s required for a valid ELD test. Click here for a technical note regarding improper placement of the conductive medium for ELD.
Monitored Leak Detection Systems
Q: Does FM Global have approvals for the continuously monitored leak detection system?
A: YES! Detec’s PermaScan-C is the only FM approved continuously monitored moisture detection system for conventional roofing. The system can be found in the FM Approval Guide under class number 7745, and must be used with FM approved assemblies within RoofNav.
Q: What is a leak detection system?
A: A leak detection system can have different meanings depending on who you ask. A conductive medium below the membrane is often referred to as a “system”. The testing technology can also be referred to as a “system”. Detec considers a “system” to be an embedded, continuously monitored installation of sensors within the assembly. The sensors are designed to monitor 24/7 for either breaches in the membrane (PermaScan-I) or moisture at the vapor barrier (PermaScan-C).
Q: I’m considering a green roof for my building. How can Detec help?
A: Detec’s patented PermaScan systems can be installed under Green Roofs to permanently monitor the performance of the waterproofing membrane. These permanent systems will pinpoint leaks early so corrective action can be taken immediately, preventing costly water damage from hidden moisture.
Q: How does Detec’s PermaScan system differ from point-monitoring systems?
A: Point monitoring systems utilize random sampling techniques. It is impossible to detect every moisture event with point sensors, because placement of these sensors is indiscriminate. Detec provides contiguous, linear coverage and constant monitoring therefore offering a complete solution for the problems related to unseen moisture intrusion.
Q: How does the PermaScan system report the information it collects?
A: There are several options available. The moisture performance of the building enclosure and/or waterproofing assembly can be sent to predetermined facilities management. Clients can access their building reports in real time by logging in to the online monitoring center. This information can then be reviewed by the facilities management staff so that corrective measures can be implemented, ensuring that small moisture problems do not become expensive repairs.
Q: How is the PermaScan system powered?
A: PermaScan systems operate on low voltage. There are no batteries to replace, unlike wireless point-monitoring systems. This means that there is no radio frequency interference from our system, and no battery recycling issues.