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Roof access and guardrails: plan maintenance during reroofing

A roof needs to be maintainable. Plan routes to drains and equipment, along with protection for people and the membrane, before closing out the project.

Toitures Alliance editorial team · Updated · 2 min

Key takeaway

A roof needs to be maintainable. Plan routes to drains and equipment, along with protection for people and the membrane, before closing out the project.

Map future maintenance tasks

List equipment, drains, outlets and other inspection points. Identify who visits, expected frequency and tools carried. This supports discussion of access, hatches, pathways and fragile areas with professionals. An aerial photo cannot certify a safe route. Owners and contractors need instructions suited to the actual installations.

Distinguish temporary and permanent protection

CNESST distinguishes temporary construction guardrails from permanent installations. It specifies professional supervision by an architect or engineer for permanent guardrail design and installation. Selection depends on use and location. Equipment installed for reroofing therefore does not automatically become a permanent access solution for every trade.

Coordinate attachment, waterproofing and records

Anchors, supports and protective systems need coordination with structure and waterproofing details. Establish who validates attachment, completes connections and supplies use and inspection documents. Plan walking paths compatible with the membrane. Loose items or penetrations added after acceptance can change the installed system’s conditions.

Prepare for your project

  • Access, equipment and maintenance-point plan
  • Responsibility for design, installation and follow-up
  • Instructions supplied to contractors after completion

Your questions

Does a walkway replace fall protection?

No. Protecting a membrane from foot traffic and protecting a person from falling are different functions. Measures must suit the work and building.

References for further reading

CNESST — Garde-corps temporaires et permanentsIKO — Guide de pose INNOVI TPO Canada / Installation guide

Consult the exact product documentation and address-specific requirements. This guide helps prepare a project; it is not an estimate or design specification.

What about your property?

Turn this guide into a request describing your actual situation.

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