Accepted Materials

New Materials

Ridgeline Exteriors Inc.

(formerly Chilliwack Roofing)

MATERIALS: Water-shedding Roof Systems
Category: Primary Material (Metal Panel Systems)

• SS 150 Snap Lock
• SS 675 Snap Lock

Villa Roofing & Sheet Metal Ltd.

MATERIALS: Water-shedding Roof Systems
Category: Primary Material (Metal Panel Systems)

• SS 100 (Mechanical Lock)
• SS 150 (Mechanical Lock)

Carlisle SynTec Systems Canada

MATERIALS: Vegetated Roof Assemblies
Category: Vegetated Roof Systems & Components

• Carlisle Extensive Roof Garden System
• Carlisle Roof Garden Extensive Stormwater Retention System
• Carlisle Semi-Intensive Roof Garden System
• Carlisle Intensive Roof Garden System

Hydrotech Membrane Corporation

MATERIALS: Vegetated Roof Assemblies
Category: Vegetated Roof Systems & Components

• Hydrotech Extensive Garden Roof Assembly
• Hydrotech Semi-intensive Garden Roof Assembly
• Hydrotech Intensive Garden Roof Assembly

Soprema Inc.

MATERIALS: Vegetated Roof Assemblies
Category: Vegetated Roof Systems & Components

• SOPRANATURE Extensive-Conventional Vegetated Roof
• SOPRANATURE Extensive-Inverted Vegetated Roof
• SOPRANATURE Modular-Conventional Vegetated Roof
• SOPRANATURE Modular-Inverted Vegetated Roof
• SOPRANATURE Semi-Intensive-Conventional (or Urban Agriculture) Vegetated Roof
• SOPRANATURE Semi-Intensive-Inverted (or Urban Agriculture) Vegetated Roof
• SOPRANATURE Intensive-Conventional Vegetated Roof
• SOPRANATURE Intensive-Inverted Vegetated Roof
• SKYWATER Ballasted-Conventional Hybrid Roof
• SKYWATER Ballasted-Inverted Hybrid Roof
• SKYWATER SOPRAFLOW CONTROL-Conventional Hybrid Roof

General Revisions to the Roofing Practices Manual

Note:The following changes come into effect Friday, November 1, 2024, and apply to projects bid on or after that date. All changes in in the RPM are highlighted in yellow and remain highlighted for twelve months from the date of change.

Revisions to Division A

Considerable revisions have been made to all four Parts of Division A, largely to accommodate the Vegetated Roof Guarantee.

New Standard for Vegetated Roof Assemblies

A new Standard for Vegetated Roof Assemblies has now been published in the RPM and is located in Division B.

Revised Standards for Waterproofing Roofs

With the publication of the RGC Standard for Vegetated Roofs, numerous changes have been made to the Standards for Waterproofing Roofs.  This includes the addition of new Articles in Part 1 and radical changes to Part 14, primarily where vegetated roofing was concerned.

In addition, the following Articles are either new or substantially revised (minor revisions in Articles are not noted here).  Where the Article is new, only the Article title has been highlighted. For simplicity, we are arranging the changes in 2 Sections.

1. General Revisions related to Waterproofing Roofs:
   • Article 1.1.1.4. “Defined Terms” – the title of this Article has been changed and additional terms added (all corresponding Articles in all Parts have been likewise changed).
   • Article 1.1.1.6. “Objectives” is new.
   • Article 1.1.1.7. “Responsibility for Design” is new.
   • Article 1.1.1.8. “Pre-Design Requirements” is new.
   • Article 1.1.1.9. “Suitability of Design” is new.
   • Article 1.1.2.3. “Quality Control” is new.
   • Article 1.1.2.4. “Quality Assurance” is new with a new accompanying Note.
   • Article 1.1.3.3. “Membrane Integrity Testing” includes some additions and revisions.
   • Article 1.1.4.4. “Membrane Recovering” includes some changes to requirements.
   • Article 7.1.6.2. “Drainage Mats and Filter Fabric” contains a significant revision concerning the location of drainage mats in relation to system insulation in a Protected Membrane Roof System.
   • Article 7.3.5.2. corresponds with the change in Article 7.1.6.2.
   • Article 10.1.4.5. “Doors, Windows, and Wall Openings” includes some revisions concerning the protection of membranes over door thresholds.
   • Article 10.3.4.5. corresponds with the changes in Article 10.1.4.5.
2. Revision related to Vegetated Roofs:
   • Article 1.1.3.1. “Permitted Roof Systems” includes some additions specific to vegetated roofs.
   • Article 1.1.3.2. “Accessibility for Maintenance” includes some additions specific to vegetated roofs.
   • Article 2.1.5.4. “Plywood Roof Decks” includes revisions specific to vegetated roofs.
   • Article 2.1.5.5. “Mass Timber Roof Decks” includes a revision concerning vegetated roofs.
   • Parts 3, 7, 8 9, 11, and 14 have a new Article in Section 1 titled “RoofStar Vegetated Roof Guarantee”
   • Article 1.3.2. “Calculation of Specified Wind Loads” includes some additions specific to vegetated roofs.
   • Article 1.3.4. “Resistance to Other Loads” includes some additions specific to vegetated roofs.
   • Article 1.6.1. “Securement of Ballasted Roof Systems” includes some additions specific to vegetated roofs.
   • Article 9.3.6.3. “Procurement and Installation of Other Materials” includes some revisions pertaining to vegetated roof systems.
   • Article 11.1.4.4. “Drains in Planters” is new.
   • Article 14.1.2.3. “RoofStar Vegetated Roof Guarantee” is new.

Technical Bulletins

FLASHING FAILURES on WATER-SHEDDING ROOFS

A new bulletin issued October 29, 2024, by the RCABC Guarantee Corp. concerning rubber boot flashings that have failed on several roofs, and which are now prohibited from use on roofs intended to carry a RoofStar Guarantee.

End of Technical Update

Failing Flashings

In 2022, two separate residential complexes in the northern interior of British Columbia suffered catastrophic failure of flashings used around pipe penetrations.  The flashings, which go by several trade names but are colloquially called rubber pipe boot flashings, are made from plastic-rubber compounds and are stepped so that they can be cut or torn to fit different diameter pipes.  They were installed on asphalt shingled roofs but were not proprietary to the shingle manufacturer.

In the past several weeks, two more multi-residential projects in British Columbia have seen similar failures.  The issue is widespread, affecting every pipe penetration across each complex. In every case, failure occurred 4 to 8 years after installation and impacts the exposed part of the flashing. At least 3 different manufacturers’ products are involved.

Because the issue of disintegration appears to be endemic to this type of flashing, the RGC is placing a temporary ban on the use of these flashings, effective immediately for projects bid on or after October 29, 2024.  The issue may lie with UV inhibitors or other modifiers in the compounds used to make these flashings, or it may be environmental, but until we understand the nature of the problem and have identified a way to correct it, the RGC will exclude any of these flashings from coverage under a RoofStar Guarantee.

There are other options available to our Member Contractors.  Spun aluminum flashings purpose-made for pipe penetrations are a suitable option, provided they are manufactured with a squared base so that they can be flashed into the asphalt shingle system with a horseshoe-type membrane flashing (Article 12.3.2.1., “RGC Standard for Asphalt Shingle Roof Systems”).  Where possible, settlement caps should be used to enclose the pipe penetration and prevent leaking between the penetration and its flashing.  When use of a settlement cap is not possible (because of the length of the penetration), the RCABC Member Contractor must use an alternative method such as an EDPM wrap, described in the Waterproofing Roof Standards, Article 12.3.2.1.

Lead flashings may also be used but must be handled with appropriate PPE.

Additional photographs depicting the nature and severity of these failures are available on the downloadable version of this bulletin.

______________________________________

To download this Technical Bulletin, click the link here: 2024 October 29 Technical Bulletin (Flashing Failures)

Important Changes to the 2020 NBC

As you may know, the 2020 National Building Code introduced some significant changes for designers and builders.  What you may not appreciate is just how impactful some of these have been on key issues around design, design responsibility, and roof construction.

Recently, the Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes (CBHCC) released a series of brief videos highlighting some of the key changes to the NBC.  We highlight two of them here, with accompanying notes and links to other references or information you may find useful.

Our own British Columbia Building and Safety Standards Branch also published a bulletin about these videos.  As their own note states, the British Columbia Building Code (modelled after the NBC) will include BC-specific variations the reader will have to keep in mind.

For ease of use, here are the current links to the 2020 National Building Code of Canada and the 2024 British Columbia Building Code.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Important Changes to Part 4 of the NBC 2020: Structural Design – this video addresses changes to the following subjects that pertain to roof design (for designers and builders):

• Importance Categories
• Rooftop parking
• Snow drifting
• Roof-mounted solar panels
• Parapet design
• Attached canopies

• Wind design data

The video highlights the importance of clearly understanding the intent behind Importance Category classification, making it clear why a registered professional skilled in the work of Division B, Part 4 should undertake the work of wind load calculations (see the RCABC Technical Bulletin on wind design issued July 1, 2024).

Although the waterproofing of rooftop parking is not included in the RoofStar Guarantee Program, designers will be interested to hear about changes included in the 2020 NBC that address the subject of live loads in combination with snow loads.

Similarly, while the RoofStar Guarantee Program is not concerned with snow drifting, drift loading can impact the structural design of buildings with multiple roof levels.  Furthermore, the structural commentaries for the 2015 NBC provided insufficient guidance for larger roof areas.  This has now been corrected with changes to the 2020 NBC.

New to the 2020 NBC is the introduction of requirements for rooftop-mounted solar panel arrays. These changes address the effects of both wind and snow, and the additional downward structural loads induced by weight and other intervening factors.  The 2020 NBC introduces a harmonized method for determining loads, and again highlights the necessity of assigning this structural load calculation work to a registered professional.

