FLAT ROOF MAINTENANCE: A CASE STUDY OF SELECTED GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS IN

PUTRAJAYA

BY

SALAWATI BINTI ZAINUDDIN

A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science

(Building Services Engineering)

Kulliyah of Architecture and Environmental Design International Islamic University

Malaysia

AUGUST 2009

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ABSTRACT

In Malaysia flat roofs are most commonly used for high rise building including office building due to overall appearance of the building structure and visual effect of a flat roofline. However, flat roofs deserve considerably more attention than they receive. Many flat roofs are ignored and only become more important priority after defects occurred. Lack of maintenance, undue care and attention in repair are the causes to these problems. In order to reduced and prolongs the service life of the flat roofs, regular inspection and proper maintenance should be carried out. The aim of this study is to come out with recommendation to serve as impetus to further study which to established standardized assessment for flat roof maintenance under Malaysia weather condition. In order to achieved, three objectives have been set; (1) to investigate the common type of flat roof system, their presence performance and their defects; (2) to identify the causes of common defect during maintenance stage; and (3) to recommend the possible way to improve flat roof maintenance under Malaysia weather condition. Three case studies from the government building in Parcel E Putrajaya were selected. The selected buildings are Block E1, Block E3 and Block E15. In order to achieve the objectives identified, literature review was done, and then the data was collected from semi-structured interview, visual inspection and site and questionnaires survey. Information from interview had been used to design the survey questionnaire. The collected data was from questionnaire survey was analyzed using relative index analysis. Comparative analysis was done between findings from the inspections and observation from facility maintenance management of three case studies.

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APPROVAL PAGE I certify that I have supervised and read this study and that in my opinion; it conforms to acceptable standards of scholarly presentation and is fully adequate, in scope and quality, as a dissertation for the degree of Master of Science (Building Services Engineering). …………………………. Maisarah Ali Supervisor I certify that I have read this study and that in my opinion; it conforms to acceptable standards of scholarly presentation and is fully adequate, in scope and quality, as a dissertation for the degree of Master of Science (Building Services Engineering). …………………………. Puteri Shireen Jahn Kassim

Internal Examiner This dissertation was submitted to the Department of Building Technology and Engineering and is accepted as a partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science (Building Services Engineering). …………………………. Puteri Shireen Jahn Kassim Head, Dept. of Building Technology And Engineering This dissertation was submitted to the Kulliyah of Architecture and Environmental Design and is accepted as a partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science (Building Services Engineering). …………………………. Mansor Ibrahim

Dean, Kulliyah of Architecture and Environmental Design

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DECLARATION PAGE

I hereby declare that this dissertation is the result of my own investigation, except

where otherwise. I also declare that it has not been previously or currently submitted

as a whole for any other degrees at IIUM or other institutions.

SALAWATI BINTI ZAINUDDIN Signature …………………………….. Date………………………….

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INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA

DECLARATION OF COPY RIGHT AND AFFIRMATION OF FAIR USE OF UNPUBLISHED RESEARCH

Copyright © 2000 by Salawati Binti Zainuddin. All rights reserved.

FLAT ROOF MAINTENANCE: A CASE STUDY ON SELECTED GOVERNMENT BUILDING IN PUTRAJAYA

No part of this unpublished research may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the priority permission of the copy right holder except as written below.

1. Any material contained in or derived from this unpublished research may only be used by others in their writing with due acknowledgement.

2. IIUM or its library will have the right to make and transmit copies

(print or electronic) for institutional and academic purposes.

3. The IIUM library will have the right to make, store in a retrieval system and supply copies of this unpublished research if requested by other universities and research libraries.

Affirmed by Salawati Binti Zainuddin …………………………… …………………. Signature Date

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Special dedication to my entire family member and for my beloved husband’s Mohd Azmir Musa and daughters Aleesya and Elly

Thanks for your support

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Praises to Allah S.W.T The Almighty for the blessing upon me that has enable this dissertation to be completed. I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation and feeling of gratitude towards all the individuals that has played a part in helping me to complete this dissertation. Without their support and inspirations given, the task of completing this dissertation would have been difficult.

