The inventive disclosures are directed to an improved waterproofing membrane that features a polymer backing membrane with an integrated electrically-conductive layer that is used to create improved asphaltic waterproofing membranes and sodium-bentonite-clay waterproofing panels with intrinsic leak-detection capability for applications in below-grade waterproofing systems and above-grade air-barrier systems and horizontal roofing and deck-coating applications. Additionally, improved composite fluid-applied waterproofing membranes with intrinsic leak-detection capability is revealed.

A sensor arrangement for identifying and measuring environmental parameters, in particular in flat roof structures, including a first group of functional units containing at least one sensor and a transmission/reception antenna for wireless communication, and a second group of functional units containing at least one sensor, a measurement, storage and evaluation unit, and a power supply. The two groups of functional units are accommodated in separate housings, but operatively connected to one another. The first functional group has a sensor for water in liquid form and a humidity sensor, and the second functional group preferably has at least one surface pressure sensor. A measurement network can include a group of the sensor arrangements that are controlled/monitored from a common transmission/reception unit. The installation of such a measurement network is also described.

Leaks in a roof membrane are detected in plurality of separate zones arranged in rows and columns. By applying to the roof in a location underneath the membrane and on top of the deck in each zone at least one length of a moisture detection sensor comprising a substrate carrying two parallel conductors on one surface of the substrate detecting changes in resistance between the conductors so as to detect moisture permeating into the respective zone. The moisture detecting sensors are separate in each zone so as to detect changes in resistance in the respective zone independent of any changes in resistance in other zones so that the system can detect within the rows and columns any zone where changes in resistance occur. In order to detect across the zone, the sensor is applied in a two dimensional pattern for example by two lengths at right angles.

A leak in an electrically conductive membrane attached on top of a horizontal roof deck is located by a manually operable carriage which is swept over the upper surface of the membrane on the roof deck. A measuring and switching circuit generates a voltage having a positive attached to the roof deck and a negative attached to conductive brushes on the carriage. The brushes are arranged to form an outer peripheral contact with an inner contact inside the outer contact. There is provided a diode switched into the sensing circuit from the inner conductive brushes so as to reduce the voltage across the deck and the inner brushes relative to the outer brushes. Thus the presence of a leak is detected by the outer set of conductive brushes at distance from the leak and by the inner conductive brush when directly over the leakage site.

A leak in an electrically conductive membrane attached on top of a horizontal roof deck is located by a manually operable carriage which is swept over the upper surface of the membrane on the roof deck. A measuring and switching circuit generates a voltage having a positive attached to the roof deck and a negative attached to conductive brushes on the carriage. The brushes are arranged to form an outer peripheral contact with an inner contact inside the outer contact. There is provided a diode switched into the sensing circuit from the inner conductive brushes so as to reduce the voltage across the deck and the inner brushes relative to the outer brushes. Thus the presence of a leak is detected by the outer set of conductive brushes at distance from the leak and by the inner conductive brush when directly over the leakage site.

An intelligent roof drain system includes a roof drain surrounded by a drain plate. A water seepage detection module is disposed proximate the drain plate. The water seepage detection module includes water seepage detection sensors and circuitry and an antenna system to inductively receive power and communicate water seepage data. A roofing membrane is disposed over the water seepage detection module. A monitoring module that includes control circuitry, power supply circuitry, water level detection circuitry, communications interface circuitry, and an antenna system to inductively supply power to and communicate with the water seepage detection module is disposed proximate the water seepage detection module such that the antenna systems align. The intelligent roof drain system can detect water seepage under the roofing membrane and standing water proximate the roof drain and communicate such events to a gateway and/or building management system.

An intelligent roof drain system includes a roof drain surrounded by a drain plate. A water seepage detection module is disposed proximate the drain plate. The water seepage detection module includes water seepage detection sensors and circuitry and an antenna system to inductively receive power and communicate water seepage data. A roofing membrane is disposed over the water seepage detection module. A monitoring module that includes control circuitry, power supply circuitry, water level detection circuitry, communications interface circuitry, and an antenna system to inductively supply power to and communicate with the water seepage detection module is disposed proximate the water seepage detection module such that the antenna systems align. The intelligent roof drain system can detect water seepage under the roofing membrane and standing water proximate the roof drain and communicate such events to a gateway and/or building management system.

Gypsum panels, methods for their manufacture, and systems and methods for monitoring environmental conditions with such panels are provided herein. The panels include a gypsum core having a first surface and an opposed second surface, a first facer material associated with the first surface of the gypsum core, and an environmental sensor assembly associated with the gypsum panel and configured to detect an environmental condition of the gypsum panel and wirelessly communicate data on the environmental condition to a reader.

A photovoltaic module installation roof renewal method for installing a photovoltaic module on a roof of a building constructed with a roof frame having a repetitively formed crest and root includes the steps of: interposing an insulator at the roots of the roof frame; producing a photovoltaic module installation roof panel in a length corresponding to the length of the roof at a roof renewal site by using a portable roll foaming machine to transport the photovoltaic module installation roof panel onto the roof; installing the photovoltaic module installation roof panel on the roof frame at which the insulator is interposed; fastening a bracket for installing a photovoltaic module on the photovoltaic module installation roof panel; and installing the photovoltaic module on the bracket.

Techniques for detecting damage to a roofing structure and initiating remediation procedures are disclosed herein. An exemplary computer-implemented method may include receiving sensor data from a plurality of sensors located proximate to the roofing structure to monitor a plurality of environmental conditions. The exemplary method may include (1) identifying, by one or more processors, a type of damage within the roofing structure based upon the sensor data; (2) locating a position of the damage within the roofing structure; determining a set of remediation services based upon the type of damage; and (3) identifying one or more remediation service providers to perform the set of remediation services. The exemplary method may include generating and transmitting an alert signal to a computing device identifying the type of damage to the roofing structure and contact information corresponding to at least one or more remediation service providers.