Procedure For Inspection and Determination of Effectiveness of Waterproofing System

PROCEDURE FOR INSPECTION AND Reference No. : CKASJ/BFSJ.
P/2010/01
DETERMINATION OF Revision No. : 0
EFFECTIVENESS OF ROOF
Date : October, 2010
WATERPROOFING SYSTEMS
PROCEDURE FOR INSPECTION AND DETERMINATION OF

EFFECTIVENESS OF ROOF WATERPROOFING SYSTEMS
Bahagian Forensik (Struktur & Jambatan)

Caw. Kejuruteraan Awam, Struktur & Jambatan
Ibu Pejabat JKR Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur
October 2010
BAHAGIAN FORENSIK (STRUKTUR & JAMBATAN) Page 0 of 11

PROCEDURE FOR INSPECTION AND Reference No. : CKASJ/BFSJ.P/2010/01
TABLE OF CONTENT
PAGE
1.0 INTRODUCTION 2
2.0 DOCUMENT REVIEW 2
3.0 INSPECTION PROCEDURES 3
3.1 VISUAL INSPECTION OF BUILDING INTERIOR 3
3.2 VISUAL INSPECTION OF WATERPROOFING SYSTEM 4

(Building Exterior)
3.3 TESTING 5
4.0 CONCLUSION 7
5.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY 8
APPENDIX 1: ILLUSTRATIONS OF TYPICAL BUILT-UP ROOF DEFICIENCIES
APPENDIX 2: FLOW CHART FOR INSPECTION AND DETERMINATION OF

APPENDIX 3: CHECKLIST FOR INSPECTION AND DETERMINATION OF


PROCEDURE FOR INSPECTION AND DETERMINATION OF EFFECTIVENESS

OF WATERPROOFING
1. INTRODUCTION
Waterproofing systems in general are subject to natural and accelerated

degradation processes of their mechanical water tightness characteristics.
Furthermore, their design and execution may have been deficient and
subsequent works may have jeopardized their functionality. For all these
reasons and similarly to other construction materials and elements, they must
be subject to a process as systematic as possible of routine inspections in
which a diagnosis will be developed.
To determine the effectiveness of waterproofing, this inspection and diagnosis

process must be planned and standardized, as much as the complexity of
reality allows. Therefore, besides a long-term more or less steady time
schedule, the inspector must follow a set of standard procedures in order to
obtain reliable results, so that can identify any waterproofing defects and their
effectiveness can be determined.
2. DOCUMENT REVIEW
Prior to the actual inspection, a thorough review of all available construction

and as-built documents should be made, highlighting the general area of the
waterproofing. Make note of any questionable termination and transition
detailing of all waterproofing components. Determine the barrier line, and
specifically note if it was properly ‘closed’ and hence ensuring that all individual
components of the waterproofing system are transitioned into the adjacent
component or system with watertight
watertight connections. If the original documents do
not clearly detail transition requirements, this should become an area for
further visual field inspection.

3. INSPECTION PROCEDURES
The following are recommended procedures for inspecting waterproofing

systems, whether the systems are inspected at the same time or separately.
Each inspection should follow a prescribed routine which enables the inspector
to examine each visible component. A typical inspection will consist of three
phases:
i. Visual Inspection of building interior
ii. Visual Inspection of waterproofing system (building exterior)
iii. Testing
3.1 VISUAL INSPECTION OF BUILDING INTERIOR
The effectiveness of waterproofing can be determined by visually inspecting

sign of water infiltration on the interior of the structure related to waterproofing
systems. The following elements should be inspected:
i. Check for water stains on ceilings, piping, ducts, walls and supporting
members. Note the exact locations of water damage by measurement
to building components tha
thatt can be located on roof or exterior of
building. Minimum of two measurements should be taken from
convenient points such as eaves, edges, valleys, or other identifiable
locations.
ii. Check structural system for deterioration, reflective cracking,

efflorescence (white powder) on walls, ceilings, underside of roof deck,
and at foundation walls.

iii. Inspect interior area above damage for potential source of leak. Where
water can be seen dripping through the sheathing, locating the source
is relatively simple provided there is no insulation under the roof
membrane. On steeply sloped roof where water or moisture appears
on the ceiling, the rafters immediately above the moist
moist spot should be
inspected for some distance. The drip line will probably show on the
rafter, and the point of water entry can be located with measurements.
Some typical sources for interior leaks are:
• Water leaking through deck penetrations.
• Water tracking along pipes or structural members and dripping

off at changes in direction or evaluation.
• Saturated insulation on water and drain –line piping.
• Condensation below Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning

