Top off the pan with enough material that it slopes away from projections, allowing positive drainage. Aluminized mastic will retard the aging of the asphalt and decrease thermal movement. Sometimes you can install a skirt or cone around the penetration to protect the pitch pan. Walkways Designs should be project-specific to the type of roof membrane installed, as well as accounting for level and slope changes. For walkways to be effective, they must be placed where people walk, and people will walk the shortest distance, not necessarily the route that looks best on the roof from an aerial view.
Elevated walkways encourage workers to use the walkways.
Walkways should not restrict drainage. Walkways should be easily adaptable to changing traffic patterns as new rooftop equipment is added or relocated. Walkways should be slip-resistant. Walkway materials should be sufficiently rigid to distribute imposed loads on the roof system to minimize insulation and roof membrane damage. Copyright 2001 by Business News Publishing Co.