Maintenance of Metal System

Transcription

1 Maintenance of Metal System Your Roof. For Life. INTRO Care of a metal roof system is essential in ensuring that the performance of a roof extends beyond the warranty period. All roofs require periodic maintenance to keep the roof system in excellent condition and this is the responsibility of the owner. Periodic maintenance and inspection is generally simple and can be performed by the owner, however, complicated repairs or modifications should be performed by sheet metal roofing experts. WARRANTY INFORMATION To ensure continued coverage under a Union Corrugating Company (Union) Watertight Warranty, the owner must immediately report any leaks or significant damages to roof which may cause leaks. If not immediately repaired, leaks may cause damage not only to the building structure but to the roof system itself. It is not recommended that the owner perform roof repairs on a warranted system. Repairs should be left to qualified sheet metal experts. The original installing contractor must perform any repair work for the first two (2) years of the UNION warranty. If the owner does choose to perform emergency repairs, they must follow UNION installation guidelines. If repairs do not follow UNION guidelines the warranty may be voided. Examples of improper repair methods are the use of unapproved sealant and installing exposed fasteners into roof panels. In the event that alterations or modifications need to be made to the warranted roof system, UNION should be contacted prior to such changes. Warranty may be jeopardized if changes are made without prior consultation. UNION can easily provide design assistance and recommendations along with detailed drawings for any changes to roof. OWNER INSPECTIONS Periodic inspections should be conducted of the entire roof. A minimum of two (2) inspections should be performed each year. Inspections ideally are conducted in the spring and fall. Additional inspections are recommended after the following events: 1. Severe weather with heavy rain/snow, high winds, hail, and heavy icing. 2. Fire, vandalism, or damage from debris has occurred 3. Untrained individuals (such as HVAC, plumbing, and electrical trades) accessing roof to perform maintenance on rooftop equipment. Unintentional damage such as scratches or penetrations may occur in roof and require prompt attention.

2 INSPECTION Carefully inspect the entire roof area for signs of abnormal conditions. Damage can occur from roof traffic, snow/ice slides, hail, and high winds. A. Debris: Roof should be kept clean. Remove all trash, debris, and dirt from roof. Debris such as leaves and sticks may hinder the drainage of water in valleys and gutters. Debris and dirt hold moisture against the roof surface and prevent the roof from drying completely. Constant exposure to moisture can lead to paint failure and rusting of panels. Trim back any overhanging tree branches. B. Flashings: Roof flashings such as valleys, ridge, and wall flashings are the most common locations of leaks. Inspect along each roof flashing section for any signs of damage or deterioration. Check for proper attachment of flashings. If loose, verify proper attachment method and reattach per approved installation requirements. Entire flashing section may need to be removed and reinstalled in order to properly set in sealant. Check flashing lap joints for watertightness. Verify sealant at laps. Apply approved sealant (Dow 790 Silicone or Tremco Spectrum One Silicone) as needed. C. Penetrations: Close attention should be given to roof penetrations (pipes and curbs). For pipe penetrations, check that flexible rubber boots are properly secured to roof and pipe. A stainless steel band must be at top of boot secured tightly around pipe with and additional bead of approved sealant. If cracks or tears are observed in boot the boot should be removed and replaced. D. Gutter and Downspouts: Gutters and downspouts need be clear of debris. Check for clogged outlets. Test downspouts for proper drainage with a water hose. E. Panel Seams: On roofs with separate snap-on seams caps or battens ensure that caps are securely in place and engaged onto panel seam and clip. If seam caps are loose use only hand force to securely engage back into place. For integral snap-lock panel seams check that seams are fully engaged. If unlocked, use only hand force to securely snap seams together. F. Sealant: Check flashing laps and connections for signs of failed sealant. It is possible for thermal expansion and contraction to break the sealant bonds and allow water to enter roof. Carefully remove sealant from metal surface without damaging the paint finish and reapply approved sealant (Dow790 Silicone or Tremco Spectrum One Silicone). Application of non-approved sealants, caulk, or roof cements mill void watertight warranty if applicable. G. Snow and Ice: Excessive snow and/or ice should be removed from the roof system after heavy storms. Use extreme care not to damage the roof system. Do not use tools with metal parts which can damage roof surface. Soft bristle brooms and plastic tools are recommended. Extra care must be taken around

3 penetrations, flashings, and skylights. Sliding snow and ice is extremely dangerous. The force of sliding snow can cause severe damage to roof system components such as panel seams, penetrations flashings, and most commonly gutters. Mechanical snow guards may be installed onto roof system to prevent damage from snow/ice slides. Only non-penetrating snow retention devices should be used. Never penetrate panels with fasteners. Consult UNION prior to installation of such devices. H. Dissimilar Metals: Electrolysis may occur when dissimilar metals come into contact. Do not allow metals such as copper, bronze, or lead to come into contact with steel or aluminum roof system. Such materials can be found at plumbing vents, lightning protection systems, and masonry thru-wall flashings. I. Non-Roof Items: It is often found that leaks in adjacent building systems can be confused with actual roof leaks. Some common examples are masonry walls, metal wall panels, exterior insulation finish systems (EIFS), windows, louvers, and skylights. Examine masonry wall systems for defects such as cracks, gaps in mortar, and failed sealant at expansion joints. Improperly installed thru-wall flashings and weeps can lead to water infiltration below roof level. Thru-wall flashings and weeps in masonry should be visibly located above the highest point of exposed metal roof flashings. Examine louvers, windows, and skylights for signs of water infiltration. J. Paint Finish: Scratches and abrasions in painted surface of roof panels and trim should be completely cleaned with denatured alcohol or mineral spirits. Apply touch up paint as supplied by UNION. Never use abrasive cleaning tools such as wire brushes to clean panels. Refer to Metal Roof Coating Maintenance documentation for additional information on the care and maintenance of PVDF (Polyvinylidene Fluoride) coated metal roofs.