(HVAC) ducts. (Note that stains below HVAC ducts may result
from condensation or from pipe defects.)
iv. When the source is not readily apparent,

apparent, inspect penetrations such as
vent pipes, where such leaks may develop. Note these locations with
measurements, and record. Carry out discussions with tenants to
determine whether or not the leak occurs every time it rains, only
during hard-driving rains, or some time after rain has ended.
3.2 VISUAL INSPECTION OF WATERPROOFING SYSTEM (Building Exterior)
Waterproofing inspections are normally visual, which enables the inspector to

readily identify the results and sources of the defects. Transfer measurements
of potential leak sources from interior inspection to exterior of building and

mark locations with a lumber crayon. Waterproofing elements that should be

inspected:
i. Determine type of waterproofing or membrane material – bituminous,

elastomeric.
ii. Check the maintenance document to see if the roof is a re-cover
iii. condition, especially the tie-ins with

If there are patch repairs, note their condition,
the existing roof membrane.
iv. Note the locations and extent of deficiencies on the inspection roof plan.
Illustrations of typical built-up roof deficiencies are shown in Appendix A.
v. List observations including, but not limited

limited to, debris and clogged drains.
vi. Check for ponding and, if any, note its location, extent, and depth on
roof plan.
vii. Emphasize the need for preventive maintenance if necessary, including,

but not limited to, removal of debris and foreign objects that can
damage the membrane, redistribution of ballast, coating of a smooth-
surfaced membrane, and, and re-embedment of aggregate at exposed
felts on built-up roof
3.3 TESTING
Visual inspection is not always conclusive and testing is necessary. There are
two types of testing which is non–destructive and destructive testing.
Nondestructive testing is completed with no damage to existing substrates
and typically requires no removal
removal of any waterproofing components. However
destructive testing involves actual coring or removal of substrate portion for
testing and inspection.
3.3.1 NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING
There are several forms of non-destructive technology that can assist to

determine the condition of the waterproofing. The following information is
provided about the availability and use of non-destructive testing methods.
Water-testing
The most prevalent non-destructive testing is water testing. In this analysis,

water is applied by some means to a structure to determine areas of
infiltration.
i. In conducting water tests, water is first applied at the base or bottom of

areas being tested. Succeeding applications of water then begin
upward. This prevents water from running down onto as-yet untested
areas. Water should be applied in sufficient quantities and time in one
location to determine if an area is or is not contributing to leakage or
absorption. The test criteria are at least 50 mm height of water and
minimum duration time of 24 hours.
Once such a determination is made, testing moves to the next higher

location. This testing requires someone to remain inside to determine
when water leakage begins to occur. Water testing is limited in that it
does not determine specific leakage causes or if leakage is created by
damaged waterproofing systems within a structure such as cavity wall
flashing.
Infrared (IR) Thermography
IR equipment can locate wet insulation by detecting the thermal differences

that occur between areas of wet and dry insulation
insulation during certain times of the
day. Thermal differences (anomalies) detected by IR equipment produce an
image on the instrument monitor. Moisture in wet areas normally shows as a

light-shaded area; dry insulation is indicated by dark shaded areas. The IR
image is formed by energy radiating from the various materials and should be
interpreted by a skilled operator. Due to interference from other forms of
radiation during daylight hours, the IR scan is best conducted at night.
3.3.2 DESTRUCTIVE TESTING
The most frequently used in destructive testing includes laboratory analysis of

a removed waterproofing portion. Testing can consist of chemical analysis to
determine if materials meet industry standards or project specifications.
Testing can also determine tensil
tensilee and compressive strength and extent of
contamination by chemical or pollutant attack (e.g., by sulphides or chlorides).
Destructive testing also includes probing of substrates by removing portions

of building components to inspect damage to anchoring systems
systems or structural
components. Any removed waterproofing components should be reinstalled
immediately upon completion of analysis, to protect against further damage
by exposing components to direct weathering.
4. CONCLUSION
The proper investigation can be useful to determine the effectiveness of a

waterproofing system, and provide a several alternative repair methods,
including temporary fixes and long-term repairs and associated maintenance
to improve the life cycle of the entire waterproofing. The building owner can
then make appropriate management decisions on the actions that best fit
their immediate and long-term requirements.
The investigation can also be used to determine if the problem has occurred
in the past or is likely to repeat itself in other areas. The complete reports
created during the investigation should be carefully documented for future
reference if necessary.
5. BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. “Roof And Waterproofing Maintenance”, Department of Housing And

Urban Development, US, September 1995.
2. Michael T. Kubal, Construction Waterproofing Handbook, McGraw-

Hill, 2008.

Appendix 1
Illustrations of typical built-up roof deficiencies

Appendix 2
Flow Chart For Inspection And Determination Of Effectiveness Of Roof

Waterproofing Systems
Start
Document review
Visual inspection of building

interior.
Leakage source is
Yes readily apparent
No
I. Inspect penetrations such as vent pipes.

