Roof Leak Detection Made Easy with Advanced Leak Detectors
You often detect a roof leak only when water starts flowing into the indoor spaces. In the worst case, a roof leak can cause extensive moisture problems in the building, and the insurance company may not cover the damage. Nowadays, smart technology is available for detecting roof leaks.
Why roof leak detection is crucial for building longevity
The sooner a roof leak is detected, the easier and more affordable it is to repair. However, detecting a roof leak can be extremely difficult. Even a tiny needle-sized hole in the roofing material can allow up to three liters of water to pass through during heavy rain. In the worst case, you only notice the leak when water begins leaking inside the building.
Insurance companies typically cover only roof damage caused by sudden or unforeseen events, such as a tree falling onto the roof. Hidden defects and construction errors may not be covered by insurance, making it difficult to receive compensation. In such cases, the property owner is responsible for covering the expenses.
Roof leak detection: two roof leak types
There are two types of roof leaks.
1. Visible roof leaks. The first type is a visibly detectable damage in the roofing material that occurs suddenly and unexpectedly. You can usually find this kind of leak quickly. For example, it may occur when something (for example, a tool) falls onto the roof.
2. Hidden, long-term leaks. The second type of leak is a hidden, long-term leak that typically results from an improperly installed roof pass-through or seam. This roof leak type is the most problematic to detect. The damage develops gradually within the structure, allowing water to cause significant destruction in the structures over time.
These situations require significant structural deconstruction, drying, and large-scale repairs. Repair costs can range from tens of thousands to even hundreds of thousands of euros for large roof areas. Time is a crucial factor in minimising costs – major expenses can be avoided if the leak is detected before it has soaked into the structure.
You can sometimes detect a roof leak during an annual maintenance inspection. During this inspection, it is important to ensure that the roof is clean and free of leaves or debris that could obstruct water drainage. The inspection should also include checking roof pass-throughs and drains to ensure they function properly. Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that water can flow off the roof efficiently.
How advanced leak detectors help identify roof leaks in real time
Detecting a roof leak early can significantly reduce repair costs. If a minor leak is quickly found and fixed, patching the roof costs approximately 2 000–3 000 euros. Smart technology, such as the VILPE Sense leak detector, will help you to detect roof leaks.
The VILPE Sense leak detector identifies even the smallest roof leaks and prevents them from developing into major issues. It continuously monitors structures and alerts when it detects excessive moisture. The system generates a humidity map which helps to localise the leak. This enables quick detection of roof leaks and helps avoid costly renovations.
The long-term benefits of using roof leak detection systems
Using the VILPE Sense leak detector has multiple benefits.
- Quick and accurate leak detection – When the system alerts you to a potential leak, you can locate the problem area on the roof right away using the humidity map. Detecting potential leak doesn’t require manual inspection.
- Prevention of moisture damage – Leaks and humidity problems are detected early, allowing repairs to be made before significant damage occurs.
- Continuous monitoring – Instead of relying on irregular roof inspections, the VILPE Sense system provides 24/7 monitoring.
- Simplified maintenance – The system makes roof inspections easier by eliminating the need to open roof structures. Repairs can be targeted immediately, making them faster and more cost-effective.
- Effective for large areas – The system detects leaks quickly, making it especially useful for monitoring large roofs covering thousands of square meters.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roof Leak Detection
How does the VILPE Sense leak detector work?
The installer places the leak detection sensors in the insulation layer and registers the sensors. You also need a picture or map of the monitored area. The sensors are marked on the map. This will help you locate potential leaks.
Install the VILPE Sense Mobile Base Station in the roof structures or indoors. The Mobile Base Station receives data from the sensors and uploads this data directly to the cloud service. The system monitors the area and alarms you when it detects heightened humidity levels. The humidity map clearly indicates the problematic areas on the VILPE Sense cloud service.
How does the VILPE Sense Leak Detector detect a roof leak?
There’s a small leak the roof. It is so small that you can’t visually detect it. The sensors in the VILPE Sense leak detector react to the increased moisture levels in the insulation layer. The mobile base station receives data from the sensors and uploads it to the cloud service.
In the cloud service, a humidity map reveals that certain sensors have detected higher humidity accumulation in the insulation layer. This data suggests that there is likely a roof leak.
Which products do I need for VILPE Sense roof leak detection?
VILPE Sense Leak Detector. We recommend using 10 sensors to cover an area of approximately 200 m2. This means that the distance between the two sensors is about 4–5 meter. However, the shorter the distance between the sensors, the more accurate the data provided. For example, if an area needs closer monitoring or the area is prone to leakages, we recommend placing more sensors here.
VILPE Sense Mobile Base Station. You can purchase it with or without a preinstalled SIM card with a data service subscription.
Where can you use the VILPE Sense Leak Detectors?
You can use the VILPE Sense leak detector for monitoring any structure, for example roofs or walls.
Read more about the VILPE Sense Leak Detector: https://www.vilpe.com/en/leak-detector/