ROOF INSPECTION & MAINTENANCE
ISSUE:
Regular inspection and timely maintenance will extend the life of your roof and
save you time and money.
BACKGROUND:
If roof leaks are left unrepaired, moisture gets trapped; insulation deteriorates and
needs replacement. Roof repair becomes more complicated and expensive,
disrupting the functioning of your facility.
DISCUSSION:
Roofing industry experts agree: a properly designed roof and proper roof
inspection and maintenance program saves big money. While a proper roof
inspection and maintenance costs may be 5 to 7 cents per square foot, a roof
replacement cost can vary from 3 to 9 dollars per square foot.
RECOMMENDATIONS/CONCLUSION:
Following concepts should be an integral part of a well-designed and maintained
roof.
. Adequate slope (1/4 inch per foot is recommended minimum) to drain.
. Always use construction details recommended by the NRCA Roofing and
Waterproofing Manual or the SMACNA Architectural Sheet Metal Manual.
. Use extra care at the weak points of the roof like flashing; roof penetrations and
pitch pockets, and, seams of single ply roofing.
. Accessibility is very critical for a good maintenance program. Roof ballast or
pavers can hamper this effort.
. Use products with a known national material standard as a benchmark of their
quality.
. Never re-roof on top of wet insulation.
. Keep the drainage system free of debris.
. Commit to a semi-annual inspection and maintenance program.
7 November 1997
FM-187C-DA78
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