In particular, I would like to express my appreciation to Dr. Maisarah for her guidance and continuous support all the way. Thank you for all the help and time spent discussing the content and progress of this dissertation. A special acknowledgement goes to Encik Abdul Kadir and Puan Rodziah from Maintenance Department, JKR Putrajaya for their time and help in providing the required information, Cik Zanariah and Cik Hamizah both from Maintenance Management Company. My admiration thanks to my husband Mohd. Azmir, for being a source of encouragement in the past 2 years, believing in me and being deriving force toward finishing this master. As always, I owe half of my success to my family, for their love, patience and support throughout this entire process. There are not enough ways to say thank you to them.

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TABLE OF CONTENT

Abstract …………………………………………………………………………..... ii Approval Page …………………………………………………………………….. iii Declaration Page ……………………………………………………………….….. iv Copy Right Page ……………………………………………………….………….. v Dedication Page ……………………………………………………….…………... vi Acknowledgement ………………………………………………….……………... vii Table Of Contents …………………………………………………….................... viii List Of Table ……………………………………………………….……………… xiii List Of Figures ……………………………………………………..……………… xiii

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION ………………………………………..… 1 1.1 Introduction ………………………………………………..……..... 1 1.2 Problem Statement ……………………………………….………... 3 1.3 Aims And Objectives ……………………………………….……... 5 1.4 Scope Of Study …………………………………………..………... 5 1.5 Methodology ………………………………………………….…… 5

CHAPTER TWO: LITERETURE REVIEW …………………...…..…………. 8 2.1 Introduction ……………………………….……………………….. 8 2.2 Factor Affecting The Performance Of Flat Roofs ….....…………... 9 2.2.1 Environmental Conditions…………………......................... 9 2.2.2 Usage Of Flat Roofs ……………………….……………….13 2.2.3 Design Deficiency …………………………….…………… 13 2.2.4 Lack Of Maintenance …………………………..………….. 14 2.3 Maintenance In General …………………………………..……….. 14 2.3.1 Present Status Of Maintenance Works For Commercial Or Mixed Development .…....................................................17 2.3.2 Building’s Maintenance Management In Public Sector …... 18 2.3.3 Roof Maintenance …………………………………….…… 21 2.3.4 Roof Maintenance Objectives………………………..…….. 22 2.3.5 Roofing Work Specialist Warranty ………………….…….. 23 2.3.6 Maintenance Strategies In Ensuring Longevity Of Flat Roof…….…................................................................... 24 2.3.6.1 Low Maintenance Roofing System …..…………….. 24 2.3.6.2 Regular Maintenance …………….………………... 25 2.3.6.3 Reliable Contractor………………….........……….. 25 2.3.6.4 Inspections ………………………….……………... 25 2.3.6.5 Replace Part Of Roofing Covering ……..…………. 26 2.3.6.6 Protect Entire Roof Covering ………….………….. 26 2.4 Definition Of A Flat Roof ……………………………….………… 27 2.5 Flat Roof Components ………………………………….…………. 27 2.5.1 Roof Decks …………………………………………….…...27 2.5.2 Vapor Retarder …………………………………………….. 29

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2.5.3 Roof Insulation ………………………………….………….29 2.5.3.1 Insulation Between The Deck And Th0 Membrane ..................................................................30 2.5.3.2 Insulation Above The Membrane: Protected Membrane Roof (PMR) ……...........................…...... 30 2.5.4 Roof Membrane ……………………….…………………... 32 2.5.5 Roof Covering Or Surfacing …………….………………… 32 2.5.6 Drainage Systems …………………………………………..33 2.5.7 Roof Flashing ………………………………………..…….. 33 2.6 Waterproofing Materials ……………………………………..…… 35 2.6.1 Sheet-Applied Membranes …………………………….….. 35 2.6.1.1 Fully Adhered Membrane – Hot Applied Membrane ................................................................. 35 2.6.1.2 Fully Adhered Membrane – Cold Applied Membrane ................................................................ 36 2.6.1.3 Advantages Of Fully Adhered Membrane ……….... 36 2.6.1.4 Partially Adhered Membrane ……….…………….. 36 2.6.2 Liquid-Applied Membranes ……………….………………. 37 2.6.2.1 Acrylic Emulsion Membrane ……..……………….. 37 2.7 Common Roofing System …………………………….…………… 38 2.7.1 Traditional Roofing System ……………….……………… 39

