Efficient use of roofs requires more precise monitoring and maintenance
An increasing number of roofs are no longer just for protection; today’s roofs often have many other useful functions. While the efficient use of roof space is beneficial, the flip side is that increased activity on roofs increases the risk of damage and moisture issues. However, these risks can be minimized with good design and smart maintenance. The maintenance of a multifunctional roof should include the use of intelligent monitoring devices that help detect moisture problems and prevent water damage.
Roof construction and the potential uses for roofs have changed significantly over the past ten years. Due to the limited space in cities, roofs in many countries have increasingly been put to versatile use. This is evident in two roofing trends. The first trend is green environments on roofs, such as green roofs, gardens, and cultivation areas. The second trend involves various structures and technical installations on roofs, such as solar panels. Versatile utilization of roofs is an excellent way to enhance comfort, save money, and protect the environment. However, the new uses for roofs come with risks that must be considered in the planning, construction, and usage phases. One of the biggest risks is moisture damage. In this article, we will discuss the most common ways to utilize roofs, the associated risks, and provide advice on preventing problems.
Risk factors for moisture damage
Both construction experts and building physics researchers (Andenæs et al. 2020) consider moisture damage in roofs to be a common and costly nuisance. Even a tiny needle-sized hole in the roofing material can let through up to three liters of water during heavy rain. Early intervention is crucial in limiting moisture damage. The main challenge is that moisture problems are often difficult to detect visually.
According to construction experts, moisture damage is usually caused by construction errors or lack of maintenance (UNA City). Structures that do not adhere to guidelines can easily fail, and neglected maintenance can allow moisture damage to develop into a larger problem. Human errors also pose a risk. Increased structures on roofs heighten the risk of human errors, as more penetrations, seams, and careful planning are needed to withstand the additional load. Movement and work on the roof also inherently create risks, as the roofing material can be damaged, for example, during snow removal.
Green roofs, rooftop gardens, and cultivation
The popularity of green roofs has increased because they offer many environmental benefits, such as water management, improved air quality, and thermal insulation (Helda). Green roofs can also provide pleasant environments for city dwellers.
The major risks of green roofs are various leaks and problems caused by the additional load. If plants and soil enter the drainage system, they can eventually cause blockages, leading to leaks within the structure, at connection points, or penetrations (Helda). Green roofs are also heavier than conventional roofs, with a square meter of green roof potentially weighing up to hundreds of kilos. The significant additional load poses risks such as uncontrolled deformations and dents in the roofs. These, in turn, can lead to changes in material joints, which may break and cause leaks and moisture damage. Dents and deformations can also damage the roof’s water management system, causing leaks.
Due to these risks, regular maintenance is even more important for green roofs than for traditional roofs. During maintenance, particular attention should be paid to roof drains and water management systems. It is also essential to check the condition of the roof vegetation, as dead plants can increase the amount of dirt and debris in the water management system (Helda).
Structures on roofs: solar panels and rooftop terraces
The installation of solar panels on roofs has become more common as individuals and businesses seek to utilize renewable energy. This not only reduces electricity bills but also decreases dependence on fossil fuels. The risk with structures on roofs is that they can strain the waterproofing and damage the roofing material due to the combined effects of wind and weather. Leaks caused by these structures can also be difficult to detect, for instance, under solar panels, and repairs often require the dismantling of the structures. If the panel mounting system is incorrectly installed, the risk of leaks at penetrations increases significantly.
When installing solar panels, it is crucial to ensure that the roof is structurally sound enough to support the weight of the panels and their mounting systems, as well as their impact on the structures. Before installing solar panels, it is important to check that there is no excessive moisture accumulation in the insulation layer, as the shade provided by the solar panels can alter the moisture balance in the structures. Partial shading on the roof increases temperature differences, causing moisture to move to the cold areas of the structures, which in turn can damage their durability in the long term.
Smart monitoring on the roof helps minimize the risk of moisture damage
A smart monitoring system on roofs helps reduce the risk of moisture damage, especially on multifunctional roofs. VILPE Sense leak detectors identify excessive moisture in structures of different ages and types. This allows for continuous monitoring of roof structures and sends alerts if moisture levels become too high. This provides the opportunity to address moisture issues before they turn into serious and costly repairs. VILPE Sense leak detectors also help to pinpoint the damaged area, making repairs, such as fixing leaks under solar panels, quicker and more cost-effective by limiting the area that needs to be dismantled and repaired.
The versatile use of roofs brings new risks, particularly concerning moisture damage. To minimize these risks, careful planning, regular maintenance, and intelligent monitoring systems are required. Green roofs, solar panels, and other roof structures can provide significant benefits to urban environments, as long as their potential risks are considered and appropriately managed.
References
- ”Green Roofs and Walls in Urban Areas,” Urban Nature Atlas. Link
- ”Viherkatot ja niiden ympäristöhyödyt,” Helsinki University. Link
- ”Kattorakenteiden kosteusvaurioiden ennaltaehkäisy,” Rakennustekniikka-lehti. Link
- Andenæs, E., Kvande, T., & Bohne, R. A. (2020, November). Footprints of failure: Quantifying carbon impacts of roof leakages in a single-family residential building. In IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science (Vol. 588, No. 4, p. 042053). IOP Publishing.