Roofers face multiple problems on site today. 80% of failed roofs and leaks are caused by non-roofers. Therefore, it is a main priority to protect the roofer’s craftmanship from traffic on the rooftop during the total building phase, during construction and beyond.
Why Should We Protect the Roof
Different workers from different professions are often active on the construction site, many of whom might not care about the Sika membrane protecting the building from wind and weather. The job site has also become a multicultural environment, with different levels of understanding or respect for each other’s craftsmanship. This could have a negative impact on the final product, since we see that mostly bad habits stick instead of the good ones.
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.
Poster to Raise Awareness
To support our customers who face this challenge, Sika offers a roof protection concept to help identify risks and offer solutions to reduce the problems. It is a tool to unify the awareness of all involved parties on the roof.
The concept is available in the form of a poster that can be used during briefings and fixed around the job site, especially on the roof or scaffolding nearby. Regardless of the way it is shown, the overall purpose of your roof protection poster will be to build awareness for the workforce and strengthen their protection knowledge.
8 Tips for Keeping the Roof Membrane Safe
1. Keep cigarette butts away
Instead of tossing smoldering cigarette butts onto the roof membrane, extinguish and dispose of them in a safe place like an ashtray.
2. Keep shoe debris off the roof
Apply a roof protection walk pad and ensure that all foot traffic stays on the designated, protected areas of the roof. Ask workers to inspect their work boots for substances like chewing gum or cigarette butts, before working on the roof area.
3. Pick up loose fasteners
Stray screws, fasteners and other sharp pieces can easily puncture the roof membrane. Be sure that they are kept inside buckets or containers, to avoid people from accidentally stepping on them and damaging the roof membrane.
4. Keep tools close by
Ensure that workers are keeping a close eye on their tools. Avoid dropping tools onto the roof membrane by using a tool belt or appropriate holder to secure them.
5. Use protection under equipment
Large equipment and machines with wheels and abrasive bases can rub and wear on the roof membrane. Be sure to install a protective base between the membrane and the equipment.
6. Check for appropriate repair material
If damage, tears or holes occur in the roof membrane, contact the site superintendent or Sika technical expert to ask how to repair it.
7. Use a protective mat for cutting
Especially when grinding, sawing, cutting or welding other materials on the rooftop, use a protective mat or base to do the work. Avoid directly cutting on the roof membrane.
8. Dispose of waste properly
Place all construction waste, trash and debris into the proper receptacles. Do not leave empty paint cans, cartridges or other material in direct contact with the roof membrane to avoid contamination and damage from other products.