BACKGROUND

Roof systems can deteriorate from: normal wear; severe weather conditions (e.g., wind and snow loads); building movement (e.g., settlement, material contraction/ expansion); and improper design, construction and maintenance. Any roof repairs not dealt with after the first signs of failure can result in increased damage to the building envelope and interior finishes, and loss of occupant productivity, if damage causes interruption in client services and program delivery. Failure of structural integrity can endanger occupant safety.

PURPOSE

Regular inspection of building roof systems will lead to early detection of roof problems, protection of Government capital assets, and maintenance of safe working environments for building occupants.

OBJECTIVES

• To determine if the roof system is performing according to its intended function.
• To identify signs of weakness, deterioration or hazard.
• To identify needed repairs.

GENERAL APPROACH

• Inspect exterior for: continuity of roof covering; deterioration of fascias, gutters and soffits; and performance of flashings.
• Inspect interior finishes (ceilings and walls) for signs of water penetration, frost buildup and structural distress.
• Record and report inspection findings.
• Initiate maintenance and repair projects.
• Report any unsafe working conditions or potential system failures immediately to the PW&S Regional Superintendent.
  
  

PROCESS

Regional maintenance personnel are to:

• Perform annual formal visual roof inspections when roofs are free of snow and materials, and informal inspections after every severe wind or rain condition.
• Review, learn and follow roof safety procedures, including those in the Fall Prevention and Roof Safety pamphlet; learn about problem roof conditions and terminologies.
• Before performing a roof inspection, review: past inspection reports and photographs; construction documents; particulars of any repair/maintenance/ replacement, and the most current Roof Snow Overload Risk Assessment checklist.
• Include non-destructive investigation (e.g., infrared thermography) if moisture infiltration is suspected.
• Obtain approval of PW&S Regional Superintendent prior to any demolition detection work on any wall, ceiling, or roof cavity.
• Include photographs and test data in the report, so that changes in roof condition can be verified, and so that a historic record of roof condition is available to future inspectors.
• Keep and maintain records of all: inspections (including this checklist); test investigations (thermographic readings); and roofing repairs and replacements.
• Develop a maintenance workplan to correct deficient conditions in a timely manner.
• Monitor the snow loading on roofs. When the snow loading on High Risk Roofs exceeds the usual winter accumulation, steps are to be taken to remove the excess snow. Inform the PW&S Regional Superintendent when usual winter snow accumulations are exceeded on High Risk Roofs. Removal of snow must be done in such a manner as to ensure the safety of maintenance personnel and minimize damage to the roof structure and membrane.