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MAINTENANCE PROGRAM USED Of A REGULAR MAINTENANCE PROGRAM

The imperative reason to establish a program of regular maintenance is to protect the owner’s investment. Experiment proved that a maintenance program carried out regularly will prolong the life of a roof by detecting minor problems before they become major, while offering a better protection. The cover roughly accounts for 5 to 7% of the construction costs of a building, but protects the latter completely.

INSPECTIONS

A roof must be inspected periodically when the roofing is completely clear. The roofing on buildings surrounded by trees should be inspected before each winter, as they could have accumulations of leaves and debris on them, which would reduce the proper functioning of drains.

PRECAUTIONS

The waterproofing membrane must not be used as a terrace or patio without adequate protection. Following roofing construction, all subsequent installations involving the membrane will require particular precautions and the presence of the roofing contractor, as needed. If, inadvertently, oil-based products are spilled on the roofing, see that the affected sector is cleaned off as soon as possible. Ensure that the humidity index, inside the building, does not become excessively high. Always verify the compatibility of asphalt before using any products. If you need to have a maintenance check, you can contact Couvertures Blanchard & fils, a member of the AMCQ. Couvertures Blanchard & fils will examine your roofing, determine the seriousness of the problem and recommend the necessary corrective measures, along with maintenance measures. Yearly inspections can increase the lifetime of roofing with little cost involved. Problem surfaces can be identified and, in most cases, corrected before the roofing caves in. In order to ensure the greatest yield on your investment in your roofing, nothing can be more profitable than following a well-established maintenance program.

THINGS TO DO
  • Be convinced that a regular maintenance program will prolong the lifetime of all roofing.
  • Inspect or have inspections conducted at least twice a year: at the end of winter and in the fall.
  • Have additional inspections conducted following major events such as abundant rainfall, periods of heavy wind, freezing rain, etc.
  • Verify if the exterior of the building has undergone structural movements.
DO NOT
  • Use unqualified personnel to maintain your roofs.
  • Do not allow just anyone to climb on your roofing, limit access to authorized personnel only.
If your roofing is not covered by an AMCQ-certified guarantee, the roofing contractor must be notified before he executes any modifications.

IDENTIFICATION OF POTENTIAL PROBLEMS

PRODUCT COMPATIBILITY
  • Take necessary precautions when you paint the walls above cant strips and/or all bonds on the roofing, using oil-based paint. This type of paint can damage the membrane.
Avoid prolonged contact between the following elements and the membrane as it could deteriorate
  • liquids containing oil-based derivatives
  • solvents
  • grease used to lubricate roofing bonds
  • oils (new or used) used for the air-conditioning devices or compressors
  • cooking residue or animal fats
  • certain chemical products
MINIMUM MAINTENANCE REQUIRED

To maintain coverage by the guarantee

DRAINS
  • Ensure that they are free of leaves and/or all other types of debris.
  • Ensure that the pans are in place.
GUTTERS
  • Remove leaves, accumulations of gravel and all other debris.
  • Verify waterproofing on joints.
DOWNSPOUTS (exterior and interior)
  • Make sure that they are clear of all debris in order to ensure quick evacuation of water.
PROJECTIONS THROUGH THE MEMBRANE
  • Ensure that projections such as ventilator bases, air-conditioning units, plumbing vents, light wells, chimneys, door and window frames, ladders and other projections are properly installed and present no anomalies.
METAL PARTS
  • Ensure that all metal parts are kept in place.
  • Verify the attachments and caulking in the metal edges and crossings.
  • Do not apply caulking to transverse joints.
PARTICULAR WINTER MAINTENANCE

All building owners must be aware that their roofing requires more particular maintenance in the winter.

ROOF DRAIN PIPES

Ensure that the drains function correctly. In some cases, the use of heating cables is necessary, given the environment.

ACCUMULATIONS OF SNOW AND ICE
  • Avoid all accumulations of snow and ice on the roofing, in order to avoid deflections of the support materials, which may cause damage to the waterproofing complex.
PRECAUTIONS For clearing snow:
  • Use wooden or plastic shovels, and make sure that you stop at least four (4) inches above the finished surface of the roofing.
  • Avoid using pointed tools or cutting tools (axes, picks, etc.)
  • Never use a snow blower on roofing.
ATTIC SPACE
  • Verify that the ventilation outlets are clear
WALLS – PARAPET WALLS – LEAN-TO BUILDING WALLS- CHIMNEYS
  • Verify in order to discover the slightest opening or tear in the joints, or the slightest crack that would allow water to penetrate.
  • Reconstruct the mortar joints, if necessary.
  • Verify the attachments and caulking on the counterflashings.
ELECTRIC TRIPOD SUPPORTS, BRACES, ANCHORAGES, ANTENNAE, ETC.
  • Ensure that the wood is clean and that the various anchorages are tight.









































































































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