System attachment is the most critical element of roof design and application. Improper attachment results in the increased probability of wind blow-offs and contributes to membrane strain created by differential movement of the system components.
The initial cost of a roof system is typically 10 percent of the total building cost. However, over the life span the building the roof could account for nearly 60 percent of the building’s total maintenance costs.
Roof consultants typically work with both the building owner and the roofing contractor, giving them a unique perspective when it comes to examining roof maintenance. Roofing Contractor spoke with four consultants who work with building owners across the country and asked them to share their clients’ key concerns and their goals in setting up roof asset management programs.
There are three prominent membrane attachment methods used in the U.S. low-slope commercial roofing market. They are fully adhered, mechanically attached and self-adhered. There are advantages and disadvantages to each of these attachment methods which should be considered prior to selection for a specific project.
Standing seam metal roof systems have been on
the U.S.
market in some form for centuries. Early colonists installed copper roofs and
these materials still adorn many government buildings - particularly state
capitol buildings. Today standing seam metal roofs are installed on a variety
of structures in both residential and commercial construction.
Cold process systems consist of multiple plies of reinforcement
sheets that are set in a cold adhesive (solvent based or water based). These
systems are often referred to as cold process BUR systems because the
application procedures are similar to hot applied BUR systems.
Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) has been
on the worldwide commercial roofing market for 40 years. In this time span,
over 1 billion square feet of the material have been installed. The material
has established a proven track record of performance in all climatic
conditions, particularly in field membrane areas.
Thermoplastic olefins (TPOs) are a blend of
thermoplastics and elastomers. The chemical formulation consists of a
thermoplastic base - polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE) - and an
elastomeric base - the ethylene-propylene rubber polymer of ethylene propylene
diene terpolymer rubber (EPDM).
The most critical point of the roof assembly is the roof edge. This juncture is the most susceptible to wind uplift failures and moisture infiltration. The majority of roof damage created by high-velocity winds is initiated at the perimeter or corners of the building and infiltrates throughout the field of the system.
Section 1507.2 of the International Building Code (IBC) covers the requirements for the application of asphalt shingle roof coverings. The section states that asphalt roof coverings shall be applied in accordance with the standards set in this section and the manufacturer’s installation requirements. The following text provides a brief interpretation of these codes.