Maintenance

General guidance notes on maintenance and care
When it comes to maintenance and care the roof is often neglected, because it may not be directly visible to the occupant or owner.

This cannot only lead to unwanted consequences for the functional integrity of the roof waterproofing, but may eventually result in avoidable costs for the building owner, which could have been prevented by due care, maintenance and refurbishment.

What conditions impact on the roof?
All materials, including roofing and waterproofing materials, are subject to natural ageing. However, roofs are particularly exposed to weathering. Chemical and biological impacts from the environment, facilitated by dust and debris, which in turn promote growth of plants, mosses and other detrimental micro-organisms, may accelerate the process of natural ageing. Physical loads originating from the use of the building impose additional loads.

To simply forget about the roof covering or waterproofing once it has been installed will become very expensive and hazardous to the overall building fabric in the long run. By setting in place a maintenance and care regime, preferably with an approved roofing contractor, will ensure an extended building life.

What may threaten your roof?
Wind, vibrations and movements of the building structure may cause loosening of the roofing materials (tiles, slates, slabs, corrugated sheets, ballast). Temperature changes, e.g. freeze-thaw cycles in winter, thermal shock at other times may corrode the surface and fabric of the material, possibly causing cracks and fractures. Mortar becomes brittle. This facilitates the intrusion of water, ice, debris and flying seeds as well as metal corrosion, which in turn accelerates the process. Obstructing leaves can result in ponding water areas which can turn into slip or wind hazards. The water-tightness of flashings at roof penetrations, built-in details and adjacent building structures as well as roof edge trims will be impaired, as will the seam tightness of the membranes installed on the roof area and over movement joints.
Regular inspections are essential
Check the roof at regular intervals. An expert opinion on the condition of the roof is recommended. An inspection and maintenance contract with a roofing company is the best solution.

The following work should always be carried out:

  • Clean the gutters and downpipes as well as other drainage components such as rainwater outlets on the roof
  • Remove debris from the roof area and from corners and edges in particular
  • Clean bulk gravel, in particular, from growing plants and rough debris
  • Check lashings and trims and built-in details
  • Check paint coating of metal parts
  • Replace damaged roofing material
  • Repair brittle mortar
  • Check wooden parts for pests and decay
  • Inspect flat roof seams
  • Inspect and clean rooflights and other lighting elements
  • Check running boards, roof hooks, snow guards and other built-in details
How does this affect your SIG Design & Technology Guarantee?
The building owner is obliged to ensure sufficient roof maintenance and care also during the guarantee period.

Failure to do so puts potential guarantee claims at risk. In the case of the 20 year guarantee, SIG Design & Technology must have a copy of a signed Maintenance Contract and of each inspection report issued by the Roofing Contractor in accordance with the Maintenance Contract. Repairs and maintenance must be undertaken by a qualified operative in accordance with the manufacturer recommendations, codes of good practice and national standards.