b'Roof MaintenanceExcessive ponding water or improper drainage;Improperfunctioningor blockedroofdrainsand/or scuppers; andDebris or other material that coulddamageroofmem-brane.Allinspectionsoftheroof shouldbeaccompaniedbya thorough examination of interior walls and ceilings for signs of wa-ter staining and moisture ingress and interviews with building per-sonnel to identify any problems that may be hidden from view.Regularinspectionsidentify deterioration and/or defects that mayadverselyaffecttheperfor-manceoftheroofingsystem and maintenance repairs that are requiredtoaddressthedeterio-ration.Inspectionsandmainte-nance proactively address condi-tions that could adversely affect theperformanceoftheroofing components and lead to damage to the roofing or building com-Preventative Roof Maintenance ponents, such as water or mois-ture infiltration. Moisture within a roofing system can, over time, result in a decrease in the thermal How to maximize long-term roof performance By Wendy Fraser, CRCA Technical Manager value of insulation, deterioration orcorrosionoftheroofdeck, fasteners and other structural ele-ments. Interior finishes and build-AsystemrepresentsExposuretoenvironmentalchanges to the physical propertiesInspections shouldbeunder- ing equipment can also be dam-roofing a significant portion of theelements,includingultra- of the roofing components and anInspectionsaged. Water infiltration can lead entirebuildingenclosurevioletradiation,wind,rain,inevitable decline in the roofingtaken by a qualified roofing con- topoorindoorairqualityand and has a great influence on criti- snow, temperature, air pollu- performance. In order to addresssultant or contractor who is ablepromote the growth of mould. cal building functions, includingtion and industrial emissions; any resulting deterioration and/orto properly assess the condition energy efficiency, occupant com- Structuralmovementsuchdefects in a timely manner, it isoftheroofingcomponentsandRepairsfortandprotectionofbuildingas settlement, seismic move- recommendedthatpreventativeidentify areas of current and po- Toeffectivelycompleteany contents. Therefore, any roofingment,andthermalexpan- maintenance be completed. Thetentialdeterioration,defectsorrequiredrepairsresultingfrom systemmustmaintainoptimumsion and contraction; purpose of any preventative roofconcerns. A typical roof inspec- the roof inspections, the roofing performancethroughoutitsex- Biologicalgrowthsuchasmaintenanceistodecreasethetionwouldidentifyproblematiccontractor must be familiar with pected service life.vegetation, fungus and algae; acceleration rate of the normalthe existing roofing assembly and One misconception is that onceImproper or inadequate de- agingbyimplementingtimelyitems such as:proper repair procedures as deter-a roof has been installed, no furthersign of the roof system, in- andeffectivemeasuresthatwillCondition of roofing mem- minedbytheroofingcomposi-actionisrequiredandwarrantiescludingimproperdrainage,restore the roof to a useful levelbrane including: tionandmaterialmanufacturer. willprovideremedyforanyper- flashings, structural deficien- of performance and extend its re- oxidationofasphaltThecompletionofrepairswith formance problems that occur. Al- cies, etc.; maining service life. surface, alligatoring improper/incompatible materials though warranties may be useful inManufacturing defects, suchwrinkling or blistering or improper methodology can be protecting a building owner fromas materials formulation orWhat is Preventativeholes, splits, tears orineffective and roof leaks or pre-loss due to defective materials orfabrication; Maintenance? abrasions mature deterioration may result. improperinstallationtechniques,Lack of proper maintenance,unbondedseamsorIn the event of the selection of the building owner still has an ob- including use of incompat- Preventative maintenance con- overlaps; incompatible materials, manufac-ligationtoproperlymaintaintheiblematerialsandongoingsists of regular inspections and cor- Displaced or missing ballast,turers warranties may be voided.roof.Almostallwarrantiesavail- water infiltration or conden- rective repair of any observed dete- pavers, soil or vegetation;ableintheindustryspecifythatsation infiltration; rioration in the roofing system orFuture Replacementthey may be voided in the eventChanges to the use and oc- components.ItisrecommendedDamagedroofmembraneRegular maintenance will also of failure to properly maintain thecupancyofthebuildingthatinspectionsbecompletedaflashingsatcurbs,penetra- allowforlong-termfinancial roof in accordance with the manu- other than those for which itminimum of twice a year, in thetions or parapets; planning and budgeting for roof facturers recommendations.was designed and intended,spring and fall, and following in- Loose, missing or damagedreplacement. The timing of roof suchasincreaseininteriorstallation or maintenance of anymetal flashing; replacementcanbescheduled Roof Performance humidity; and rooftopequipment.AdditionalExposedand/ordamagedwhen it will have the least impact TherearemanyfactorsRooftoptraffic,abuseorinspectionsshouldbecomplet- insulation; onbuildingoperationsandoc-thatmayaffectthelong-termvandalism. edfollowinganymajorweatherDeteriorationsealantorcupants, during optimal weather performance of a roofing system,Exposuretovaryingenviron- eventssuchasheavyrains,highcaulkingatcurbs,penetra- conditions and when costs are the including: mentalconditionswillresultinwinds, hail and/or ice storms. tion and flashings; most competitive. ORN THE ONLY SOURCE FOR PROFESSIONAL ICI ROOFING CONTRACTORS IN ONTARIO ONTARIO ROOFING NEWSISSUE 2 202015'