Jack Frost is getting ready to nip at more than just your nose. He's got his sights set on your roof. Roofs have it pretty tough at any time of year, but winter is particularly trying. The following is a checklist of simple actions that can help your roof to better weather the season.
INTERIOR INSPECTION
Visually inspect the interior of the building for signs of water penetration.
HOUSEKEEPING
Roofs should be cleaned on a regular basis. Remove all debris (leaves, branches, cans, bottles, etc.), abandoned equipment and anything else that could plug drains, damage the roof or be blown off the roof.
RECORDS
Review warranties, repair histories and other roof documentation. (Warranties could require periodic actions on your part and repair histories can be a critical factor in life-cycle assessment.)
DRAINAGE DEVICES
Drains, scuppers, downspouts, etc. should be clear of debris, well secured and fully operational. Make sure drain strainers are in place and secured.
METAL COPINGS AND FLASHINGS
All metal work, copings, metal edges, counterflashings, etc. should be inspected for securement, openings at joints, physical damage, defective sealant or other conditions that could adversely affect performance.
PITCH POCKETS
Sealer in pitch pockets should be inspected for cracks, bond breaks, shrinkage or other conditions that could cause leakage. The filler should be well bonded, fairly resilient and convex in profile.
SEALANTS/CAULKING
Inspect all sealants installed on or above roof. The sealant should be well adhered, free of cracks/breaks and resilient.
|
|
WALLS
Inspect for cracked, open, or otherwise defective mortar and cracked or spalled bricks. This is especially important above roof level.
ROOFTOP FIXTURES & EQUIPMENT
Ductwork, HVAC units, etc. should be carefully examined for any condition that could allow water penetration. HVAC access/service panels are common leakage sources and should be periodically removed to allow inspection of gaskets, weather seals and weep holes. Check all fasteners for proper
securement. Metal that exhibits rust should be repainted or repaired.
MEMBRANE
Examine membrane for cracks, ridges, blisters, splits, wrinkles or other irregularities. Obvious possible sources of leakage (openings) should be repaired immediately. Deformities should be repaired or at least marked and documented as potential future leak sources.
BASE FLASHINGS
Base flashing material should be closely inspected for gaps, tears, wrinkles, sags or splits. Defects should be corrected or marked/documented as severity dictates.
With some training, in-house personnel can usually perform routine inspections, many of the maintenance tasks and emergency repairs. Permanent repairs should be performed by a qualified roofing contractor. If warranties are in effect, repairs should be performed by the installing contractor or a contractor approved by the manufacturer in order to not void any warranties.
Frank Owens
|