2.7.2 Inverted Roofing System ……………………….…………. 39 2.7.3 Secondary Roofing System …………………..……………. 39 2.8 Roof Problems …………………………………….………………. 39 2.8.1 Leaking …………………………………….……………… 40 2.8.2 Cracking …………………………………..……………….. 41 2.8.3 Blistering ………………………………….………………. 42 2.8.4 Ponding ………………………….………………………… 43 2.8.5 Crazing Cracks …………….....……………………………. 45 2.8.6 Splitting ……………………….…………………………… 46 2.8.7 Delamination ………………….…………………………… 47 2.8.8 Slippage ……………………….……………………………48 2.8.9 Algae Growth ………………….…………………………... 48

CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ……………………… 49 3.1 Literature Review ………………………………………………… 49 3.2 Case Study ………………………………………………………... 50 3.3 Building Condition Survey ……………………………………….. 51

3.3.1 Site Investigation …………………………………………. 52 3.3.1.1 Visual Inspection …………………………………. 52 3.3.1.2 Recording Methods ……………………………….. 54 3.3.1.3 Equipments ……………………………………….. 54

3.3.2 Semi-Structured Interviews ………………………………. 56 3.3.3 Questionnaire Survey …………………………………..… 57 3.4 Data Analysis ……………………………………………………... 58 3.4.1 Site Investigation …………………………………………. 58 3.4.2 Questionnaire Survey ……………………………………... 58

CHAPTER FOUR:DATA ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS ……………………. 61 4.1 Maintenance Management System For Government Buildings

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In Putrajaya. ..................................................................................... 61 4.2 JKR Putrajaya ................................................................................... 62 4.3 Maintenance Managements And Operation For Civil Works Under R&U Construction Dan Development ................................... 63 4.4 Maintenance Managements And Operation For Civil Works .......... 66 AC Muda Resources Sdn. Bhd. 4.5 Inspection Report Of Case Study 1: Block E1 (Ministry Of Health) 69 4.5.1 Result Of Inspection For Roof Surface Defects ……..….... 70 4.5.1.1 Membrane Cracking ……………………………… 71 4.5.1.2 Blistering …………………………………….……. 71 4.5.1.3 Splitting ………………………………………….… 72 4.5.1.4 Membrane Slippage ……………………………….. 73 4.5.1.5 Algae Growth …………………………………….... 74 4.5.1.6 Water Ponding……………………………………... 75 4.5.2 Result Of Inspection At Roof Drainage System …………... 75 4.5.2.1 Blockage By Rubbish …………………….……….. 76 4.5.2.2 Water Ponding ……………………………….……. 76 4.5.2.3 Algae Growth ……………………………….…….. 77 4.6 Inspection Report Of Case Study 2: Block E3 (Ministry Of High Education) ......................................................................................... 78 4.6.1 Result Of Inspection For Roof Surface Defects ….....…….. 79 4.6.1.1 Cracking ……………………………………..…….. 79 4.6.1.2 Blistering ……………………………………….….. 80 4.6.1.3 Splitting ………………………………………….… 80 4.6.1.4 Membrane Slippage ………………………………...81 4.6.1.5 Algae Growth …………………………..………….. 82 4.6.1.6 Water Ponding……………………………..……….. 82 4.6.2 Result Of Inspection At Roof Drainage System ….……….. 83 4.6.2.1 Blockage By Rubbish ……..………………..……… 83 4.6.2.2 Water Ponding ……………………………..……… 84

.6.2.3 Algae Growth ………………………………...……. 85 4.6.2.4 Membrane Slippage ……………………….....……. 85 4.6.2.5 Cracking …………………………………………… 86 4.7 Inspection Report Of Case Study 3: Block E15 (Ministry Of Education) .……................................................................................ 86 4.7.1 Result Of Inspection For Roof Surface Defects ….……….. 87 4.7.1.1 Cracking …………………………………..……….. 88 4.7.1.2 Blistering ………………………………....………. 88 4.7.1.3 Splitting ………………………………….....……… 89 4.7.1.4 Membrane Slippage ……………………….....……. 90

4.7.1.5 Algae Growth ………………………..…………….. 90 4.7.2 Result Of Inspection At Roof Drainage System ..…………. 91 4.7.2.1 Membrane Slippage ………………………………. 91 4.7.2.2 Algae Growth ……………..……………………….. 92 4.8 Comparative Findins Of Defects For Block E1, E3 And E15 ….…. 93 4.8.1 Comparative Findings Of Roof Surface Defects For Block . E1, E3 And E15 .................................................................... 93 4.8.2 Comparative Findings Of Roof Drainage Defects For Block E1, E3 And E5...................................................... 94 4.8.3 Roof Problems At Block E1, E3 and E15 ….……………… 95 4.9 Discussion From Observation Of Flat Roof And Maintenance Management Companies …............................................................... 96

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4.10 Analysis From Questionnaire …..…………………………………. 98 4.10.1 Section A: Background Of Respondents ….………………. 99 4.10.2 Section B: Flat Roof Maintenance ……..………………….. 100 4.10.2.1 Maintenance Strategies To Ensuring The Longevity Life Of The Flat Roofing System ..…..…. 100 4.10.2.2 Factors That Affecting The Performance Of Flat Roof ….......................................................................101 4.10.2.3 Common Problems During Maintaining The Flat Roof .......................................................................... 102 4.10.3 Section C: Defects ………………………………………… 103 4.10.3.1 Types Of Defects …………………………………. 103 4.10.3.2 Causes Of Roof Defects During The Maintenance Stage …...…………............................ 104

4.10.4 Section D: Suggestion …………………………………….. 108 CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS..………............ 111 5.1 Introduction ……………………………………………………….. 111 5.2 Conclusions ………………………………………………………... 111 5.2.1 To Investigate Common Type And Their Defects ……….. 111 5.2.2 Identify The Causes Of Common Defect During The…….. 112 Maintenance Stage

5.2.3 Recommend The Possible Way To Improve Flat Roof Maintenance Under Malaysia Weather Condition ……….....113

5.3 Recommendations ..............................................................................114

BIBLIOGRAPHY ……………………………………..............………………… 117

APPENDIX 1: ROOF PLAN BLOCK E1 APPENDIX 2: ROOF PLAN BLOCK E3 APPENDIX 3: ROOF PLAN BLOCK E15 APPENDIX 4: CHECKLIST SURVEY FORM APPENDIX 5: SEMI-STRUCTURED INTERVIEWD QUESTION APPENDIX 6: QUESTIONNAIRE SURVEY APPENDIX 7: PEKELILING AM BAB 1 TAHUN 2003 APPENDIX 8:GARIS PANDUAN PENYENGGARAAN BAGUNAN KERAJAAN DI PUTRAJAYA APPENDIX 9: LIST OF ROOF SURFACE DEFECTS AT BLOCK E1 APPENDIX 10: LIST OF DRAINAGE SYSTEM DEFECTS AT BLOCK E1 APPENDIX 11: LIST OF ROOF SURFACE DEFECTS AT BLOCK E3 APPENDIX 12: LIST OF DRAINAGE SYSTEM DEFECTS AT BLOCK E3 APPENDIX 13: LIST OF ROOF SURFACE DEFECTS AT BLOCK E15 APPENDIX 14: LIST OF DRAINAGE SYSTEM DEFECTS AT BLOCK E15

