No work should be started until all surfaces are clean, smooth, free of ice, snow, moisture and debris, or any other substance that would prevent the membrane from adhering properly.
Unroll the starter membrane, making sure the drain is in the centre. This will avoid lap joints passing over the drain and allow automatic staggering of the longitudinal joints of the cap sheet with respect to those of the base sheet. Ensure proper alignment. Reroll in halves (one half at a time).
If no starter membrane is used, create a 75 mm (3") side lap on the opposite side of the existing selvedge. Trace a line using chalk and embed the granules. Be sure to "sink" bold granules.
End laps must be staggered by at least 300 mm (12") from the base sheet membrane end laps and adjacent cap sheet end laps. Cap sheet end laps must be staggered by at least 300 mm (12").
The end of the torch head should be positioned between 15 and 30 cm (6" to 12") from the surfaces, depending on the weather conditions. Maximum heat is obtained at the blue end of the flame.
The welding procedure will be more effective if the torch and thus the flame is moved continuously in a rectangular movement from the roll to the substrate. The movement should be slowed over the joint of the base sheet in order to apply enough heat to soften the bitumen and fill the possible voids.
For best results, make sure there is always a small amount of melted bitumen in front of the roll being heat welded. When in doubt, re-roll and strings of bitumen should appear between the roll and substrate.
A regular roof maintenance program is fundamental to the satisfactory long-term performance of your newly installed roof.
Limit access to your roof to authorized personnel only, meaning those with a real need to be there.
Inspect the roof at least semi-annually, in the spring and autumn. Also inspect the roof after any severe winds or storms and after any event causing damage to your roof or building.
Keep roof free of debris such as branches, leaves, bottles, rocks, cans, soil or anything else that could plug drains or cause a puncture to the roofing membrane. All drains and scuppers should be checked to ensure they are not plugged and are free-flowing.
Some walls are susceptible to wind blown water intrusion, periodically determine if additional water sealant is needed to maintain water tightness for these type walls. Water entering your building or the roof through walls will damage the roof.
Inspect the condition of all metal for evidence of rusting, loose metal, wind deformation and joint integrity. Inspect the metal/membrane bond for voids or other possible conditions that could permit water infiltration.
Check all metal parts for deterioration, any clamping rings to ensure they are tight, and all sealant beads to ensure they shed water and are sealed tight to the pipe.
Make sure that all drains and scuppers are free from clogs. Check all drain bolts for tightness. Inspect any metal to membrane bond for voids or other possible conditions that could permit water infiltration. Clean debris from around strainers and secure drain strainers.
Inspected for evidence of rusting, wind deformation and joint integrity. Inspect any metal to membrane bond for voids or possible points of water infiltration. Piping secured to a base or metal flange should continue to have protection material under the blocking. Make sure that protection work pads are maintained in the work areas around the units.