7 Accessories to Level Up Your Roof for Safety and Longevity
Preserving performance and extending roof life isn’t just about installing the right roof system. Rooftop accessories also have a role to play. The seven we’re highlighting here can either protect the roof or make it safer. Some even do both.
Grease Guard
Rooftop equipment that releases grease, oil, acid, or fats needs to be addressed. This kind of discharge, while common for industrial facilities and food processing plants, can damage the roof system and possibly even void the manufacturer’s warranty. This is because of the corrosive nature of grease and oils. They can diminish the performance of single-ply membrane roof systems, sometimes by extracting or dissolving the plasticizers responsible for pliability, resulting in a brittle or rigid surface that’s no longer waterproof. These substances can also add to the danger of working on the roof, reducing surface traction and increasing the likelihood of a slip-and-fall accident. The solution is a grease guard, which acts like a tray to trap, contain, and filter the unwanted substances, thereby preserving the roof’s surface. Filters should be changed or cleaned regularly.
Walkway Pad, Elevated Walkway, & Crossover Stairs
Dropped tools and excessive foot traffic cause damage to the roof. Walkway pad can provide a protective barrier to prevent punctures and other wear caused by workers on the roof. Additionally, elevated walkways with handrails restrict worker access to specific areas, keeping individuals safer while minimizing damage to the roof membrane. Even crossover stairs, which allow individuals to easily access roof areas at transitions between elevations, can reduce damage by eliminating the need for portable ladders, scaffolding, or other makeshift equipment that can result in damage that compromises the waterproofing membrane.
Rain Hoods on Penetrations
A weatherproof sheet metal or rubber rain hood (sometimes called a rain skirt or rain collar) is a good idea to protect the sealant used on penetrations from the elements. This small addition acts like an umbrella, forcing water to run away from the penetration’s sealant, caulking, or flashing; it also shades it from direct sunlight and UV rays, which can eventually cause it to dry out and become brittle or crack. Once the sealant or caulking is compromised, leaks are likely.
Snow Retention System
Snow rail, fence, guards, and shoes are all types of snow retention systems that prevent large sheets of snow or ice from falling off a pitched roof. The systems hold the snow on the roof so it can gradually melt off. Doing so reduces the likelihood that ice dams will form or that avalanching snow cascading off the roof will damage gutters and downspouts in the process. In doing so, they prevent destructive problems that can shorten the life of the roof system and its components, while safeguarding pedestrians below.
Pipe Supports & Slip Sheets
Non-penetrating pipe stands and supports keep rooftop pipes from direct contact with the roof membrane; help to distribute the weight; and prevent punctures, tears, and wear. They also keep pipes securely in place, which reduces the likelihood of dislodgement, leaks, rupture, or short circuits and protects workers (and even building occupants) from unnecessary danger. Consider adding a support or slip sheet under the pipe stand legs. A slip sheet or added layer of membrane provides a layer of protection to prevent wear from moving or vibrating pipes.
Fall Protection
The addition of permanent fall protection (e.g., guard rail, roof hatch guard rail, roof anchor, horizontal lifeline, skylight screens, etc.) can dramatically improve the safety of working on the roof. It also prevents workers from anchoring themselves to roof elements that are not designed to support the weight of a person; the consequences of which can be both fatal and destructive.
Ladder Safety System
OSHA 1910.28(b)(9)(i) requires a ladder safety system on existing ladders by November 18, 2036. Don’t wait. Increase the safety of fixed ladders with a personal fall arrest system or ladder safety system that individuals connect to via a front or back D-ring on their body harness. The ladder safety system locks in place to prevent individuals who lose contact with the ladder from falling more than a few feet. This addition is not just about safety; it’s also about compliance!
Contact D. C. Taylor Co. today at 319.731.4118 or [email protected] to schedule the installation of these and other accessories on your roof(s)!
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