REQUIRED MAINTENANCE ITEMS:

In order to maintain the validity of a Guarantee, the building owner must properly

maintain:

Drains, Gutters and Downspouts

Clear away any debris that may impede their function. In addition, if they are clogged and

cannot be readily cleared, get professional help. Make sure that any drain screens installed

are still in place and functioning as intended.

Gravel Surface or Ballast Erosion

If the gravel has been eroded in certain areas, the unprotected bitumen coating will start to

deteriorate. This erosion is common in corners of the roof that face the prevailing winds.

Other causes are foot traffic, forced air discharge from ventilators, ice action, and water

spillage from higher roof elevations washing gravel away. The eroded areas should be

regravelled as soon as possible.

Reglets

These joints are designed to be the first line of defense against water penetration. Proper

caulking should always be maintained in these reglets.

Caulking of Metal Flashing

Caulking of joints in metal flashings such as copings, counter flashing, roof top units, curbs,

expansion joints etc., requires regular inspection, cleaning and recaulking, or replacement

caulking. Always use a caulking material that you have checked out to be compatible with

all components in contact with the caulking.

Gum Pans / Pitch Pockets

A potent source of trouble, these high maintenance items should always be filled and

"crowned" with roofing cement or compatible sealant to shed water. Their waterproofing

ability depends on keeping them full and free of cracks.

18 26-Jun-2006

Plumbing Caps

Check to make sure plumbing caps on vents are in place. Replace if necessary. Do not just

hammer or bend lead stacks. Use the proper cap.

Insulation Boards

In a protected membrane assembly, the insulation and ballast system may be designed to

"float" under heavy rainfall conditions. If, under these circumstances, some of the gravel

ballast is displaced and the scrim sheet is exposed, ballast can be added or moved to prevent

floatation and to provide cover. Cautionary Note: If ballast is added, ensure that the added

weight does not compromise the integrity of the roof structure. If there is any doubt at all,

contact a structural engineer for a professional opinion.

Roof Traffic

It is important to ensure that maintenance personnel who require access to roof-top

equipment do not cause any damage while working on the roof. A roof should never be

used as a patio or sun deck unless proper protection has been provided.

In addition, roof-top equipment and protrusions such as ventilators, plumbing stacks, etc.,

should never be used as anchors to tie down aerials, satellite dishes and the like.

Rooftop Alterations

Always contact your professional roofer to seal and flash any new rooftop

equipment or for any other alterations to the roof system. Any unauthorized alterations to

the roof could result in voiding your Guarantee. Alterations must be inspected and

in accordance with your city building department.

Roof Spills

Your professional roofer should clean any accidental spills of material to the roof system,

such as oil-based products, as soon as possible. If there is an on-going potential for this

kind of spill, such as around a vent from a kitchen exhaust, call your roofing professional to

recommend a long-term solution.

Change In Use / Occupancy

If the use of a building has changed due to a change in owner or tenant, consider its effect

on the roof system. For example, an increased humidity condition beyond the limits of the roof system's vapor retardant could allow moisture transmission from within the building's

interior into the roof system. This, in turn, could lead to premature problems and the

possible failure of the roof system.

MAINTENANCE FOR STEEP ROOFING:

• Do keep drains and gutters clean.
• Foot traffic on steep roofs should be minimized both for safety reasons and to avoid physical damage.
• Granule erosion on asphalt shingles will lead to early deterioration of the shingle.
• Caulking of flashings must be regularly inspected and maintained.
• Improper ventilation of attic spaces may result in curling and blistering/buckling of asphalt shingles.
• Install zinc strips to prevent moss build-up. Power washing the roof removes moss and other debris but may erode granules on asphalt shingles, and may also promote premature degradation of cedar roofing.
• If asphalt shingle tabs are loose, re-tab with a cement recommended by the shingle manufacturer.

CEDAR SHAKE & SHINGLE MAINTENANCE:

• Ensure ventilation is available, year round. Areas with louvers, ridge vents, roof vents, and soffit vents need to be kept clear and never blocked off. Adequate ventilation ensures heat and moisture do not build up in the attic area. Adequate ventilation also prevents water from accumulating at the bottom of the roof and then freezing (ice damming).
•  Zinc or copper strips nailed at the ridge cap can be effective to control moss. Reaction between rain and the zinc or copper forms a mild solution that is carried down sections of the roof. The optional use of these strips can be eliminated if you are using preservative treated cedar.
• Overhanging branches should be kept trimmed away from the roof. This will prevent leaves, small branches and other debris from building up and keeping the roof wet.
• Gutters and downspouts need to be cleaned regularly, usually in the spring and fall.
• Downspouts (leaders) should run directly to the ground or to another gutter below.
• Never let a downspout drain directly onto a lower roof surface.
• Do not allow leaves, branches or other debris to build up on the roof. Both surface
• areas and keyways (spaces between shakes and shingles) need to be kept clear. Cedar needs to breathe, and therefore needs to be kept clean.
• High-pressure power washing will cause significant roof damage and is therefore not recommended. Garden hose pressure and a soft bristle brush can easily remove most debris.
• Topical treatment of installed cedar roofing is not recommended. Many treatment products may damage cedar roofs. Products that make erroneous claims of 10-year effectiveness, provide fire-retardant claims, are a sealant, waterproofer or plasticizer and should not be used on cedar roofing.

LOW SLOPE ROOFING MAINTENANCE:

WHY CHOOSE A PROFESSIONAL

ROOFING CONTRACTOR ?

When selecting a contractor to construct, renovate or repair a commercial, industrial or residential roof, the lowest bidder is not always the best, or the most economical choice for the building owner.

The roof over your school, office, factory, store or home is an extremely important investment.

Since everything important to you is under that roof, keep the following criteria in mind when

searching for a roofing contractor or reviewing a quote:

1. Does the contractor have experience with the specified roofing system and do they have the

equipment necessary to install it?

2. Does the contractor have both a proven financial and technical track record?

3. Can they provide proof of insurance coverage? Do they have a paid up Worker’s Compensation Board account and a proper business license to perform work in the jurisdiction involved?

4. Does the contractor have sufficient trained and qualified staff to do the job properly?

about each of these points because they are qualified to handle the jobs they bid on.

WHEN IT'S TIME TO REROOF:

DON'TS:

• Don't permit products of unproven quality to be used on your roof.

• Don't be taken in by "Cure-All" products, which can be applied by anyone.

• Don't take bids on projects without adequate, uniform specifications.

• Don't re-roof over an existing roof unless a careful evaluation is made, and a qualified

consultant or standards authority gives prior approval.

• Don't expect a guarantee to keep the water out of your buildings. Guarantees do not

cover many of the problem areas of your roof.

• Don't think that the lowest price is always the best. Be certain you will not be faced

with a number of change order requests for extras after a project is awarded.

• Don't deal with firms who cannot stand behind their work and will not be available

when you need them. Remember that no product is better than the applicator.

DO's:

• Do hire a professional roofer who uses MIAMI-DADE approved materials.

• Do call a member of NRCA (National Roofing Contractor’s Association)

• Do request a Guarantee

GLOSSARY OF COMMON ROOFING TERMS: