compromised by moisture intrusion. When the substrate is damaged or compromised, the membrane has increased potential for punctures, cuts, and abrasions. This can lead to water leaks, additional damage to the substrate, and potential damage to the entire roofing system.
\nDifferent types of roof membranes and substrates wear at different rates. SBS modified bitumen and thicker single-ply membranes are known for their durability. Membranes can be installed in thicknesses of up to 90 mil, adding additional protection.
\nHowever, mineral fiber insulation and gypsum boards beneath the membrane are more susceptible to water damage than other materials, which increases the chance that foot traffic will damage a roof. Selecting substrates that provide high structural integrity, even when wet, can help protect a roof from this type of damage.
\nWhat Materials are Better for High Foot Traffic Areas?
\nAt the risk of stating the obvious, the best way to prevent damage from foot traffic is to limit the amount of walking done on the roof membrane. In places where there is high foot traffic, such as around equipment, additional support should be provided. Walkway support can be installed in paths that allow for easy access to maintenance areas and equipment. This additional support helps protect the roofing membrane and the roof deck from damage.
\nRoof cover boards also provide increased traffic resistance to the roof deck. Their high compressive strength lessens the chances that usual foot traffic will do damage to the structure, and they are fire- and water-resistant as well. Cover boards such as GAF's DensDeck Roof Board and EnergyGuard HD Cover Board help resist deterioration, warping, and job site damage better than traditional gypsum or fiber board materials.
\nAnother option is to use ISO insulation, such as GAF's EnergyGuard NH HD Polyiso Roof Insulation, which lends additional structural strength and protects the membrane and deck from damage. The coated glass-fiber weave provides increased surface strength for high-traffic roofs.
\nISO insulation also absorbs less water than traditional materials such as gypsum cover boards. It will not rot or dissolve when wet and will maintain its structural integrity, increasing safety for workers who need to access the roof for maintenance or repairs. As an added bonus, ISO insulation is lighter than gypsum or cement board, meaning it takes less labor to unload and stage materials.
\nProtection Matters
\nFoot traffic on membrane roofs can be damaging, especially if the roof substrate has been infiltrated by water or is otherwise compromised. But adding cover boards or polyiso roof insulation to the roof deck can prevent damage from normal wear and tear, lengthening your roof longevity and protecting your investment for the long term.
"}" data-sheets-userformat="{"2":14593,"3":{"1":0,"3":1},"11":4,"14":{"1":3,"3":1},"15":"Calibri","16":12}">Any commercial roof is designed to withstand some level of foot traffic. After all, maintenance personnel need to be able to access it. But with time, an excessive amount of foot traffic can lead to some wear and tear.
Different materials will be impacted by foot traffic differently. If you expect a lot of footsteps on your roof, you can increase your roof longevity by choosing the materials that can best resist foot traffic.
Read on to see how heavy foot traffic can impact your roof and what kinds of materials can prevent this impact.
Wear Caused by Foot Traffic
While roof membranes are designed to handle occasional foot traffic for inspections and maintenance, they aren't designed to withstand substantial activity. Significant foot traffic can lead to wear and tear, shortening the lifespan of the roof membrane and leading to additional costs and repairs. Dragging feet, stumbling, or even a piece of gravel stuck in a shoe can scuff the membrane surface, weakening the system.
This damage can be made worse when the roof substrate material has been https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.polyiso.org/resource/resmgr/performance_bulletins/The_Effect_of_Roof_Traffic_a.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">compromised by moisture intrusion. When the substrate is damaged or compromised, the membrane has increased potential for punctures, cuts, and abrasions. This can lead to water leaks, additional damage to the substrate, and potential damage to the entire roofing system.
Different types of roof membranes and substrates wear at different rates. SBS modified bitumen and thicker single-ply membranes are known for their durability. Membranes can be installed in thicknesses of up to 90 mil, adding additional protection.
However, mineral fiber insulation and gypsum boards beneath the membrane are more susceptible to water damage than other materials, which increases the chance that foot traffic will damage a roof. Selecting substrates that provide high structural integrity, even when wet, can help protect a roof from this type of damage.
What Materials are Better for High Foot Traffic Areas?
At the risk of stating the obvious, the best way to prevent damage from foot traffic is to limit the amount of walking done on the roof membrane. In places where there is high foot traffic, such as around equipment, additional support should be provided. Walkway support can be installed in paths that allow for easy access to maintenance areas and equipment. This additional support helps protect the roofing membrane and the roof deck from damage.
Roof cover boards also provide increased traffic resistance to the roof deck. Their high compressive strength lessens the chances that usual foot traffic will do damage to the structure, and they are fire- and water-resistant as well. Cover boards such as https://www.gaf.com/en-us/products/densdeck-roof-board" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">GAF's DensDeck Roof Board and https://www.gaf.com/en-us/products/energyguard-hd-cover-board" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">EnergyGuard HD Cover Board help resist deterioration, warping, and job site damage better than traditional gypsum or fiber board materials.
Another option is to use ISO insulation, such as GAF's https://www.gaf.com/en-us/products/energyguard-nh-hd-polyiso-roof-insulation" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">EnergyGuard NH HD Polyiso Roof Insulation, which lends additional structural strength and protects the membrane and deck from damage. The coated glass-fiber weave provides increased surface strength for high-traffic roofs.
ISO insulation also absorbs less water than traditional materials such as gypsum cover boards. It will not rot or dissolve when wet and will maintain its structural integrity, increasing safety for workers who need to access the roof for maintenance or repairs. As an added bonus, https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.polyiso.org/resource/resmgr/news_articles/2019/Construction_Canada_-_June_2.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ISO insulation is lighter than gypsum or cement board, meaning it takes less labor to unload and stage materials.
Protection Matters
Foot traffic on membrane roofs can be damaging, especially if the roof substrate has been infiltrated by water or is otherwise compromised. But adding cover boards or polyiso roof insulation to the roof deck can prevent damage from normal wear and tear, lengthening your roof longevity and protecting your investment for the long term.