The chill is leaving the air and the suns starting to come out. Is your roof ready for Spring? Check out these Spring roof maintenance tips and make sure your roof is ready.
1.Inspect Regularly
As the days grow longer and the weather warms up, it’s time to refocus on roofing maintenance to ensure that the winter elements haven’t caused any damage or issues that could compromise performance. In addition to inspecting both before and after every winter, it’s also crucial that the individual overseeing your roof’s inspection is trained and has experience identifying potential problems.
2. Focus on Common Issues
While building roofs are vulnerable to any number of problems, focus on the two most likely areas to be damaged or in disrepair after a long winter: the field and flashings. On the roof’s field, look for areas of degradation or wear that could mean repairs are necessary. Then review flashings as they tend to be the most likely area for leaks. Anything that requires a break in the roof’s membrane could be a culprit so be sure to check every possibility.
3. Keep Everyone Safe
Even though spring is the ideal time to inspect your roof, be cautious because more traffic increases the chances of dangerous situations such as falls. While it goes without saying that anyone you select to inspect or perform maintenance should be properly trained, improve safety by providing proper safety equipment such as harnesses and gloves. Passive forms of fall protection are also a popular choice for FMs such as grab bars, railings, or screens over skylights.
4. Minimize Foot Traffic
Excessive amounts of foot traffic can be even more dangerous to your roof than heavy storms. When it’s necessary to send people up top, be sure to use membrane protection, walkway pads, or roof pavers to reduce the risk of falls. Controlling access to the roof, such as requiring a sign in/out procedure, can also help.
5. Document Findings
Regular inspections are crucial to extending the life of your roof, but what if you need to compare current conditions with those of last year to assess the progression of an issue? Situations such as this illustrate the value of consistency in documentation. Each biannual roof inspection performed on your building should use a document such as a checklist to make sure the same areas are checked and nothing slips through the cracks
Source: Buildings.com