Will Your Rooftop Equipment
Be Gone With The Wind ?
Roof damage is a major source of property loss each year when buildings are subjected to high winds , wind-driven rain , hail , ice , snow and wildfires . What ’ s more , rooftop equipment or pieces of the roof itself can take flight during a windstorm and cause additional damage to the building , nearby vehicles or even neighboring property .
According to Tammy Swenson , EMC senior risk improvement consultant , proper maintenance and inspections of a roof can make the difference between minimal damage and catastrophic failure during weather events . The following tips from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety ( IBHS ) may help protect your roof and rooftop equipment during a storm .
• The Importance Of Balance : An unbalanced fan in air conditioning equipment reduces efficiency and compromises the unit ’ s secure attachment . When a rooftop unit begins to vibrate and shake , contact a qualified contractor to correct problems that may cause the fans to become unbalanced .
• Watch For Corrosion : Corrosion and deterioration are the most common roof problems , causing panels or other parts to become airborne during high winds . Inspect for rusted metal panels , screws and metal flashing on curbs , and replace deteriorated parts as soon as possible . Inspect around the unit ’ s connection to the curb it sits on . Check for visible signs of leaks ; these can be repaired using various readily available roof sealants and caulks .
• Check And Recheck : While a local contractor or maintenance worker can perform most of the necessary inspections and repairs to keep rooftop equipment in good working order , it is important to inspect the equipment after the work is done to make sure all screws , cables and cable straps are tightened and back in place .
More Research Will Lead To More Solutions
On behalf of EMC clients , Swenson is closely monitoring research initiatives currently underway at the IBHS Research Center . Testing at the lab includes rooftop equipment , with a specific focus on wind load specifications and future prescriptive guidelines for anchorage . Additionally , IBHS plans to test photovoltaic equipment on both commercial and residential roofs to make sure that the goal of “ going green ” is consistent with “ staying strong .” The results of these tests will be used to :
• Compare to model scale wind tunnel tests
• Compare to current code provisions
• Evaluate anchorage requirements , based on results
• Make recommendations for future codification , as appropriate
While this research holds promise for improving future designs and installation techniques , there still is no substitute for preventive maintenance and proper care of roof-mounted equipment .
For additional information about maintaining commercial properties , visit www . disastersafety . org .
SOURCE : Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety
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