| |
|
|
Foot Traffic
All materials developed for single ply roofs are capable of withstanding occasional, light, foot traffic for inspection purposes.
Where walkways are to be provided for servicing roof top equipment or maintenance, a handrail or fall arrest system may be a requirement.
Even on non-access roofs, the construction process itself places demands upon the resistance of the system to repeated loads.
Considerations include:
- The distribution of roof access points and the effect of repeated loads on the system nearby.
- Load-spreading protection, which will usually be required.
- The location of plant and the provision of heavy-duty walkway sheets to protect the waterproof membrane.
- Provision of load-spreading sheets below the waterproof membrane, in situations where materials may be stored or heavy equipment used (for example, to service roof-mounted equipment).
During construction, the most effective protection is timber panels, such as plywood or oriented strand board with taped or linked joints. The construction sequence should be reviewed to ensure that heavy deliveries (for example, a pallet of coping stones or atrium glazing units) are not placed on the roof without special bearers to transfer their load to the structure. Membrane and insulation manufacturers should be consulted in such cases.
© 2006 Sarnafil Ltd. Legal Disclaimer
|
|
