Preventive Maintenance

By Kevin Ernster

Preventive maintenance of roofing systems has long been recognized in the roofing industry as one of the most effective tools an owner has to maximize the service life of a roofing system. The use of this tool is even more critical in the diversified environments found in paper production facilities.

The primary elements of a preventive maintenance program are:

1. Regular inspection of the roof system to determine:
   • The condition of all components and to document these conditions for future reference.
   • The level of repairs required if necessary
2. Removal of all debris from the roof surface
3. Cleaning of drains, gutters and waterways
4. Filling of pitch pans
5. Minor flashing and field repair
6. Providing the commitment of time, funding and personnel to follow a regular program

Regular inspection provides for assessments of the condition of the roof, thus eliminating surprises that are not planned or budgeted for. Regular inspections and subsequent repairs can correct minor problems that, if left unchecked, can cause the failure of a roof system.

Housekeeping on the roof removes items that can accelerate the deterioration of the system. Cleaning drainage paths minimizes ponding conditions that can also lead to accelerated membrane and component deterioration. Ponding water and materials left on the roof that retain ponding water, accelerates ultra-violet degradation, introduces biological growth on the roof surface and can retain process chemicals if left on the roof for long periods.

Minor repair of flashings and related components is an inexpensive way to assure that minor problems do not turn into expensive solutions.

In the mill environment there are roofs that accumulate excessive amounts of broke, wood chips and harsh chemical concentrations. Other areas of the mill may incur extreme foot traffic or no foot traffic at all. With these variables, each roof should have a specific plan tailored to meet its particular requirements.

For example, a broke room roof may need to be inspected and debris removed on a monthly basis, while a warehouse area may only require annual inspections. Critical production areas over the paper machine might necessitate semi-annual inspections, and of course roofs in marginal condition will require frequent inspection.

Because of the extensive number of roofs founds on a typical mill it may be effective to develop three categories of roofs:

1. Those that need inspection and cleaning on a monthly basis
2. Those that need inspection and minor repair on a semi-annual basis
3. Those that need inspection and repair on a yearly basis

By classifying the roofs into different categories, resources can be targeted to those areas most in need. Resources can also be used more efficiently if roofs have scheduled inspections throughout the year as opposed to devoting a substantial block of time to do nothing but look at roofs.

There may be other criteria that is relevant based on the specific needs of a paper mill. The most important criteria is that establishment of a preventive maintenance program will minimize leakage, extend the life of a roof and allow for planned and budgeted repairs or replacement.

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Last updated August 2004