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SPECIAL SECTION Roofing The importance of roof cover maintenance & repair By Chuck Miccolis H ere's the given: The roof is a commercial building's first line of defense from natural hazards such as wind, rain, fire, hail, ice, snow and extreme heat. It also is the most vulnerable part of your building. Every day, your roof is exposed to weather and other elements that may contribute to decay and deterioration, increasing the risk of damage to the roof itself and the contents below it. The International Building Code (IBC), which sets safety standards for commercial buildings, requires that roofs "serve to protect the building." Having a roof that "protects the building" starts with design, materials selection and installation at the time a facility is built or remodeled – events that occur infrequently and may be outside the scope of most businesses' ongoing activity. But it also includes a regular program of inspection, maintenance and repair – activities that should be part of your operational planning in order to prolong the useful life of your roof and make sure it does its job in protecting your business from weather damage. Recognizing the signs of a roof problem If it has been a while since you've had your roof inspected, your first priority should be to identify and fix any major problems. Signs of serious problems may be apparent even from inside the building. Water stains on a ceiling may signal a leak, which can be caused by a crack or hole in the roof. It's important to understand that even the smallest leak can be a sign of big trouble. Similarly, if the building has Chuck Miccolis is a commercial lines engineer with the IBHS, an independent, non- profit, scientific research and communications organization supported by the property insurance industry. He is responsible for creating voluntary commercial construction guidelines and standards focused on mitigating losses from natural and man-made hazards. He also works with other IBHS engineers to conduct field research and tests at the IBHS Research Center. Figure 1: Standing water resulting from poor roof drainage can lead to roof leaks. It's important to understand that even the smallest leak can be a sign of big trouble. unexplained mold or odors inside, this may indicate a roof leak resulting in water penetration. While internal water damage or mold may signal trouble above, it's also important to visually inspect the roof itself for problems that are likely to worsen over time. Depending on the slope of the roof and the ease of access, the building owner can do inspections, but in many cases, it makes sense to hire a contractor to ensure the job is done safely and correctly. Even if you're hiring a professional, reviewing the problems identified here may help you to understand the significance of what he has identified and the need for action. 74 Commercial Construction & Renovation September/October 2012 © Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety