The Tramex Dec Scanner is a mobile, non-destructive impedance scanner designed for the instant surveying of moisture conditions in flat roofing and waterproofing systems per ASTM D7954. It is the ultimate non-destructive roof moisture scanner for in-depth flat roof leak detection, moisture measuring and surveying.

The Dec Scanner detects and measures leaks within the roofing structure. Featuring three ranges of sensitivity and a maximum depth penetration of 6 inches (152mm), it enables the inspection of a variety of roof membranes and insulation thicknesses. Readings are instant, and a flat roof area of up to 100,000 square feet can reasonably be covered in a day.

As it is easy and safe to use with no regulatory restrictions or operating licence required, the Dec Scanner is ideal for water leak detection and integrity testing in roofing materials, and is faster and more user friendly than nuclear meters.

Features

• Complies with ASTM D7954
• Non-destructive impedance moisture meter
• Three ranges of sensitivity enabling inspection of a variety of roof membranes and insulation thicknesses
• Ergonomic, easy-reach and easy to operate control panel
• Leak tracing, water leak detection, problem sourcing, and an instantaneous, clear indication of roof condition
• Fast readings over large roof areas in a short time frame
• Works in normal daylight hours
• Faster and more user friendly than nuclear meters
• Easy and safe to use with no regulatory restrictions or operating licence required
• Dependable solid state circuitry and rugged moulded body for long-term reliability
• Battery powered (9 Volt PP3)
• Detects moisture in roofs without tearing them apart

How It Works

The Dec Scanner detects and evaluates moisture conditions within roofing systems by non-destructively measuring electrical impedance. A low frequency electronic signal is generated, transmitted into the material under test via one of the two electrodes incorporated in the rubber electrode mat, and received by the second electrode. The strength of this signal varies in proportion to the amount of moisture in the material under test. The Dec Scanner converts this to a comparative moisture content value. By moving the scanner across a roof surface in a regular pattern, a continuous reading is obtained and areas that contain moisture can be readily identified.

Operating procedure: moisture detection testing can be done at the time of installation for warranty auditing and quality control, as part of an ongoing maintenance programme, or prior to re-roofing or repair of damaged roofs. Having determined a known acceptably dry area, one of three sensitivity ranges is selected and the Dec Scanner is moved over the tested area without causing any damage to the roof surface. Continuous moisture condition readings allow a moisture map of the surface to be drawn up and leaks traced to their source.

Supported Measurements

• Ambient relative humidity, temperature, dew point and grains per pound
• Psychrometric chart showing relative humidity, specific volume, wet bulb temperature, dry bulb temperature, enthalpy, humidity ratio and dew point
• Contact temperature, estimated contact RH, ambient dew point and contact delta temperature (with the optional Contact Temperature Probe, CTP)
• Equilibrium relative humidity in structural materials such as concrete slabs (with optional Hygro-i2 RH probes), via in-situ or RH hood methods

Range Selection

• Range 1: most suitable for single-ply and thin roof coverings such as PVC, Hypalon and other smooth surfaces where insulation is wet and moisture is close to the surface.
• Range 2: most suitable for multi-ply built-up and modified systems, mineral surfaced felts, and other smooth or gravel surfaces where insulation is less wet and moisture is below the surface.
• Range 3: most suitable for thicker roof coverings such as mastic asphalt, thick gravel and stone surfaced roofing.

Applications and Suitable Materials

• Flat roof leak detection and moisture surveying per ASTM D7954
• Integrity testing of roofing and waterproofing systems
• Warranty auditing and quality control at time of installation
• Ongoing roof maintenance programmes and pre re-roofing surveys
• Suitable membranes: single-ply (PVC, Hypalon), multi-ply built-up and modified systems, mineral surfaced felts, gravel surfaces, mastic asphalt, stone surfaced roofing
• Limitations: some EPDM, butyl rubber roofing and other conductive roofing

Specifications

Standards Referenced

• ASTM D7954 (standard practice for moisture surveying of roofing and waterproofing systems using non-destructive electrical impedance scanners)

Included in Kits

• The Dec Scanner is included in the RMK Roofing Master Kit.