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LIST OF TABLES Table No. Page No. Table 3.1 Dates of inspection due to the blocks 53 Table 3.2 Background of Respondents 57 Table 4.1 Summary of roof surface defects at Block E1 70 Table 4.2 Roof drain defects at Block E1 75 Table 4.3 Summary of roof surface defects for each level 79 at Block E3 Table 4.4 Roof drain defects at Block E3 83 Table 4.5 Summary of roof surface defects at Block E15 88 Table 4.6 Roof drain defects at Block E15 91 Table 4.7 Categories of roof problems for Block E1,E3 and E15 96 Table 4.8 Maintenance strategies to ensure the longevity life 100 of the flat roofing system Table 4.9 Factors that affecting the performance of flat roof 101

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LIST OF FIGURES Figure No. Page No. Figure 1.1 Research methodology outline 7 Figure 2.1 Types of maintenance 15 Figure 2.2 Three most commonly used precast concrete roof decks- 27

(a) single-T, (double-T), (c) hollow core slab Figure 2.3 Traditional system-insulation between the deck and the 30 membrane Figure 2.4 Inverted system-insulation above the membrane 31 Figure 2.5 The built-in scupper and drain strainer 33 Figure 2.6 Common roofing system 38 Figure 2.7 Cracking on the concrete roof slab 42 Figure 2.8 Blistering of membrane 43 Figure 2.9 Insufficient gradient resulting in ponding water 45 Figure 2.10 Splitting often occur at the line of stress concentration 47 over open insulation joint Figure 2.11 Slippage of membrane 48 Figure 2.12 Algae growth at the roof membrane 48 Figure 3.1 Map of Parcel E Putrajaya 51 Figure 3.2 5th floor plan at Block E3 53 Figure 3.3 Spirit level 55 Figure 3.4 Summary of methodology framework for the case study 56 Figure 4.1 Organization chart JKR Putrajaya 62 Figure 4.2 Summary of Maintenance Management in Parcel E Building 63 Figure 4.3 Organization chart of R&U Construction Sdn. Bhd. 65 Figure 4.4 Organization chart of AC Muda Resources Sdn. Bhd. 67

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Figure 4.5 Block E1 75 Figure 4.6 Cracking membrane at grid E1(1-11)/6BF1 70 Figure 4.7 Blistering membrane at grid E1(1-11)/13BF8 71 Figure 4.8 Splitting membrane at grid E1(1-11)/8BF11 72 Figure 4.9 Splitting sealant at grid E1(1-11)/12BF1 73 Figure 4.10 Membrane slippage at grid E1(1-11)/15BF11 73 Figure 4.11 Growth algae at grid E1(1-11)/10BF12 74 Figure 4.12 Water ponding at grid E1(1-11)/11BF6 74 Figure 4.13 Rubbish block the drain strainer at grid A1-10 75 Figure 4.14 Water ponding at grid A1-10 76 Figure 4.15 Algae growth in the roof drain 77 Figure 4.16 Block E3 78 Figure 4.17 Cracking at concrete slab with grid E3(5-10)/5CF10 78 Figure 4.18 Blistering at grid E3(5-10)/10CF3 80 Figure 4.19 Blistering at grid E3(5-10)/10CF3 80 Figure 4.20 Splitting sealant at grid (A-G)/9E3(1-5)24 81 Figure 4.21 Slippage at Block E3 with grid E3(5-10)/18CF3 81 Figure 4.22 Algae growth at grid E3(5-11)/9FH4 82 Figure 4.23 Water ponding below pipe 83 Figure 4.24 Plastic rubbish blocked the drainage outlet 84 Figure 4.25 Water retention in the rainwater down pipe 84 Figure 4.26 Algae growth in the drainage 85 Figure 4.27 Slippage membrane in the drainage at grid 85 E3H (8-11) at 4th floor Figure 4.28 A serious drainage edge cracks at 5th floor grid E3C (5-10) 86 Figure 4.29 Block E15 87 Figure 4.30 Rope is used to get to roof top by technician 87

