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SPECIAL SECTION 10 tips to consider during inspections Figure 2: Bubbles, like the ones shown in this modified bitumen roof cover system should be repaired promptly. Figure 3: Tears and cracks in a roof cover system can allow for water leaks. What to look for on the roof – some visual clues Prolonged standing water (See Figure 1) or ponding on the roof can lead to premature aging and deterioration of the cover, which will lead to leaks. Leaks that go undetected can slowly rust steel roof decks, rot wood decks, and turn light weight insulating concrete and gypsum decks into a thick paste like substance. Addition ally, excessive standing water can lead to signifi- cant additional weight, which can weaken the roof deck. Bubbles (See Figure 2) may indicate trapped moisture within the roof cover, which can lead to leaks, reduce the life span of the cover, speed up prema- 1. All inspections should look for and develop a repair plan for the items that indicate signs of problems described above. 2. After a severe windstorm or hurricane, inspect your roof for damage, as repeated storms can reduce the strength of the roof. Even if the roof survived a storm, it may have been damaged or weakened enough to fail during the next storm – or the one after that. 3. Inspections should seek signs of previous leaks or other problems to make sure that repairs have stayed intact. 4. Remove any loose objects and accumulated debris. A clean roof eliminates leaves and other materials that have a tendency to hold moisture, which can speed up the deterioration of the roof- ing materials. In dry areas, keeping the roof clear of debris reduces the risk that embers from a wild- fire will ignite the roof. 5. Keep trees trimmed. This prevents branches from rubbing against the roof, and leaves from accumulating on the roof and clogging drains and gutters. 6. Check gutters and downspouts for leaves, twigs and other debris that will inhibit proper drainage. 7. If located in a hurricane prone area, check if the gutters include gutter straps designed to resist uplift. 8. Inspect rooftop vents and equipment to make sure they are well sealed. Seal any gaps with flash- ing cement. Replacement may be necessary if the metal flashing is badly deteriorated or if vents can wiggle back and forth. 9. After a hail event with hail stones larger than ¾ inch, contact your insurer and have the roof inspected even if you're not aware of any damage. 10. Consulting a professional roofing contractor may be helpful if concerns exist after a mainte- nance review of the roof. The contractor also can help to determine the health of the roof, estimate the remaining life of the roof, help develop a maintenance plan, and identify additional steps to protect the roof. ture aging of the deck, and reduce the roof cover system's effectiveness against uplift forces associated with a windstorm. Another cause of bubbles is the release of gasses from an insulation board that gets trapped below the cover. A roof cut or moisture survey of the roof cover can be completed to assist in the diagnosis. 76 Commercial Construction & Renovation September/October 2012 © Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety © Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety