In the case of extreme events such as storm or tempest, it’s important to carry out inspection to identify any maintenance that may be required.
Maintenance should generally be carried out at least every four months, preferably including the end of autumn and end of spring. In the case of extreme events (storm, tempest or other “acts of God”), inspection should be carried out and abnormal maintenance carried out as required.
Inspection is required to identify any breakdown in the performance of the installed products, and should be properly documented.
Inspecting Gutters
All gutters are to be inspected for the deposition of any debris, dust, pollutants or organic growth. In particular, care is to be taken in the inspection of gutters for these points:
- Staining of gutter at possible ponding locations
- Build up of dust and debris at the high end of box gutters
- Build up of leaves and debris in general along gutter runs
- Metallic staining of the gutter, surface rust
- Build up of debris at rain heads, water spouts, slots, leafguards, overflow locations and in general around the downpipe entry
- downpipe size, quantity and placement
Be sure to keep a record of your observations. Twigs, dust, leaves and fungal matter (debris) should be removed (see Maintaining your steel roof).
Inspecting Downpipes
The downpipes and stormwater disposal pipes are to be inspected for cleanliness and free flow of water. Growth of fungus and other matter and collected debris at the inlet and outlet locations is to be noted. Complete testing of the system for blockage at each downpipe is recommended.
Be sure to keep a record of your observations.
Inspecting Penetrations & Cappings
All penetrations and cappings are to be inspected for the build-up of debris or organic material located between the flashings or cappings and the cladding materials, visually noted to be protruding from, or staining the joint. Care is to be taken in noting any staining at the high side of penetrations.
Be sure to keep a record of your observations.
Inspecting Joints, Platforms & Walkways
All joints are to be inspected for the build-up of debris or organic material located between jointed materials and the cladding materials visually noted to be protruding from the joint. In particular, for expansion joints, build-up of debris and organic matter is to be checked both above and below the flashing, against the overlapping and underlapping sheets respectively.
For walkways and platforms, inspect the high side of the support frame for rust due to possible ponding, metallic staining or a build up of debris.
Be sure to keep a record of your observations.
Inspecting Unwashed Areas
All areas of the external cladding that are sheltered from rain washing (e.g under eaves, underside of exposed gutters, exterior ceilings, upper sections of walls and doors partially protected by overhangs) are to be inspected for build-up of dust, debris and airborne pollutant fall out.
Be sure to keep a record of your observations.
Inspecting Fasteners
All fasteners are to be inspected for breakdown of the rubber washers and/or the deterioration of the head of the fastener.
Be sure to keep a record of your observations.
Inspecting Steel Sheeting
All claddings are to be inspected for the deposition of any debris, dust, pollutants or organic growth. In particular, care is to be taken in the inspection of cladding for these points:
- Staining of cladding at possible ponding locations
- Build up of dust and debris
For more information about the maintenance and inspection of roofing products, see the maintenance manual:
