Over the past few weeks, we’ve talked a lot about the importance of inspecting your facility’s roof, performing periodic maintenance, and making vital repairs before the cold weather. Today we’re going to focus on how natural debris can be damaged. . All these beautiful autumn leaves can wreak havoc on the roof of a facility.
Debris accumulation and unintended consequences
All it takes is a little moisture and these light leaves degrade into a heavy soggy mass that clogs drains, blocks slats and invites mold, fungus and mold. If not removed quickly, leaves and debris can lead to water accumulation, which increases the live load on the roof. Stagnant water, just 1 inch deep, adds five pounds per square foot of living load on the roof. Over time, standing water can leach the flexible properties of some single-layer membranes, reducing the flexibility and life of the roof.
In winter, water accumulation becomes critical when water freezes and expands, making its way into tiny cracks or under flashings. An extra weight of ice can cause structural damage and costly repairs, and in extreme cases even a roof collapse.
Preventive maintenance reduces risk
Maintenance crews should be trained to look for leaves and other debris around drains and slats. During the fall, frequent checks and rapid removal of debris are necessary to avoid accumulation and blockage. Areas of standing water may indicate blocked drains. Partially blocked drains allow water to flow, although lazily, even if you don’t see standing water, it doesn’t mean you don’t have a drainage problem. The coloration of the roof surface could indicate earlier ponds, which are also a red flag. Not all problems caused by leaves and other debris are obvious to the untrained eye. It is therefore essential to call on a qualified roofing professional.
Drains and gutters need to be cleaned now – before freezing temperatures can turn soggy leaf debris into frozen obstructions.
Professional Inspection
In addition to discarding leaves and debris, a qualified roofing specialist will perform a leak test of internal and external drains and inspect gutters and downspouts. While he’s at it, he’ll check for little things that may escape a maintenance crew’s attention, such as examining the strainers to make sure they’re in place and the bolts holding them are securely attached. It takes a trained eye to recognize early problems with sealants, flashings, mortar, joints, and penetrations. Gutters and downspouts should be checked to ensure that they do not sag, that connections are not loosened, and that fasteners are broken or missing.