Operating Principle
The prolonged effect of moisture between waterproofing membrane and vapour barrier in the warm roof results in the thermal insulation materials absorbing moisture. In the event of defects within flat roof sealing membranes, it is often the case that thermal insulation materials become soaked unnoticed and moisture damage in the interior only becomes evident years later.
Prolonged exposure to moisture in thermal insulation materials sandwiched between relatively impermeable boundary layers (waterproofing membrane and vapour barrier) leads to significant moisture absorption by the majority of thermal insulation products (see also problems with timber structures).
Making moisture retention in the roof layer package identifiable in good time (that is before the thermal insulation or timber structure is saturated) is a huge step forward for the long-term functional performance of flat roofs. This is not only an economic advantage but also an attribute of modern, safe flat roofs. The ROOF PROTECTOR represents a reasonably-priced moisture detector which can be combined with all commercially available roof coatings and enables permanent tracking of moisture in the layers of the roof structure. In addition, the Roof Protector can be used on the roof to verify and demonstrate successful repairs. Rainwater penetrating the roof structure from the outside due to damage or condensation from inside accumulates on the vapour barrier and, following the roof slope, is directed towards the low point of the roof (position of the ROOF PROTECTOR). When the film of water reaches the ROOF PROTECTOR's sensor, which is mounted underneath the thermal insulation board, the sensor's electrical parameters change and water is therefore detected. The ROOF PROTECTOR can easily be checked from the roof surface during annual cleaning and maintenance work.
The test result can be recorded annually in the standardised test report. The ROOF PROTECTOR is patent-protected and meets the requirements of standard B3691 for the monitoring of flat roofs in use category 3.