One of the main causes of damage on flat roofs is foot traffic. There are times when people must be on the roof to check on, repair or install various equipment. A small leak caused by a puncture to the roof membrane can cause extreme damage to the interior of the building.
Foot traffic on the roof should be minimized as much as possible, although it is impossible to eliminate. One of the main things that can help prevent damage to flat roof membranes from foot traffic is the installation of walk pads. Adding walk pads around each unit and in areas that follow walkway patterns will help to minimize the damage to the membrane from excessive wear.
Walk pads can also make it easier for people working on the roof to find dropped items. The walk pad is slightly higher than the rest of the roof and may make it easier to locate dropped items. A particular danger for flat roof membranes are dropped screws that are not recovered. The presence of walk pads around rooftop equipment will prevent immediate damage and also make it easier for people to retrieve what they have dropped instead of leaving it behind to be stepped on.
In addition to protecting the roof membrane, walk pads can also be a safety factor for people working on the roof. They are often textured and sometimes a different color than the surrounding membrane. This makes them easier to see so people can avoid walking on the membrane. The texture can also help prevent accidents from slipping and falling.
If you want more information about walk pads or would like an estimate to add walk pads to your roof, please visit our website at www.apextx.com, call us 817-239-8744 or view our YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/ApexRoofingInc.
