Proactive Leak Detection Prevents Costly Roof Failures

Electronic leak detection and continuous moisture monitoring during construction can identify and fix issues before they cause major damage.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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This article highlights how electronic leak detection (ELD) testing and continuous moisture monitoring during construction can identify and fix water intrusion issues before they cause major damage to roofs. The author presents case studies demonstrating how ELD testing found numerous breaches in new roof membranes, and how continuous moisture monitoring alerted contractors to leaks during construction so they could be quickly repaired. The article also provides industry-wide data on the average number of breaches found through ELD testing across different roof membrane types.

Why it matters

Water intrusion is a major source of construction defect claims and insurance losses, with experts estimating that 75-80% of construction defect disputes are related to roof failures. By utilizing ELD testing and continuous moisture monitoring during construction, many of these issues can be identified and fixed before they lead to costly damage and repairs down the line.

The details

The article explains how ELD testing works by applying an electrical current to the roof membrane to detect breaches, holes, and voids. It notes that ELD testing requires a conductive substrate directly below the membrane in order to complete the electrical circuit. The author presents several case studies where ELD testing found numerous breaches in new roof installations, including pinholes, seam voids, and trade damage. The article also highlights how continuous moisture monitoring systems can alert contractors to leaks during construction, allowing them to quickly identify and repair the source before the roof assembly is closed up with trapped moisture.

  • ELD testing was performed during construction on these projects.
  • Continuous moisture monitoring systems were activated during the construction process.

The players

Shaun Katz

The author of the article, with over 25 years of experience in customer service and business administration, and 10 years involved in electronic leak detection. He has assisted various industry professionals with forensic leak investigations and leak detection in new construction projects.

ASTM International

The organization that developed the ASTM D7877 and ASTM D8231 standards for electronic methods of detecting and locating leaks in waterproof membranes.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of proactively utilizing electronic leak detection and continuous moisture monitoring during construction to identify and fix water intrusion issues before they lead to major damage and costly repairs down the line. By catching these problems early, building owners and contractors can avoid the significant financial and reputational impacts of construction defect claims and insurance losses related to roof failures.