II. Discuss with tenants time leaking occurs, e.g.
every time it rains, only during heavy rain, or
sometime after rain has ended.
No
Visual inspection of waterproofing

system (Building Exterior)
Inspection is
Yes conclusive
No
Carry out testing
Inspection report including mitigation

measures
End

Appendix 3
Checklist For Inspection and Determination of Effectiveness of Roof

Waterproofing Systems
No Description √/x
1. Document review
2. Visual inspection of building interior
2.1 Check for water stain
Check for deterioration, cracking and efflorescence at structural
2.2
systems
2.3 Inspect for potential source of leak
2.4 Discussion with tenants
3. Visual inspection of waterproofing system
3.1 Determine type of waterproofing
3.2 Check maintenance documents
3.3 Condition of repair patch, if any
3.4 Note the location and extent of waterproofing defects
3.5 Check for water ponding, if any
4. Testing
4.1 Water-testing
4.2 Infrared (IR) Thermography
4.3 Destructive testing
Comments on effectiveness of inspected waterproofing system and

suggested further action:
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PROCEDURE FOR INSPECTION AND Reference No. : CKASJ/BFSJ.

PROCEDURE FOR INSPECTION AND DETERMINATION OF

Bahagian Forensik (Struktur & Jambatan)

BAHAGIAN FORENSIK (STRUKTUR & JAMBATAN) Page 0 of 11

2.0 DOCUMENT REVIEW 2

3.0 INSPECTION PROCEDURES 3

3.1 VISUAL INSPECTION OF BUILDING INTERIOR 3

3.2 VISUAL INSPECTION OF WATERPROOFING SYSTEM 4

APPENDIX 1: ILLUSTRATIONS OF TYPICAL BUILT-UP ROOF DEFICIENCIES

APPENDIX 2: FLOW CHART FOR INSPECTION AND DETERMINATION OF

APPENDIX 3: CHECKLIST FOR INSPECTION AND DETERMINATION OF

BAHAGIAN FORENSIK (STRUKTUR & JAMBATAN) Page 1 of 11

PROCEDURE FOR INSPECTION AND DETERMINATION OF EFFECTIVENESS

Waterproofing systems in general are subject to natural and accelerated

To determine the effectiveness of waterproofing, this inspection and diagnosis

Prior to the actual inspection, a thorough review of all available construction

BAHAGIAN FORENSIK (STRUKTUR & JAMBATAN) Page 2 of 11

The following are recommended procedures for inspecting waterproofing

i. Visual Inspection of building interior

ii. Visual Inspection of waterproofing system (building exterior)

3.1 VISUAL INSPECTION OF BUILDING INTERIOR

The effectiveness of waterproofing can be determined by visually inspecting

ii. Check structural system for deterioration, reflective cracking,

BAHAGIAN FORENSIK (STRUKTUR & JAMBATAN) Page 3 of 11

• Water leaking through deck penetrations.

• Water tracking along pipes or structural members and dripping

• Saturated insulation on water and drain –line piping.

• Condensation below Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning

iv. When the source is not readily apparent,

3.2 VISUAL INSPECTION OF WATERPROOFING SYSTEM (Building Exterior)

Waterproofing inspections are normally visual, which enables the inspector to

BAHAGIAN FORENSIK (STRUKTUR & JAMBATAN) Page 4 of 11

mark locations with a lumber crayon. Waterproofing elements that should be

i. Determine type of waterproofing or membrane material – bituminous,

ii. Check the maintenance document to see if the roof is a re-cover

iii. condition, especially the tie-ins with

v. List observations including, but not limited

vii. Emphasize the need for preventive maintenance if necessary, including,

3.3.1 NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING

There are several forms of non-destructive technology that can assist to

The most prevalent non-destructive testing is water testing. In this analysis,

i. In conducting water tests, water is first applied at the base or bottom of

Once such a determination is made, testing moves to the next higher

Infrared (IR) Thermography

IR equipment can locate wet insulation by detecting the thermal differences

image on the instrument monitor. Moisture in wet areas normally shows as a

3.3.2 DESTRUCTIVE TESTING

The most frequently used in destructive testing includes laboratory analysis of

Destructive testing also includes probing of substrates by removing portions

The proper investigation can be useful to determine the effectiveness of a

1. “Roof And Waterproofing Maintenance”, Department of Housing And

2. Michael T. Kubal, Construction Waterproofing Handbook, McGraw-

BAHAGIAN FORENSIK (STRUKTUR & JAMBATAN) Page 8 of 11

Illustrations of typical built-up roof deficiencies

BAHAGIAN FORENSIK (STRUKTUR & JAMBATAN) Page 9 of 11

Flow Chart For Inspection And Determination Of Effectiveness Of Roof

Visual inspection of building

I. Inspect penetrations such as vent pipes.

Visual inspection of waterproofing

Carry out testing

Inspection report including mitigation

BAHAGIAN FORENSIK (STRUKTUR & JAMBATAN) Page 10 of 11

Checklist For Inspection and Determination of Effectiveness of Roof