4 paintandcolor.com The molecules on the surface of Valspar s fluoropolymer coating systems are so tightly bound together that they don t want to react with anything. Their slick surface helps make them resistant to many elements found in the environment such as air pollution, acid rain, and general airborne dirt. Although Valspar factory-applied finishes are extremely durable, a periodic cleaning to remove buildups of resins and other residue is a good idea to extend coating life. A variety of methods for removal of surface deposits are available. Simple washing with plain water using hoses or pressure spray equipment is usually adequate. When heavy deposits of dirt or other contaminants dull surfaces, stronger methods may be needed. Two precautions: (1) do not use wire brushes, abrasives, or similar cleaning tools which will mechanically abrade the coatings surface, and (2) certain cleaning agents listed below should be tested in an inconspicuous area before use on a large scale. GROUP A: HOT OR COLD DETERGENT SOLUTIONS A 5% solution in water of commonly used commercial and industrial detergents will not have any deleterious effect on a fluoropolymer surface. These solutions should be followed by an adequate rinse of water. Use a cloth or sponge for application. GROUP B: SOLVENTS Most organic solvents are flammable and/or toxic, and must be handled accordingly. Read the manufacturer s Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). Keep away from open flames, sparks and electrical motors. Use adequate ventilation, protective clothing, and goggles. Solvent that may be used to remove non-water soluble deposits such as tar, grease, oil, paint, and graffiti from fluoropolymer surfaces include: Alcohols Denatured alcohol (ethanol) Isopropyl (rubbing alcohol) Methanol (wood alcohol) Note: methanol is toxic The above alcohols have no permanent effect on fluoropolymer surfaces. GROUP C: PETROLEUM SOLVENTS AND TURPENTINE VM&P naphtha Mineral spirits Kerosene Turpentine (wood or gum spirits) The above solvents have no permanent effect on fluoropolymer surfaces. GROUP D: AROMATIC AND CHLORINATED Xylol (Xylene) Toluol (Toluene) Perchlorethylene (Perclene) Tricholorethylene (Triclene) Note: Perchlorethylene and Trichloroethylene are toxic. The above solvents should be used with caution on a fluoropolymer surface. Limit contact with solvent to five minutes maximum and test before using. Cleaning and Maintenance Guide for Fluoropolymer Coatings

5 Cleaning and Maintenance Guide for Fluoropolymer Coatings GROUP E: KETONES, ESTERS, LACQUER THINNER AND PAINT REMOVER Methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) Ethyl acetate (nail polish remover) Butyl acetate Lacquer thinner Paint remover (non-flammable) The above solvents should be used cautiously on a fluoropolymer surface. Limit contact to fluoropolymer surface and test before using. Note: There are many formulations of paint remover on the market. It is possible that some will remove the fluoropolymer surface. Proceed very cautiously in use of paint remover. Metal supplier and coating manufacturer are not responsible for damage from unrestricted use. GRAFFITI Graffiti presents a special problem because of the many possible agents used, generally aerosol paint. It is best to try soap and water first. If needed, try the less active solvents from Groups B, C, and D. Next, try the stronger solvents in Group E. If none of these are satisfactory, it may be necessary to resort to touchup, repaint, or replacement. CHEMICAL SOLUTIONS Mildew: In areas subject to high humidity levels, dirt and spore deposits can permit mildew growth to occur. The following solution is recommended to remove mildew when necessary: 1/3 cup dry powdered laundry detergent (such as Tide ) 1 quart sodium hypochlorite 5% solution (such as Clorox ) 3 quarts water Rust Stains: Hydrochloric, citric, or muriatic acid, diluted with ten volumes of water, may assist in removing rust stains from fluoropolymer surfaces. Limit contact to five minutes. Oxalic acid solutions or acetic acid (vinegar) may be used for the same purpose. Flush with water. Caution: Acid solutions are corrosive and toxic. Flush all surfaces with copious amounts of water after use. WARRANTY Misuse or abuse of any of the cleaning agents listed above will result in a voiding of warranty for the surface affected. Valspar fluoropolymer coatings include Acroflur, Acrodize, Fluropon, Fluropon Classic, Fluropon Classic II, Fluropon Premiere, Flurothane II, Flurothane IV, and Valflon coatings. For more information, contact Valspar s Coil or Extrusion Coatings Division: KENTUCKY 347 Central Avenue Bowling Green, KY USA Telephone: Facsimile: TEXAS 701 South Shiloh Road Garland TX USA Telephone: Facsimile: ILLINOIS 901 North Greenwood Avenue Kankakee, IL USA Telephone: Facsimile: C O I L A N D E X T R U S I O N C O A T I N G S MEXICO Avenue Central 223 Los Lermas Guadalupe, N.L. Mexico Telephone: Facsimile: paintandcolor.com CHINA No. 838 Jia Xin Road Jiading District Shanghai People s Republic of China Telephone: CANADA 645 Coronation Drive West Hill, Ontario Canada, M1E 4R6 Telephone: Facsimile: BRAZIL Estrada dos Casa, 5050 Portco B Sco Bernardo do Campo Sao Bernardo do Campo Telephone: Facsimile: Val# The Valspar Corporation All Rights Reserved