Drains are plugged, temporary dams are built and water is ponded over the membrane, typically an inch or two deep at the high point for 24 to 72 hours, as described in ASTM D5957. Inspectors watch the space below for leaks. Plaza decks, balconies, shower pans and green roofs are flood tested before protection and overburden hide the membrane. The deck structure must be able to carry the water weight.
Flood test on the pool deck starts tonight, nobody touches the drain plugs till Thursday morning.
Check the structural capacity before flooding; an inch of water weighs about 5 pounds per square foot.
Also heard as
- flood testing
- ponding test
- water test
Related terms
Plaza deck
A waterproofed structural slab over occupied space, topped with pavers, soil, planters or a wearing slab.
ELD
Electronic leak detection, using a small electric current to pinpoint breaches in a membrane.
Hot rubberized asphalt
A rubber-modified asphalt melted in a kettle and squeegeed onto decks as a thick membrane with no seams.
Protection board
A rigid sheet laid over a finished membrane so backfill, rebar and foot traffic cannot puncture it.