The Importance of Periodic Roof Inspections
Your roofing systems should be inspected at least twice a year (Spring and Fall) for damage or defects. Someone who understands the various designs and components of the roofing system should perform inspections. The Spring roof inspection identifies any damage sustained over the Winter so repairs can be made. The Fall roof inspection will make sure the roof is ready for the upcoming Winter.
Our experts will pay particular attention to:
Gutters, Scuppers, and Drains
- Leaves, dirt, etc., can block positive drainage
- Seals
- Screens and strainers
Rooftop Units and Penetrations
- Vents, hatches, stacks, skylights, and HVAC equipment
- Condensation from HVAC units piped to drains
- Rain caps on stacks
- Seams in units
- Damage to the surrounding roof system
Surface Area of Roof
- Mechanical or physical damage caused by tools or heavy objects, hail, vandalism, or excessive foot traffic
- Blisters or interlayer separation
Flashings, Roof Edges, Terminations, Expansion and Control Joints
- Cracks or splits at roof terminations, including edge flashings and expansion joints
- Coping joints and metal flashings
- Check masonry walls for moisture penetration or deterioration
Special Inspections
Special inspections should be done for the following situations:
- Construction on or above the roof or adjacent areas
- Installation of new equipment on the roof
- Extreme weather conditions such as hail, high winds, or unusually heavy snow load
- Fire, vandalism, or other known damage to the roof or adjacent areas.
Defects
- Pinholes
- Erosion of coating or Exposed Spray foam
- Cracks and moisture penetration
- A non-destructive instrument may be used to determine the moisture of a roof system, or if necessary, a small roof sample may be necessary to determine how much moisture has gotten into the roof system.
Prevent Damage
Take these steps to prevent damage and it safeguard for a long life of your roof:
- Remove unnecessary debris from the roof
- Do not use the roof as a storage area
- Vent exhaust or harmful chemicals away from the roof surface
- Pipe condensation from HVAC units to drains
- Minimize foot traffic or install walkways to reach essential area equipment
When to Call an Approved Applicator
Keep a historical record and roof system file available to all roof maintenance personnel.
The file should include:
- Technical data sheets
- Material safety data sheets
- Original specifications
- Warranty
- Contact information for your approved applicator
- Previous roof inspection reports
- Record of repairs made
When to Call an Approved Applicator
Some repairs will require an approved applicator’s expertise. Consult warranty terms before performing any repairs to avoid negating the warranty. The warrantor must be notified prior to performing repairs to any problems covered by the warranty.
Other situations that require a professional include:
- Large blisters
- Significant leaks
- Renewal/recoating
Conclusion
The service life of a spray polyurethane foam (SPF) roof can be greatly extended by proper maintenance and care.
The building owner should:
- Limit and control roof access
- Conduct regular inspections
- Conduct special inspections following extraordinary situations such as extreme weather
- Report leaks or damage immediately
- Perform routine maintenance
- Use approved applicators for major maintenance, new penetrations, and permanent repairs
Paying attention to these six areas will help to provide the building with a sustainable, high-performance, longer life expectancy, and lower lifecycle cost roof.