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Figure 4.31 Membrane cracking at grid E15(B-H)/15BH2 88 Figure 4.32 Membrane blistering at grid E15 (B-H)/4BH13 89 Figure 4.33 Splitting membrane at grid E15(B-H)/20BH11 89 Figure 4.34 Splitting sealant at grid E15(B-H)/11BH4 89 Figure 4.35 Membrane slippage at grid E15(B-H)/25BH15 90 Figure 4.36 Algae growth at grid E15(B-H)/9BH2 91 Figure 4.37 Membrane Slippage at Grid 19B-H 92 Figure 4.38 Algae growth in the roof drain 92 Figure 4.39 Summarized of defect for Block E1, E3 and E15 93 Figure 4.40 Summarized of defects at roof drain for Block E1, 94 E3 and E15 Figure 4.41 Background of respondent 99 Figure 4.42 Respondents working experience 100 Figure 4.43 Common problems during maintaining the flat roof 103 Figure 4.44 Defect found on the flat roof 104 Figure 4.45 Causes of defect from human 105 Figure 4.46 Causes of defect from lack of maintenance 106 Figure 4.47 Causes of defect from roof alteration 107 Figure 4.48 Methods in reducing the defects problems on flat roof 108 at design stage Figure 4.49 Methods in reducing the defects problems on flat roof 109 at construction stage Figure 4.50 Methods in reducing the defects problems on flat roof 100 at maintenance stage

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CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 INTRODUCTION

The roof assembly is one of the most important components of a building. It represent

an assembly of interacting components designed as part of a building envelope, to

protect a building’s interior, its content and its human occupant from the external

climate. All roofs can be broadly classified into two types on the basis of roof slope:

flat and pitched roof (Yahaya, 2007). Modern architecture has in the last hundred

years given rise to the flat roof type.

Flat roofs are generally considered to be a simple from of construction. The

structure had to be sufficiently sloped to allow water to run off. However, they can be

an endless source of trouble if incorrectly designed and constructed. Therefore,

according to Patterson (2003), important issues in the design and selection of a flat

roof, as roof drainage, water vapor transmission, wind uplift, hail impact, resistance to

fire, foot traffic and defense against chemical pollutants.

One of the problems that facility managers face when trying to determine if the

flat roof components should be repaired or replaced is that they have no specific

standards with which to evaluate the existing components (James, W.P., 2004). To

help the facility manager solve the problem, they need a straight forward, systematic

approach that objectively evaluates and rates the condition of the existing roof

components in the building. In other words, the roof being the single most-critical

element in buildings (Griffins, 1995) is constantly damaged from normal

environmental wear and tear, and requires regular maintenance (Non Khuncumchoo,

2007).

2

It is important to do a regular roof maintenance checks to make sure that the

roof is functioning properly and there is nothing hindering its performance. Thus, roof

maintenance is very important in order to enhance its performance and prolong it

existence.

Malaysia is a hot and humid country that lies between 10 and 70N and 100 and

1200E longitude. Being close to the equator, the hot and humid conditions are

emphasized with heavy rainfall and sunshine throughout the year. In general,

Malaysia has a yearly mean temperature of between 260C to 270C and relative

humidity (RH) of 70% to 90% throughout the year. Rainfall throughout the year

average 250-300cm annually (Yasin, Zaidi, Hamid, 2007). Rain becomes more intense

with monsoons (Yasin, et al, 2007). Therefore detailing of roof must be able to

efficiently shed of the rainwater while still remaining watertight.

In Malaysia flat roofs are more commonly used for high rise building

including office buildings due to overall appearance of the building structure and

visual effect of a flat roofline (Lee, Y.N., 2007). Despite this obvious vulnerability to

eliminate exposure and destructive consequence of their failure, building owners or

maintenance department organized a planned preventive maintenance for flat roofs for

their protection (Griffin and Fricklas, 2006). Many flat roofs are ignored and only

become a more important priority after defects have occurred (James, W.P., 2004). No

matter how good the construction and materials are, the flat roof problem will still

occur (Griffin and Fricklas, 2006). To ensure the service life of the flat roof system is

much longer, regular planned preventive maintenance should be under taken to

maintain a good performance of a flat roof.

