26/10/2023
Roofing Roof Repair

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

80%
of failed roofs and leaks are caused by non-roofers.

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.

Illustration of umbrella and rain with shield, gears, warning, piggy bank icons for roof protection

The sole purpose of an umbrella is to keep what is underneath dry. It seems that everybody takes care of the umbrella's skin so that they do not get wet. But why are people not taking care of the roof's skin - the roof membrane?

The umbrella model helps identify the hurdles of roof protection. It is divided into four dimensions, which currently have a negative impact on the roof.

Certainty

Black vector icon shield protection
Long term view

The easy way is not always the best way. The long-term view is missing, and that has a direct negative effect on the roof's life cycle.

Training is key for updating skills and learning new innovative techniques, especially on a multicultural job site, to ensure that everybody is aligned.

Routine

Black vector icon two gears
Time and cost pressure

The slogan "time is money" has a negative impact on the quality of craftsmanship. Workers are put under pressure to finish their job fast. The fast-speed approach becomes routine, and mistakes are made.

However, bad routines can be transformed into good ones with improved process thinking.

Awareness

Black vector icon triangular warning sign with exclamation point
Posters and monitoring

The presence of different professions on site is one of the biggest risks to a roof's protection due to the general lack of knowledge and awareness. Every day, a new leak may be caused by someone who has no idea that they did something wrong.

Awareness is key to change this - people need to understand what they may have been doing wrong. Informational education and posters pointing out the "do's and don'ts" on a roof can be helpful.

Responsibility

Black vector icon piggy bank with money
Regular inspections

It is within a roofer's responsibility to make a watertight roof. However, they are challenged to prove that the roof is watertight once installation is complete.

If any leaks occur, they would also have to prove that the leaks are caused by workers from a different profession.

Single-ply roof membrane
Two construction workers standing on Sarnafil waterproofing membrane on roof of Volkswagen Plant
Waterproofing membrane applied on a roof
Man working on the roof of the SNF Cultural Center

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.

Sika roof protection concept poster with illustrations

8 Tips for Keeping the Roof Membrane Safe

1. Keep cigarette butts away

Problem
Illustration for Sika roof protection concept showing cigarette under boot on roof membrane

Ensure no cigarettes are thrown anywhere on the roof membrane.

Solution
Illustration for Sika roof protection concept showing cigarettes in ashtray

Create a designated smoking area on the roof, and make sure that several ashtrays are available.

2. Keep shoe debris off the roof

Problem
Illustration for Sika roof protection concept showing boots with debris, gum, cigarettes

Dirt and trash picked up on shoe soles will damage the roof.  

Solution
Illustration for Sika roof protection concept showing worker walking on roof walkway with boots

Install walkways on the most used parts of the roof, so the membrane is protected where most foot traffic occurs.

3. Pick up loose fasteners

Problem
Illustration for Sika roof protection concept showing fasteners, screws, washers loosely laid on roof

Loose screws and other sharp objects lying on the roof can puncture the roof membrane.

Solution
Illustration for Sika roof protection concept showing fasteners, screws, washers thrown in yellow bucket

By putting all sharp objects in a bucket, people will not be able to walk on them and damage the roof.

4. Keep tools close by

Problem
Illustration for Sika roof protection concept showing hammer tool falling on roof

Dropping a sharp tool is one of the most common causes of leaks on the roof.

Solution
Illustration for Sika roof protection concept showing tool belt on worker with hammer

If you drop a tool, always check for a puncture and call the roofer. Use a tool belt so that all your tools are fixed properly without risk of being dropped onto the membrane.

5. Use protection under equipment

Problem
Illustration for Sika roof protection concept showing machine equipment directly on roof

Large equipment and machines in direct contact with the roof can cause punctures.

Solution
Illustration for Sika roof protection concept showing machine equipment on base on roof

Place a palette, insulation board or wood panel underneath the machine, so the membrane cannot be damaged. Use an absorptive material for potential leaks.

6. Check for appropriate repair

Problem
Illustration for Sika roof protection concept showing yellow product causing crack damage with question mark

Damages or punctures may be caused by third-party contractors or others.

Solution
Illustration for Sika roof protection concept showing phone calling Sika

Do not repair it by yourself. Call the roofer, so they can repair it properly with the right tools and materials.

7. Use a protective base for rooftop work

Problem
Illustration for Sika roof protection concept showing cutting metal on roof

Directly cutting or working with tools on the roof membrane can cause damage.

Solution
Illustration for Sika roof protection concept showing cutting metal on base

Especially when grinding, sawing, cutting or welding other materials on the rooftop, use a protective mat or base to do the work.

8. Dispose of waste properly

Problem
Illustration for Sika roof protection concept showing trash and yellow bucket on roof

Loose trash lying in direct contact with the roof membrane can cause punctures and leaks.

Solution
Illustration for Sika roof protection concept showing trash recycle bins on roof

By putting standard big trash bags or bins on the roof, you indicate to everyone that is where the trash goes.

Ben Van Os

Author
Ben van Os
Junior Corporate Product Engineer Thermal Insulation Roofing
Target Market Roofing
Sika Services AG