Issue link: https://hi.iaq.net/i/248503
www.epa.gov/iaq/moisture CFR Occupational Safety and Health Regulation requirements. down each downspout and leader to check for blockage. If blockage is suspected in a downspout running through the interior of the building, snake out the downspout or use a mechanical auger. Do not use water to try to flush out an interior downspout suspected of being blocked. If a roof drain is blocked by ice, do not try to open it by chipping or breaking the ice. Ensure that all joints are properly sealed. Inspect masonry weep holes for signs of dripping. • Do not rest ladders against gutters. When on the roof, take care to step on the flat portions of the panels over structural members and not on sidelaps or standing seams. • Inspect interior walls and ceilings for signs of water penetration (i.e., water damage or staining) or structural distress. If possible, check the underside of the roof deck. Look for water or insect damage, deterioration of the deck, rusting, settling or other physical damage. Inspect the interior surface of exterior walls and roof overhangs for signs of moisture, cracking or movement. • Look for ponding or standing water on the roof. Pay particular attention to areas around scuttles, curbs, skylights and other features that may impede roof drainage. Another indication of a failed drainage system is accumulated debris on the roof. Remove all litter and debris from the roof surface. Standing water can damage the gravel and the granule or liquid coatings on roofs. Once these coatings are damaged, sunlight can degrade the roofing membrane. Look in the gutters for mineral granules from shingles, which may indicate that the shingles are worn. A small penetration can allow standing water to seep under the membrane. Deflection may indicate structural problems that must be addressed. • Inspect exterior walls and roof overhangs for signs of moisture, cracking or movement. Inspect exterior grounds around buildings for signs of ponding, which may indicate blockage. • Inspect the roof covering and edge for continuity. Look for deterioration, damaged or loose laps and seams, loose or missing fasteners, rust or corrosion, physical damage to the roof covering, and the accumulation of debris and vegetation. Look for soft roof insulation and cracked, spalled or discolored walls. • Include non-destructive tests such as infrared thermography or other appropriate tests if moisture intrusion is suspected. • Inspect for moisture infiltration. Pay attention to areas where walls or parapets intersect roofs, around rooftop HVAC units, and around skylights or other roof penetrations. Check for missing or broken weather seals on equipment housings and cracked or missing caulking. • Record and report inspection findings. • Report immediately any unsafe working conditions or potential system failures. • Inspect flashings at roof-wall intersections and at curbs. Look for loose flashing or missing fasteners, open ends or lap joints, unsealed corners and rusted or corroded metal. If caulk or roofing tar has been used as a temporary repair, inspect for cracks. Also inspect flashings around curbs, access hatches and rooftop equipment. Where deflection is required, make sure that roof panels and flashings move independently. Special Considerations for Membrane Roofs • Pay particular attention to areas between roof trusses and beams, which are likely spots for roof deflection. • Inspect the roof membrane for moisture intrusion. Pay particular attention to the joints between two sheets of membrane and to changes in the angle of the roof: • Inspect hips, ridges and valleys. Look for loose or missing fasteners, open ends or open lap joints, damage from foot traffic and corroded metal. In valleys, check to make sure the roof covering is secured at the valley edges and that there are no obstructions blocking water flow. yy Built-up bituminous membrane roofs: Look for blisters caused by the expansion of air or water vapor trapped beneath. Also look for cracks in the membrane, splits, ridges and lifting of the membrane at the seams. • Inspect the drainage system. Check gutters and downspouts for loose or missing fasteners, loose joints, corrosion and debris. Make sure sealants and solder are in good condition. Check downspouts, interior roof drains, scuppers and outlets to ensure they are not blocked. If possible, shine a flashlight yy Elastomeric membranes: Look for open seams, shrinkage and backed-out fasteners. Inspect the roof for damage after windstorms. Pay particular attention to the membrane surface, roof edge metal, flashings, gutters and downspouts. 96