PROPERTY NEWS - The roof is possibly one of the most neglected parts of a building.  

While some roof systems call for less intense maintenance than others, all roofing systems should be checked periodically and maintained accordingly. The Institute for Timber Construction South Africa (ITC-SA) weighs in. 

Prevention is better than cure, and regular inspections to identify and remedy problems as they occur, are imperative. A roof withstands more from the elements than any other component of a building and the frequency of inspections and maintenance is dependent on the location of the building.  

If the structure is close to the sea or in similarly harsh conditions, it will need greater care than a structure inland.  

Preventative maintenance is pivotal in saving money on a roof by providing a longer service life.  

Roof exterior 

Check for cracked roof tiles, loose sheeting and loose roof screws. These may cause leaks, which have the potential to cause damage to the interior timber and accelerate wood rot.  

Look for open areas around newly installed antenna shafts and chimneys; while waterproofing should be installed to prevent any leaks, the condition of the waterproofing membranes must also be inspected regularly. Crumbling chimney mortar could also signal moisture penetration and will need to be reapplied.  

Timber roof overhangs should be maintained regularly to prevent fungal attack or rot from moisture. Loose fascia boards and leaking gutters are the most common cause of leaks onto roofing timber. Be alert to any creeper plants growing onto the overhanging roof timbers.  

Keep all gutters free from debris and make sure the downpipes are draining properly by water testing them.  

If the roof exterior is beginning to collect moss or algae, consider installing zinc or lead control strips that form harmless zinc oxide when rainwater runs over them.  

Check all flashings and replace any loose shingles. Trim back overhanging tree branches and check for rust. Pay attention to all caulking and sealants, and scrape and remove caulking that is damaged, and reapply. If the roof has gravel surfacing, be alert to any bare spots; otherwise, check for blisters in the roofing material.  

Frequent washing and inspection are advised to prevent salt and dirt build-up.  

Exposed timber trusses must be treated for exposure to the elements.  

Roof interior 

Cracked timber components in the roof structure are the first warning signs. Inspect all the components of the roof structure after new services, like plumbing, electrical and/or a fireplace, are installed. Check the interior of the roof for any leaks; these may be indicative of a leaking roof membrane. 

If timber is beginning to show signs of rot, painting it will only worsen the situation. In this case, replace the affected timber. Painting and repainting should only be done on healthy timber surfaces.  

Additional loading 

Additions, such as a cooking canopy that extracts smoke or steam from the kitchen, are usually suspended from the roof trusses. In the case of additional loading, it is important to ensure that the load is spread across more than one truss. The load of the item should be established before installation and the truss design should be checked for any added loads. Storage in roofs is not recommended.  

Legal compliance

As per the Construction Regulation 2014 Occupational Health and Safety Act of 1993, an owner of a structure must ensure that:  

a. Inspections of the structure are carried out periodically by a competent person; 

b. That the inspections are carried out at least once every six months for the first two years and thereafter yearly; 

c. The records of the inspections and maintenance are kept and made available on request to an inspector. 

The average cost of a roof as a portion of the final building can easily exceed 25%. Repairs or replacement may be even more.  

All nail-plated timber roof structures must be designed, manufactured, erected and inspected by ITC-SA accredited members who have been awarded a Certificate of Competence. An A19 Certificate will be issued on compliance, which is required by the local authority before issuing an occupation certificate.  

Many thanks to MiTek Industries SA and International Truss Systems for their contribution to this article.  

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