Roof Test Cuts

A roof test cut uses a tool called a core cutter to extract a sample of a building s existing flat roof system.

Roof test cuts.

Core samples consist of cuts through the roof membrane down to the roof deck. It is difficult and often impossible to determine the composition of a roof system by visual inspection alone that is without penetrating the membrane. Cutting with a knife saw combination is useful for cutting samples of 4 to 12 square. One or more test cuts can determine the materials and deck type.

The sample from a core cut test allows us to examine the moisture content of the flat roof system particularly that of the underlying insulation. The core cut also permits the constituents of the roof system and their condition to be determined. For contractors a test cut with a roof core cutter tells what roofing materials have been used historically from decking to sheathing insulation and all other parts of the roofing system. The sample provides an absolute test of moisture content and location.

Determine the moisture content of a flat roof system. The deck type usually can be determined from underneath you may have to pop a few ceiling panels. In addition roof test cuts with a roof core cutter help identify any repairs that have been completed that would have an impact on insulation application or coatings such as asphalt based patches which can drastically alter plans. Sometimes there are multiple layers of roofing systems.

A core cut sample provides a sample of these materials and how they are installed. Most low slope roofs have the insulation immediately above the deck and the waterproofing layer on top of the insulation.