Splits in up stands
80% of all roof leaks originate from the perimeter of the roof - this area of high movement, caused by the wall roof deck junction, is the weakest on the roof and splits are a regular occurrence.
Cost of Neglect
Moisture will find its way through these holes and leak into the building, water will saturate the insulation causing premature failure of the roof system.
Suggested Maintenance Products
Flashing Bond®, Garmesh®, StressPly Flex Plus®.
Rusty Metal Units
Untreated metal duct - work or air handling units are not only unsightly, but if not maintained will cause roof leaks.
Cost of Neglect
The metal will rust and allow water to enter the building, the unit may need to be replaced which will be very costly.
Suggested Maintenance Products
Met-Prime, Rust go Aluminium®, Grey, White or Yellow.
Loss of Solar Reflective Coating
Over time, any Solar Reflective coating will weather away exposing the underlying surface. As a result the exposed roof surface will attract damaging UV, absorb water and degrade through freeze thaw cycles.
Cost of Neglect
The exposed roof surface will age prematurely; the felt will lose its oils due to heat and UV, causing premature aging and failure of the roof system.
Suggested Maintenance Products
Garla Brite®, Silver Shield®, White Knight®.
Failed Coping Joints
Natural ageing of cementation material will cause the grout in between the coping stones to weather away allowing water ingress between the coping stones.
Cost of Neglect
Water will enter the wall and enter the brickwork, a freeze / thaw process will cause the brickwork to spall and deteriorate, If left untreated the brickwork will need to be re pointed, water may also migrate to the roof system.
Suggested Maintenance Products
TS 2136 Sealant™.
Blisters
Caused by trapped moisture or air between the roof felts, the trapped vapour expands as the temperature of the roof increases thus causing the membrane to form a bubble or blister.
Cost of Neglect
The Blister will continue to expand and grow, weakening the membrane until such time that it will split, usually at a seam, thus allowing water to enter the system.
Suggested Maintenance Products
StressPly Flex®, Flashing Bond®, Garmesh®.
Single Ply Defects
Open laps occur in areas where two pieces of single ply membrane are bonded together. This condition is generally caused by seam tape/adhesive failure or improper application. Splits or tears are frequent problems due to specifications requiring one thin (40 to 60 mils) easily punctured layer of material. Exposure to UV and the elements can also cause shrinkage and premature failure due to the amount of heat absorbed by single ply roof systems.
Cost of Neglect
Since there is only one layer of waterproofing, any puncture, tear, or open lap will allow water to enter the building. UV exposure can cause the membrane to shrink, damaging the up stand details and creating numerous leaks.
Suggested Maintenance Products
Single Ply Repair Kit, White Knight®.
Cracks in Mastic Asphalt
Made from a mixture of Asphalt and limestone, the material dries out over time and shrinks, thus creating cracks predominantly found at the perimeter, though this photo shows cracking on the field of the roof.
Cost of Neglect
Water will enter the system through the cracks and into the building.
Suggested Maintenance Products
Flashing Bond®, Garmesh®, Energizer K plus FR®, Grip Polyester®, Garla Brite®.
Porous Walls
Untreated mortar joints or concrete blocks will begin to absorb moisture over time. Once water enters, freeze / thaw cycles cause general deterioration. Staining, prolonged wet surfaces and spalling may all be signs of trouble.
Cost of Neglect
If corrective action is not taken, water entering the wall system will freeze, causing the block work to spall and ultimately cause complete failure of the structure.
Suggested Maintenance Products
Concretite®, Seal a pore®.
Loss of Mineral Surfacing
Over time and due to natural ageing characteristics mineral surfaced cap sheets lose their mineral surfacing, once this protective layer has disappeared the bitumen is exposed to UV, which speeds up the decomposition of the membrane.
Cost of Neglect
If left unattended the cap sheet will lose its water-proofing layer and become brittle, resulting in splits which will of course allow water to enter the system and contaminate the insulation.
Suggested Maintenance Products
Energizer K Plus FR®, Grip Polyester®, White Knight®, Gar Mat™.
