John A. D'Annunzio
The roof membrane can also be compromised, potentially
causing roof leaks and other problems.
The building owner or maintenance supervisor should first make sure that
the roof system has been applied properly by a licensed, qualified roofing
contractor. However, even when the roof system is applied properly, the
membrane can fail due to the following circumstances:
· Blisters, ridges or bare areas in the roof
membrane can compromise the roof system’s performance. Cracks in the membrane
can often occur as a result, allowing moisture into the system and the
facility.
· Ponding areas or excessive wear in certain
areas, can lead to structural damage to the roof system and leaks.
· Plant growth on the roof surface, which
sometimes occurs in the areas of chronic ponding conditions and accumulation of
dust and organic air-borne contaminants, can also cause damage to the membrane.
· Punctures in the membrane, which may be caused
by broken blisters, fasteners backing out of the substrate, dropped tools or
other dropped objects, hail, lack of proper membrane support, or by mechanical
abuse, allow for the moisture intrusion into the membrane and the facility.
· Plugged drains caused by debris, abuse,
incorrect or marginal design, or insufficient maintenance, can lead to improper
drainage and chronic ponding problems.
While some of the roof-related problems can be easily
fixed, such as flashing around HVAC units or removing debris from drains, others
may require professional assistance. If
the problems are the result of a faulty application or material failure, the
building owner or maintenance supervisor should contact the roofing contractor
who performed the original work.
You may also want a professional roofing consultant to
inspect your roof to get an unbiased opinion of your roof system’s potential
problems.
Either way, a little regular inspection and maintenance of
a buildings roof will help to eliminate major problems, and the costs
associated with those problems.
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