All Area Follows OSHA Roofing Safety Regulations
One hundred years ago, 146 people perished in the fire at the Triangle Shritwaist garment factory because of overcrowded conditions, absence of fire alarms, inadequate fire escapes, and locked escape doors. The event is widely regarded as a major catalyst for workers rights groups fighting for safe labor conditions that eventually culminated in the establishment of Occupational Health and Safety Association (OSHA). Its mission is to make sure all United States Workers can go to work without fearing for their health, safety, or lives.
It has now been 40 years since OSHA opened their doors. Democrats and Republicans can both celebrate the successes of the program since it was passed by a Democratic congress and signed into law by a Republican President. Since opening it doors in 1971, OSHA has fostered a decrease in workplace fatalities and injuries have dropped 65% over the past 40 years.
In 1983, 10,000 health care workers contracted Hepatitis B, largely due to the accidental contact with needles used on patients. As OSHA began to investigate the situation and eventually released guidelines and regulations, instances dropped to fewer than 400 by 2000. Countless stories such as this one are a testament to our countries commitment to safe workers.
OSHA regulations play a large part in making the roofing industry a safe place to work despite the inherent risks involved. All Area Roofing and Weatherproofing is proud to uphold all of the regulations provided for the safety of our employees and efficiency of the construction sites and residential homes in Florida.
Some of the regulations meant to provide a safe environment for roofing projects include:
- Requirement of roof strength testing to insure it can support construction workers safely
- Roofs higher than six feet must either have a guardrail or employ one or more of the following: safety nets, fall arrest systems, or toe boards.
- Protection from holes on roofs over six feet.
- Elimination of impalement hazards below the edges of roofs under construction.
- Monitoring for inclement weather during the entire construction process
Following all the rules and regulations is always a challenge for small business. Here is an excerpt from the budget hearings for the Small Business Administration and what they are doing for us to help everyone utilize the OSHA requirements.
Florida Commercial Roof Decks
The basis of any roof assembly is the roof deck. Its primary function is to provide structural support for the roofing system with adequate strength to support all anticipated live and dead loads. The deck must not deflect, must be secured to provide resistance to wind uplift and should be a clean, uninterrupted surface that provides for insulation or membrane securement.
Why am I concerned with the roof deck type,” you might ask. Three reasons:
- The deck type determines if insulation is required and what load it may carry
- The deck type mandates mechanical attachment or adhesion of your roof.
- The deck type determines how difficult repairs will be as your system ages
We will include the relevant factors in our basic instruction on the following types of roof decks:
- Plywood or Wooden Plank
- Steel Deck
- Lightweight Insulating Concrete
- Structural Concrete
- Tecum/Cementitious Wood Fiber
Plywood/ Wooden Plank
Used most frequently in residential construction or in commercial sloped roof applications, wood decking is secured directly to wood or steel framework and is available in thickness from 1/2″ to 3″.
Pros
Readily accepts most fasteners, is quick and easy to cut and form and is relatively inexpensive.
Cons
Low wind uplift resistance when nailed and rapid deterioration when moisture is encountered.
Steel Deck
The most common form of deck on commercial projects is steel. Metal decking is puddle welded to the structural steel framework and is available in 18-22 gauge, with profiles 1″-1-1/2″ in height.
Pros
Rapid installation in 24′ x 3′ panels welded to a steel frame. It is also cost effective due to low labor resources needed at the time of installation. There is super wind uplift ratings and good long-term resistance to moisture.
Cons
Metal decking is costly to replace becaue of the need to remove the closest frame member. It also requires either structural concrete or lightweight insulation to perform properly.
Repair investigating is also difficult with a steel deck roof because of possible water migration under the roof through the lenght of each panel.
Lightweight Insulating Concrete
Another common form of decking for commercial projects is lightweight insulating concrete (LWC). It can be found on many buildings in the form of plank using gypsum, or monolithic pours over corrugated/fluted metal deck or a form board such as fiberglass. LWC is an air entrained mixture of cement, water, fly ash, sand, or other additives depending on density required. When poured over preformed foam, it allows drainage to be built into the deck.
Pros
Rapid installation with taper in deck to enhance drainage. It also has a high fire resistance. The lighter deck weight results in savings from footers thru the the wall structure due to less dead load at deck level.
Cons
LIC has low wind uplift resistance and fastener pull out values in comparison to steel or structural concrete. There is also rapid deterioration once moisture intrusion occurs.
Structural Concrete
The next form of decking in commercial applications in Florida is structural concrete. It is found in three common types:
- Monolithic Pour – uses “forms” and is poured in a slurry, similar to the foundation in residential construction.
- Pre-stress or “twin tees” – a pre-cast plank with steel reinforced built into the material at the plant and shipped in various lengths and widths.
- “Hollow Core” – also a factory formed plank, it is hollow inside with internal supports similar to masonry blocks
Pros
The most secure form of decking with superior wind uplift and fire ratings. Structural concrete is virtually indestructible and is found on most high-rise buildings and hurricate rated shelters.
Cons
Extremely heavy decking requires extensive supporting walls. Concrete decks allow water saturation, eventually deteriorating the reinforcing steel enough to require epoxy injections to restore.
Tectum/Cementitious Wood Fiber
The last form of commercial roof deck covered in this post will be tectum or CWF. These planks or panels are factory formed and comprised of wooden fibers bonded by hydraulic cement. CWF was used widely during the 1950s – 1970s but has since become a marginal player in commercial applications.
Pros
Superb sound absorbtion and acoustical properties. A Class A/I interior rating requires no additional finish for exposed deck applications. Fabricated from sustainable natural resources meets “green” building requirements.
Cons
Poor wind uplift ratings. Requires extensive 2-step fastening system to meet Florida wind loads. Deteriorates rapidly when wet.
For a more detailed examination of your roof deck and entire roofing system, please call us to set up an appointment.
Roofing Components
In order to make decisions about the care of your roof, you need to be familiar with its critical components. By building a virtual system, we will examine the “pros and cons” of each component, providing you with the knowledge base to ultimately receive full value for your capital expenditure and maintenance dollar. Below is a real-time outline of currently published articles.
A. Roof Deck
- Plywood or Wooden Plank
About Roofing Concepts – The Roof Solutions Blog
Welcome to the Roofing Concepts Blog by All Area Roofing & Waterproofing. We aim to provide Florida building owners and property managers the knowledge base to familiarize you with the sometimes bewildering jargon of the roofing industry. An array of acronyms such as SBS, APP, TPO, EPDM, PVC, or PUF and technical terms such like “wind loads” and “design pressures” may leave you wondering “what is being installed on my building?”
We will clarify those terms in a language the lay person can understand and shed light on how they can affect your budget, capital expenditures, and maintenance funds. This should provide an easy seque into the design/build and maintenance process as you encounter the inevitable need to deal with roofing and waterproofing issues.
We will also provide you timely updates on the dynamic world of OSHA and EPA regulations and compliance, storm preparedness and disaster response, and permitting issues.
Questions, comments on individual blog posts, and blog topic requests are welcome and appreciated.
