Data Analysis of Inspection, Diagnosis, and Rehabilitation of Flat Roofs

Abstract

This paper presents the data collected from the inspection of 105 Portuguese flat roofs. The inspections were based on a system of inspection, diagnosis, and rehabilitation created and validated previously for flat roofs. The use of this system increases the objectivity and effectiveness of an inspection and supports the inspection of flat roofs. The use of flat roofs is gaining momentum in the construction sector worldwide, and there is little information concerning the correlation among the most common types of anomalies, their most probable causes, applicable diagnosis tests, and the most suitable rehabilitation techniques. The information gathered during the field inspection of 105 flat roofs allowed the validation of the proposed inspection system and the determination of the most common features that can occur in this type of roofing system, as well as their correlation with the materials, characteristics, location, and position on the roofing system. The data analysis of the information gathered aims at helping designers, end users, and inspectors as a decision-basis tool regarding this roofing system, and is presented in various charts in order to facilitate their interpretation and help identify the most conditioning parameters in the performance and durability of this type of nonstructural system.