Roofers face a variety of problems on site today. A majority of failed roofs and leaks are caused by non-roofers. Therefore, one of the priorities of roofer’s should be to protect their craftmanship from traffic on the rooftop during the building phase and beyond.
Why Does a Roof Need Protection?
Many workers from different professions are usually active on construction sites, many of whom might not be aware of the Sika membrane protecting the building from wind and weather. A different level of understanding or respect for each other's craft could compromise the integrity of the membrane.
Many roof damage claims are related to this topic. Claims during a construction project negatively impact the cost - causing schedule delays and often requiring extra work to be done.
The sole purpose of an umbrella is to keep what is underneath dry. Everbody is aware that in order for the umbrella to work properly, one needs to take care of the umbrella's skin to stay dry. But why are people not taking care of the roof's skin - the roof membrane?
The umbrella model helps identify the hurdles of roof protection. It is divided into four dimensions, which have a negative impact on roofs.
Certainty
The easy way is not always the best way. Technically sound application has a direct positive effect on the roof's life cycle.
Training is key for updating skills and learning new innovative techniques to ensure that everybody is aligned.
Routine
The slogan "time is money" and the pressure that comes with it has a negative impact on the quality of craftsmanship. If time pressure becomes the norm more mistakes are going to be made.
However, bad routines can be transformed into good ones through improved processes.
Awareness
The presence of different professions on site is one of the biggest risks to a roof's integrity due to a general lack of knowledge and awareness. Every day, the risk of new leaks is real. Oftentimes caused by someone who has no idea that they did something wrong.
Awareness is key to change this - people need to be informed about how to behave on a roof under construction. Informal educational work and posters pointing out the "do's and don'ts" on a roof can be extremely helpful.
Responsibility
It is the responsibility of a roofer to build a watertight roof. However, they must prove that the roof is watertight after the work is completed.
Regular inspections can help imensely, as they make it possible to detect potential leaks at an early stage and identify the causes.
Poster to Raise Awareness
To support our customers facing this challenge, Sika offers a roof protection concept that helps to identify risks and provide solutions to reduce the problems. It is a tool to raise the awareness of all involved parties on the roof.
The concept is in the form of a poster that can be used during briefings and displayed on site, especially on the roof or near scaffolding nearby. Regardless of how it is displayed, the main purpose of the roof protection poster is to raise workers' awareness and improve their knowledge regarding protective measures.
8 Tips for Keeping the Roof Membrane Safe
1. Keep cigarette butts away
Problem
Ensure no cigarettes are thrown onto the roof membrane.
Solution
Create a dedicated smoking area on the roof, and make sure that several ashtrays are available.
2. Keep shoe debris off the roof
Problem
Dirt and rubbish picked up with the shoe soles damages the roof.
Solution
Install walkways in the most used areas of the roof to protect the membrane where most foot traffic occurs.
3. Pick up loose fasteners
Problem
Loose screws and other sharp objects lying on the roof can puncture the roof membrane.
Solution
By putting all sharp objects in a bucket, you can prevent someone from stepping on them and damaging the roof.
4. Keep tools close by
Problem
Dropping a sharp tool is one of the most common causes of leaks on the roof.
Solution
If you drop a tool, always check for a puncture and call the roofer. Use a tool belt so that all your tools are fixed properly without risk of being dropped onto the membrane.
5. Use protection under equipment
Problem
Large equipment and machines in direct contact with the roof can cause punctures.
Solution
Place a palette, insulation board or wood panel underneath the machine, so the membrane cannot be damaged. Use an absorptive material for potential leaks.
6. Check for appropriate repair
Problem
Damages or punctures may be caused by third-party contractors or others.
Solution
Do not repair it by yourself. Call the roofer, so they can repair it properly with the right tools and materials.
7. Use a protective base for rooftop work
Problem
Directly cutting or working with tools on the roof membrane can cause damage.
Solution
Especially when grinding, sawing, cutting or welding other materials on the rooftop, use a protective mat or base to do the work.
8. Dispose of waste properly
Problem
Loose trash lying in direct contact with the roof membrane can cause punctures and leaks.
Solution
If you place large rubbish bags or bins on the roof, incentivise rubbish to be disposed of there.
Download the Free Poster
Please contact our colleagues if you would like an editable version of the poster to add your own logo for printing.
Contact us if you would like more expert advice about keeping your roof membrane well protected during and after installation on the construction site.