Roof Break-ins and Protection

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I’ve been reading more and more about people breaking into buildings through the roof. Which I’m sure a lot of business owners are more concerned about the damage done to the roof, than the actual items they stole or at least attempted to steal.

I just read about police arresting two teenagers after the roof of a mall was cut in an apparent failed attempt to steal some sneakers. Investigators say two teens were captured at the scene. A third youth escaped while trying to flee via the roof. More than a dozen pairs of shoes were abandoned atop the roof.

The teens are facing burglary and evading arrest charges. The mall was forced to close down early that day, and now will have to fix the roof. These little burglaries are costing companies a lot of headaches and money.

Some Companies have bulked up Security

Some companies have taking it to the extreme to prevent these types of roof break-ins. A Miami business has chosen to house a dog on the roof of their building for property security.

dog on roof Dog on Roof

 The company claimed that they have been burglarized three times and the presence of dogs seems to be the only way to keep thieves at bay. Animal activist are burning up about the dog living in these types of conditions. Which is very understanding, anyone that has been on top of a roof during the hot summer months would understand. I’m not writing this to decide who is right or wrong, personally I just think it is a very interesting story.

Types of Roof Insulation

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The most common or found in low-slope membrane roof systems in North America:

RIGID ROOF INSULATION

Cellular glass

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)

Extruded Polystyrene (XPS)

Fibrous glass

Gypsum board

Mineral fiber

Perlite board

Polyiso

Wood fiberboard

Composite board

 Reduce Thermal Bridging

Mechanically fastners are good conduits for thermal bridging. With two or more layers of insulation, the potential for thermal bridging at fastners in the first layer is mitigated.

 Reduce Thermal Loss

A minimum of two layers reduces the thermal loss that occurs through the joints between single layer insulation boards.

Increase Thermal Performance

With double layer insulation roof systems, it is preferable that only the bottom layer of insulation be mechanically fastened that are appropriate for mechanical attachment.

Roof Equipment Support – Inadequate?

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Inadequate equipment supports could be damaging to a roof system

If inadequate equipment supports are damaging the roofing membrane due to the weight on the membrane, then two options for correcting the condition should be considered. 

These options provide an alternative method of support and may prevent further damage to the roofs membrane.

The first option is to erect a new curb attached to the structural deck. This curb should then be properly flashed and counterflashed. The second option is to install an equipment stand supported by the structure. The equipment stand should then be properly flashed. Raised and flashed curbs are the recommended method for supporting and attaching equipment.

Hot Bituminous – Top 10 Problems and Solutions

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HOT BITUMINOUS

PROBLEM AREAS FOR CONTRACTORS

1. Temperature control of asphalt

SOLUTION: use infrared thermometers

2. Mopping Practices

SOLUTION: follow specs and ensure equipment is okay

3. Improper Flashing

SOLUTION: ensure proper height, length of flashing

4. Poor Interply Integrity

SOLUTION: do not install too hot and allow no foot traffic.

5. Dry Laps

SOLUTION: broom felts

6. Inaccurate Head Laps

SOLUTION: use chalk lines and check ply lines

7. Fire Safety

SOLUTION: check thermometers on kettles

8. Gravel Embedment

SOLUTION: embeded gravel quickly and don’t overheat asphalt

9. Poor Base Sheet Attachment

SOLUTION: conduct pull-out tests and relax sheets

10. Lack of Coping Moisture Barrier

SOLUTION: ensure blocking and cap attached properly