ADE Director's Communication Memo Form


Memo Number : COM-09-077

Date Created : 11/12/2008

Attention:

Superintendents
Co-op Directors
other: Maintenance Personnel

Type of Memo: Informational
Response Required: No
   
Section:   Facilities and Transportation - Douglas Eaton, Director
Subject:
Periodic Wooden Roof Truss Inspections

Regulatory Authority:
AR Code Ann. § 6-21-808 “Public School Facilities, Custodial, Maintenance, Repair and Renovation Manual”

Contact Person:
Doug Eaton

Phone Number:
501-628-4261

E-mail:
doug.eaton@arkansas.gov

Two Arkansas school districts in 2007 and again in 2008 have encountered structural problems regarding wooden roof truss members and roof components that were treated with a flame retardant during the curing stage.

In accordance with the standards established in the Custodial and Maintenance Program Handbook, biannual roof inspections and biannual structural inspections are required components of a good preventative maintenance program.

In light of the most recent events regarding the recognition of the weakening of flame retardant treated wood structures, school districts should extend their inspection procedures to include an initial inspection of any wood roof truss members or roof components presently in Arkansas school buildings to determine whether or not the roof truss are subject to degradation due to any flame retardant treatment. This initial inspection is best performed by a structural engineer firm knowledgeable in roof trusses and the impact of flame retardant treatments.


Attachments:
    None

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