Membrane Leak Detection and Compliance Testing
Trace Surveys offer construction phase compliance testing of non-conductive membranes. We are currently the only company in the UK who can electronically ‘wet test’ vertical and horizontal membranes. This means that we can more reliably test more of your membrane surface than anyone else.
We test roofing membranes, pond liners and swimming pool liners.
Comparison of Membrane Test Methods
| Technology | Integriscan | Holiday Testing | Vector Mapping | Flood Testing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Method | Dual-Sensor Cross Scan Technology | Electrical flow through non-conductive membranes. | Triangulating Sampling Technology | Gravity + permeability of elements below the membrane |
| Test Method | Mobile sled or roller that isolates test area and detects voltage loss when passed over a leak. | Applying positive charge over membrane surface to detect pinholes & voids. | Install perimeter pulse wire & follow current direction to leaks over wetted membrane. | Cause water to pool over horizontal membrane and monitor for water ingress below. |
| Coverage | Horizontal, pitched and vertical surfaces | Horizontal, pitched and vertical surfaces | Horizontal and shallow pitches. | Horizontal only |
| Weather conditions | Can be used in any weather. (Not on ice) | Membrane surface must be dry | Can be used in any weather. (Not on ice) | Any weather although rainfall can confuse results. |
| Speed | Fastest system available | As fast as Integriscan but only in dry conditions | Moderate speed | Slowest |
| Membrane Types | Bitumen, elastomer, PE-HD or other plastic sheets. Not EPDM | Bitumen, elastomer, PE-HD or other plastic sheets. Not EPDM | Bitumen, elastomer, PE-HD or other plastic sheets. Not EPDM | EPDM, bitumen, elastomer, PE-HD or other ¬plastic sheets. |
| Reliability | Most reliable system. Requires an earth leakage path through the structure via the leak. The introduction of water over the membrane helps ensures that an earth leakage path is more reliably present. | Very accurate but if the material below the membrane is non-conductive and dry, leaks may not register. | Very accurate. Wall junctions, perimeter details and membrane penetrations can only be visually inspected. | Helpful for indicating the presence of a leak but does not give a location. High potential for smaller leaks to be missed. |
* Trace Surveys is the only company in the UK who offers all of these types of membrane testing.
