Roof maintenance basics It begins with inspections By James Klassen
A good roof is your first line of defence
against problems that result in cata-
every detail: roof drains, penetrations
against water intrusion. Let water in,
strophic roof failure, resulting in unan-
and other flashings, roof curbs, support
and it will turn a good day into a very
ticipated expenses that will shape the
cable and signpost anchors, skylights –
bad one. Water destroys materials,
financial future of your organization.
the list is limited only by design of your roof.
short-circuits electrical and information systems, induces rot, and turns a warm, comfortable environment into a cold,
Planning and routines
Follow that up with a schedule. Plan
If you have the time and the essen-
to inspect the roofs of your building at
tial skills to examine and understand
least twice each year – once in spring,
A roof is only as good as the mainte-
your building, begin with a roof plan.
and once again in fall. It’s also a good
nance that keeps it serviceable, though.
You need to know what your roof
idea to conduct inspections after each
Roofs age. They collect debris. And
looks like, so take time to diagram
significant weather event, or after
they can be damaged. Coupled with
it. Make the plan-view drawing (view
construction. Debris left on a roof can
an RCABC RoofStar Guarantee, routine
from above) reasonably representative
scour a granular surface or puncture
inspections are your first line of defense
of the real thing, and ensure you plot
the roof membrane if blown about by
repulsive place to live and work.
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Ops Talk • Fall 2015
