Safety First in Flat Roof Inspection and Repair

Regular inspection is the key to roof performance but remember to have a safety plan in place before getting started.

By MBTechnology

Most roofs last for years and are not given a second thought until a problem arises. No roof lasts forever and after years of protecting a building from the elements, it’s inevitable that a problem will occur at some point. A key to prevent issues on the roof as long as possible is to work with a contractor to set up a regular maintenance program that included inspection and cleaning twice a year.

Many building owners prefer an SBS or built-up roof because of their enhanced resistance to foot traffic and high energy efficiency. No roofing system is completely impenetrable, which makes performing recurring professional inspections so important.

Before the roof inspection, be sure that safety measures are in place. OSHA guidelines require that both contractors and their clients must have a written fall protection plan in place for the site and the specific work that will be performed. The contractor and client should meet to identify any safety risks and ensure they have a good plan in place. The plan should also be completed by someone qualified as defined by OSHA

A good roof inspection will most likely include a full survey of the building’s interior and exterior, including walls and drainage systems. Inspectors look for cracks on exterior walls, stained or displaced flashing and may even check for efflorescence – the presence of salt on top of porous material that indicates water penetration.

The interior walls should be checked for stains or discoloration which can be signs of roof failure. The roof surface will be evaluated for obvious signs of issues such as cracks or gaps in the membrane.

About MBTechnology MBTechnology was founded in 1983 and specializes in manufacturing SBS Modified Bitumen Roofing & Underlayment systems.  These include a variety of systems, which can be applied through the use of cold adhesives, heat welding, or hot asphalt. To learn more about MB Technology visit www.mbtechnology.com.

Save