Quality Control Recommendations tor Polymer Moditied Bitumen Roofing published by National Rooting Contractors Association Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers AssociationQuality Control Recommendations for Polymer Modified Bitumen Roofing This document is not intended for examination or evaluation of existing roof systems. National Roofing Asphalt Rooting ‘Goniractors Association Manufacturers Association 10255 West Higgins Road ‘6288 Montrose Road Sulte Rockit, Maryan 20682 Rosemont, llinols 60018 (31) 2349080 (78) 2996070 Coopigtt ©1288 by Ne National Rooteg Contractors Asacinon and Asphalt eating Manutacarre socio. Fit econ, 1988 A os resoed Ne pat ofthis work can bo reprised witha por water pension of the bublahers,FOREWORD This document represents the state-oFthe-art understand: ing of the proper application of polymer modified bitumen roofing membrane materials and systems. The perspec: tives of both the material supplier and the roofing contrac- tor, developed under the auspices of the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) and the National Roof ing Contractors Association (NRGA), are represented. ‘Te reach aooord on these matters is no small undortaking. In fact, both associations recognize that this document is just a beginning: the demand for industry standards per- sists, and, we hope, will be furthered by the steps taken to produce these recommendations. Both NRCA and ARMA recognize and acknowledge the dificulty in satisfying the particular needs of every assoc ation member. Because the construction of a roof is not {an exact science, differences of opinion on proper materi- als and methods of application exist. Itis important that these differences have been put aside In the interests of producing this document, ‘Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association National Roofing Contractors AssociationPREAMBLE ‘Tha members of the National Roofing Contractors Associ- ation and the Asphait Roofing Manufacturers Association Jointly recognize the need for this document, which details ‘appropriate application procedures for modified bituminous, roofing membrane materials and systems, The document Is not intended to replace or supersede individual material ‘suppliers’ specifications. It recognizes that, in some in- stances, a material supplier's recommended procedures might vary somewhat from the procedures detailed here. In all cases, a material suppiier's specifications should be referenced prior to appiication of the material or system. The document deals with the application of modified bitu- minous roofing membrane materials and systems in ganer- al, and cannot be expected to provide absolute rules cover- ing every situation. At times, jobsite limitations or conditons may cause some minor variations in the application of these recommendations without detracting from the per- formance of the material or system. The application of modified bituminous roofing membrane materials involves the use of either heat welding equipment, hot bitumen or adhesives. Installers of modified bituminous. roofing membrane materials should be fully familiar with the sale working practices for the system to be used be- {ore beginning the application. Refer to the Appendix for alist of available modified bitumen safety literature and reference sources. IMPORTANT: Uplift or fire ratings may be required by code or other regulatory agencies from Facto- ry Mutual, Underwriters Laboratories or other ap- proved independent research laboratories. When ‘these roof systems ratings are specified, the ap- propriate requirements must be followed. ‘A company providing warranties, systems and speciica- tons for its products will bs referred to throughout this docu ment as the Materiat Supplier. A. INTRODUCTION This document covers: ‘Application recommendations (workmanship) ‘* Examination of modified bitumen roofing during con- struction This document is not intended for examination or evalua- tion of existing root systems. Roofing with modified bituminous membrane materials i ‘a construction process. In any construction process, it is dificult to place precise limits on the quantities and dimen sions of materials applied and to evaluate conformance to ‘those timits. Roofing with modified bituminous materials is no exception. ‘The construction of a successful modified bituminous roof involves the skillful and systematic arrangement of many ‘components under varying temperatures, weather and job- site conditions. The variaty of material combinations and different roof penstration and perimeter details makes it dif- ficult to construct and analyze a roof system assembly. ‘These facts must be considered when the roofing proo- ess is examined and evaluated. A successfully performing root assembly is the result of a collective commitment by those involved. These parties and their responsibilities include: 1. The owner: for a realistic financial commitment to ob- taining a good roof and for regular maintenance after construction. 2. The designer and specifier: for overall root system and building design, which take Into account the effect of all building components on roof system performance, 3. The material supplier: for development of sound modi- fied bituminous specifications and for the manufacture of roofing materials that mest current industry standards for such materials,4. The general contraotor: for proper coordination of con- struction and supervision of other trades’ work thr? af fects roof performance. ‘8. The roofing contractor: for proper application in accor- dance with the applicable specifications and for adher- fence to good workmanship practices. ‘Among the most oritical factors in roofing performance are: * Building design * The substrate for the roofing membrane * Application procedures '* Specifications ** Physical properties of the materials ‘* Proper storage and handling of materials Designers should pay particular attention 10 slope for drain- ‘age, flashing details, expansion joints (as appropriate) and. ccongitions to which the roof may be subject after installa- tion. All have a substantial impact on roof performance. ‘The recommendations that follow are based on a careful study of applicable industry iterature and the collective ex- perience of roofing contractors and roofing material sup- pliers. B. EXAMINATION OF APPLICATION ‘The most effective way to evaluate the quailty of a modified bitumen membrane application Is by thor- ‘ough, continuous visual examination at the time of application, conducted by a person with a knowledge of roofing technology and good workmanship practices. ‘The term “visual examination,” as used throughout this document, is not intended to preclude the use of such Obvious tools as measuring tapes and thermometers. These are tools that can aid in the visual examination and their use is encouraged. A person deemed know- Tedgeable is any individual who because of application ‘experience and general roofing industry knowledge is ‘competent to conduct the procedures described in this document. This individual might be a roofing superinten- dent or foreman, a contractor, a designer, or an owner's or material supplier's representative. The recommendations presented are intended to aid in the examination of modified bituminous root membrane systems as they are being applied. The individual respon- sible for visual examination during application should check to see that 1. The roofing system materials are property siored and are in a condition satisfactory for application. Materi- als should be examined for defects. Roll goods should be stored off the ground, standing on end and protected from the elements. Material that is dam- aged or wet should not be used. 2, The surface of the deck is clean, firm, smooth and sufficiently dry to allow for proper root application. 3, Edge nailers, curbs and penetrations {including drain bases) are in place and properly secured prior to roofing so thal the root system can be installed as continuously as possible. 4. The weather and job conditions are suitable for roofing,