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1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT

Flat roof problems are global phenomena, and the exposure of the flat roof with

climate in tropical region gives rise to certain building problems (Malcom Thomas,

1995) sooner than other region. Most of this, however, can be avoided by using the

appropriate design, techniques, better quality of construction workmanship and more

regular maintenance. Lack of maintenance, undue care and attention in repair

exacerbate to these problems. Leaking is one of the major of flat roof problems.

Typically, roof leaks occur when the following three condition exist: presence of

water, an opening or hole in the roof components, and a driving force (gravity/and/or

pressure differential).

It is generally agreed that a good roof system requires proper design, quality

materials, quality application, regular inspection and proper maintenance (NRCA,

2000). Many organizations failed to conduct a preventive maintenance due to

inadequacy of budget by building owner (James, W.P., 2004). Certain can be reduced

if there is a proper system of preventive maintenance by the maintenance department.

Therefore preventive maintenance is important in verifying the defects and prolongs

the service life of the flat roofs.

All facilities required an effective maintenance system to make it life-longer

along with the safety, comfort, conducive environment and cost savvy If we overlook

the maintenance aspect, the government will spent more money to refurbish or rebuild

the facilities (Minsitry of Housing and Local Government). As said by Datuk Seri

S.Samy Vellu to News Strait Times reporters (5.10.2007), “The Government has spent

RM22 millions just for the maintenance inspection in all buildings in Putrajaya”. This

shows that a considerate sum of money has been used to repair building as a result of

failure in maintenance system.

4

Government buildings and facilities are the organizational assets that are

valuable. For example, roof problems at Malaysia Parliament House and Federal

Mosque Kuala Lumpur are a few reported cases. These two building have the same

type of roof which is flat roof. It is reported (New Strait Times on 11.5.2007) that the

causes of the leakage are due to waterproofing problem, clogged at drainage pipes,

seepage through the concrete roof and rain gutter surface edge and the absence of

maintenance work. This failure could give the negative impact for people in that area

in aspect of safety and also comfort.

In Malaysia is there is no standardized guideline of building maintenance as a

guide for the owner or tenants to maintain the building especially government

buildings. At present, Guidelines of Building Maintenance for Government Building

in Putrajaya is the only guideline used for all government buildings in Putrajaya only.

The scope in this guideline includes all maintenance works and schedule for the

government building in Putrajaya. Roof maintenance is one of the elements in the

Civil and Structural section.

In budget 2005, it has been stated that “Government will pay attention in the

infrastructure’s maintenance as a way to develop the culture of maintenance. To make

sure that government assets are protected from other defects, some actions need to be

done as soon as possible such as preparing effective maintenance services. RM500

million was prepared for this mission in 2005.” In 2006, another statement which

supports 2005 statement was made the budget 2005 mission. “The maintenance

system needs to be use as frequent as possible. Other than preparing RM4.3 million

for government agencies, special budget that is an addition of RM1 million will be

given next year.”

In maintenance, it is important that each sector played their role well and

professionally to increase the quality of maintenance work.

5

1.3 AIM AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of this research is to come out with a set of recommendations to serve as an

impetus to further studies which can contribute to establish standardized assessment

for flat roof maintenance under the Malaysian weather condition.

To achieve the aforementioned aim of this study, three objectives were sets:

i. To investigate the common type of flat roof system and their presence

performance and defects;

ii. To identify the causes of common defect during maintenance stage;

and

iii. To recommend the possible way to improve flat roof maintenance

under Malaysia weather condition.

1.4 SCOPE OF STUDY

The study investigated several flat roof buildings selected from government buildings

in the Putrajaya area. The buildings selected are Block E1, Block E3 and Block E15

which are located at Parcel E, Presint 1 Putrajaya. These building were selected

because majority of the buildings at Parcel E used the reinforced concrete flat roof

system. The height of the buildings selected is less than 10 storeys and age of the

buildings is less than 10 years.

