Abstract. The roof is a key system for maintaining the durability of a structure, facing the brunt of the elements including windlift and increasing periods of extreme weather. Where the roof system fails, moisture can enter the building and cause structural damage, mold growth, and reduce thermal efficiency. Left unchecked, these damages can lead to very expensive repair/replacement. Automated leak detection systems have been developed as a solution to the problem of long-term roof maintenance, actively monitoring the roof system environment for moisture accumulation / movement as well as membrane integrity.  

This paper examines the different types of  assembly for large low-slope roofs, with analysis of data from over a decade of roof monitoring as well as case studies, in order to illustrate the challenge of installing roofs defect free as well as the benefits of long-term monitoring for building performance.