The failure to detect, identify, and correct minor water intrusions at the earliest stages is considered the greatest cause of premature roof failure. This is particularly true of roofing materials applied on low-slope or flat roofs. Costly roofing problems are often the result of design deficiencies, faulty installation, or damage from other trades after installation. Even when properly designed and installed, roofing materials deteriorate from exposure.
When leaks occur, huge costs can be incurred in removing expensive green roof components, locating the leaks, and repairing the associated damages. These damages can mount rapidly while the contractor searches for leaks that probably originated months prior to the discovery of the damage. The leaks often allow water to accumulate between the membrane and the deck over time until it finds a joint, crack, or penetration to follow downward.