1.5 METHODOLOGY

Basically, the methodology involves two methods for collecting data. The primary

data are the data collected from interviews with the relevant parties, from the visual

inspection and the questionnaire survey. Meanwhile, the secondary data are the

6

information collected from the printed materials books, journals, articles, website and

others useful reference resources. The methodology of collecting primary data is:

i. Semi-structured interview

Interviews were carried out with the building owner or person in

charge of the flat roof such as facility engineers, technicians and other

parties related to flat roof maintenance practices.

ii. Visual inspection

Visual inspection is a procedure to carry out the building diagnostics

through comment on causes of defect and some recommendations from

building condition reports. Photograph, written notes and sketches of

roof problem at roof plan drawing are the primary data that will help to

highlight the existing condition of the roofs.

iii. Questionnaire survey

The questionnaire surveys were distributed with the relevant parties

who were involvedin designing, constructing and maintaining the flat

roof. This survey will support the data collection from the semi-

structured interviews and visual inspection.

Secondary data will be from literature review on reference books, journals and

conference articles related to roofing systems for flat roof. Besides that, unpublished

literature reviews such as previous dissertation which related to chosen topic

represents some reference for researcher. Figure 1.1 shows the summary of the

methodology outline for this study.

7

Figure 1.1: Research methodology outline

Data Collection

Primary Data

Semi-structured Interview

Secondary Data

Literature Review

Inspection and Visual Observation

Questionnaire Survey

Conclusion and Recommendation

Gather Data and Information

Case Studies Analysis

8

CHAPTER 2

LITERETURE REVIEW 2.1 INTRODUCTION

A roof system is one of the largest and most-important investments in the building

(NRCA 2000). However, compared to other portions of building envelopes, roofs are

much less durable, and more trouble prone buildings components (Miller and

Desjarlais; Wilson 1984). Nearly 655 of all lawsuits brought against architects

originate with roof problems (Patterson and Mehta, 2001). Due to their function, roofs

are exposed to more severe environmental factors than other building components.

Roofs have to resist not only precipitation but also rain, snow, solar radiation and even

human abuses. These mechanisms can lead to deterioration and eventually leakage.

Roof defects are not easily recognized unless they reach critical conditions (Griffin

and Fricklas, 2006).

A flat roof may be the only practicable form of roof for many large buildings

or those of complicated shape and can be more economical proposition than a pitched

roof. Most flat roof failures could have been avoided if the design principles now

outlined had been adhered to.

Besides that, the performance of flat roof may be greatly affected by

environmental factors. The factors usually include climate, weather condition,

atmospheric condition, atmospheric pollution and exposure condition. The higher the

buildings, the more easily they deteriorate and the more difficult they are to be

maintained especially flat roofs of high buildings. Therefore, maintenance work to the

flat roofs of high rise buildings has increased significantly in recent years. In most

cases, flat roofs are the major area that gives problems to the maintenance work,

especially if the defects occur at the flat roofs.

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2.2 FACTOR AFFECTING THE PERFORMANCE OF FLAT ROOFS

Roofs are constantly exposed to all types of environmental stress. The effect of these

forces contributes to the deterioration of the roof before its time, and minor problems

that are caused through negligence abuse and lack of maintenance can result in costly

repairs. There are typical factor affecting the performance of flat roofs shown as

follows:

2.2.1 Environmental Conditions

All roofing materials deteriorate from exposure to weather at rates determined largely

by the kind of material and the conditions of exposure. The factors such as solar

radiation, fungus growth, dampness affect the life span of the flat roofs and accelerate

the deterioration process of roofing materials.

i. Solar radiation

The proportion of diffuse sky radiation to total radiation received is

considerate and cannot be neglected, indeed, it can exceed direct

radiation. Solar radiation is observed when it strikes an opaque surface.

Most building materials are opaque and their absorptivity (the ration of

the radiation absorbed to the incident radiation received) varies,

depending upon the nature and colour of the surface. Usually the black

non-metallic surfaces can absorb all electromagnetic energy waves

(Ranson, 1987).

The absorption by surfaces of solar radiation is accompanied by

a rise in temperature. Building surfaces can also emit long-wavelength

radiation and in doing so cools itself. The drop in temperature can be