Electronic Roof Integrity Testing in Chichester
Independent testing identified 19 waterproofing breaches
Southern Roof Diagnostics completed electronic integrity testing across accessible areas of a recently installed commercial roof in Chichester. The instruction was to identify membrane breaches, record their locations and provide clear evidence for targeted remedial work.
Testing was completed on 18 September 2026 using a high-voltage dry testing method suitable for the accessible waterproofing areas.
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Project overview
- Location: Chichester, West Sussex
- Service: Electronic roof integrity and leak detection testing
- Roof areas: Recently installed liquid-applied waterproofing with an accessible single-ply garage roof
- Method: High-voltage dry testing using specialist electronic equipment
- Result: 19 breaches identified and mapped
- Additional finding: No breaches were identified on the accessible garage roof areas tested
The instruction
The project team required independent evidence of waterproofing integrity before the roof entered normal service. The roof plan was used to define the accessible test areas and to create a clear location record for every confirmed breach.
A visual review was completed before electronic testing. The roof surface then received a systematic pass so that discontinuities in the waterproofing could be confirmed and marked.
Testing method
High-voltage dry testing applies an electrical potential across the waterproofing surface. Where a discontinuity allows the circuit to complete through a conductive path beneath the membrane, the equipment indicates a breach.
The method is designed to locate small defects that may be difficult to identify visually. Suitability depends on the roof construction, waterproofing system, substrate, surface condition and site circumstances.
Learn more about electronic leak detection
Findings
The inspection identified 19 breaches across the accessible liquid-applied roof areas:
- 12 locations were consistent with mechanical damage
- 7 locations were associated with reduced resin coverage
- No breaches were identified on the accessible garage roof areas tested
Each confirmed location was marked on the roof, photographed and plotted on the roof plan. This gave the contractor a focused remedial schedule instead of relying on broad or speculative repairs.
Why the distinction mattered
Separating mechanical damage from areas of reduced coating coverage helped the project team understand the nature of the defects and direct the appropriate corrective action.
The plan and photographic record also created a defensible handover document. It showed the areas tested, the defects identified and the limitations of the inspection at that point in the project.
Recommended next step
The confirmed breach locations required repair in accordance with the waterproofing system requirements. A targeted retest after remedial work would provide evidence that the treated locations had been restored and allow the handover record to be updated.
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Inspection limitations
Electronic testing reports the condition of the accessible areas tested at the time of inspection. It does not guarantee future performance and cannot assess concealed or inaccessible areas.
Results can be affected by roof build-up, surface moisture, contamination, equipment, penetrations and other site conditions. These factors are reviewed before and during the test, and material limitations are recorded in the report.
The value to the project team
The completed inspection provided:
- Precise locations for targeted repair
- Independent evidence of membrane integrity
- A clear roof-plan and photographic record
- Separation of confirmed breaches from general observations
- A practical basis for retesting and project handover
Arrange electronic roof integrity testing
Southern Roof Diagnostics provides electronic leak detection and independent handover testing across West Sussex, Hampshire and Southern England. Tell us about the roof system, project stage and the evidence you require.