The 2020 NBC also addresses wind loads on parapet walls.  New provisions in the Code provide designers with a way to calculate wind loads for parapets on low buildings.  These changes will have a direct impact on the design of roof assemblies and highlight the importance of ensuring the securement of roofing materials on every aspect of a roof assembly is properly designed and effectively communicated to the builder.

Canopies on buildings may be subject to significant wind loads.  The 2020 NBC now provides the structural designer with guidance for wind load design, something that was absent in the 2015 Code.  Again, this will have an impact on the design of appropriate roofing system securement, which must be clearly and effectively communicated in both specifications and drawings (see the NBC/BCBC, Division C, Part 2, Administrative Provisions).

Finally, the 2020 NBC provides updated climatic design data.  In every code cycle (typically, 5 years) the data in Table C-2 of Appendix C, Division B is reviewed and updated.  Updates now include new explanatory notes, together with updated wind pressure data.  The registered professional who undertakes the wind load design work in Division B, Part 4 will need to take note of these changes, as they impact the appropriate design of a roof assembly and its ability to resist wind load.

Important Changes to Parts 5 and 6 of the NBC 2020 – this video addresses changes to the following subjects that pertain to roof design (for designers and builders):

• Air leakage
• New material standards
• Outdated and withdrawn standards

• Explanatory notes

The first part of this video focuses on the subject of Environmental Separation (Division B, Part 5) and shifts the focus on air leakage control away from materials and toward assemblies.  Because the roof is an assembly that serves to control air leakage on “one side” of the full building enclosure, designers and builders should take note of the changes in requirements that address performance metrics validated through testing.

New material standards have been added to the 2020 NBC, including new standards for gypsum panels (often used in roof assemblies, as well as on walls) and some asphaltic membrane products.

Some standards have been withdrawn from the 2020 NBC and these include the older CGSB standards for the installation of asphalt shingles (now replaced by CSA A123.51); readers will recall that the CGSB standards were referenced in Article 9.26.1.3., Alternative Installation Methods.

Some of the explanatory notes to Part 5 have been amended, and Note A-5.1.4.2., Deterioration, may be of particular interest to roof assembly designers since it addresses the subject of material and assembly service life in relation to climate change.  This can have an impact on repairability.  For more on the topic of serviceability and roof resilience, see the article “Building Resilience” in Volume 20, Number 1 of Roofing BC.  Also see our July 2024 Technical Bulletin on wind design, which includes comments on this very topic (“Each design must be based on an understanding of the service conditions the roof will experience, for its expected service life (British Columbia Building Code, Division A, Article 3.2.1.1., Functional Statement 80).  When anyone sets out to design a roof, every aspect of its performance must be thoughtfully considered.”[1]).

______________________________________

To download this Technical Bulletin, click the link here: 2024 September Technical Bulletin (2020 NBC Changes)

_________________________________________________________________________________________

[1] Supreme Court of Canada.  Steel Company of Canada Ltd. v. Willand Management Ltd., [1966] S.C.R. 746.

Wind Loads and Responsibility for Design

A roof is not just a waterproofing cover on a building; it is a structural element of a building enclosure, therefore only a “registered professional” (i.e., structural engineer) should calculate Specified Wind Loads for roofs.

This expanded bulletin addresses the subject of design responsibility, with a focus on

• Roofs and the effects of wind
• Building Code Requirements
• RoofStar Guarantee Standards
• Ramifications for the roofer

The focus of this bulletin is, for the most part, on Part 3 buildings, as defined in the Building Code.

Roofs and the effects of wind

Wind is simply air in motion, induced to move by changes in pressure (air moving from a location of high pressure to one with low pressure).  Wind is often thought of as a pushing phenomenon because that is how we commonly experience it – pressure against our skin, our clothing, or things we hold in our hands (like an umbrella).  While all of that is true, it isn’t all that wind does; wind also pulls objects.  It does that by creating negative pressure as it passes over any surface.  The strength of negative pressure (what feels or behaves like a sucking or lifting force) is dependent on the geometry of the objects wind encounters, and on what creates or diminishes turbulence as wind passes over and around it.  Introduce turbulence, and the suction power of wind is altered and sometimes diminished.

(Image Credit: National Research Council of Canada)

Wind that blows across a flat roof does the same thing, and the effects can be quite dramatic.  Just a little wind can lift tons of material upward (see the photograph below).  These negative forces (loads) can be measured and even predicted.  To resist those negative forces, both replacement and new membrane roof systems must be designed so that all the component materials in the system are held together and securely attached to the building structure, using proven patterns of adhesives, fasteners, or a combination of both.

Building Code Requirements

Both the British Columbia Building Code (BCBC) and the Vancouver Building Bylaw (VBBL)[1] refer to these negative wind forces as wind loads (“specified wind load” in Article 5.2.2.2. of Division B).  They are considered a structural load every building will experience and must be able to resist.  While we usually think about structural loads in terms of downward forces – gravity that can make an unstable building fall down – wind loads are a critical force every building has to resist, not just because of the pushing nature of wind, but also because of the suction forces (negative loads) that wind can induce on all sides of a building.

(Image Credit: Gage Swejda (Roof blow-off, winter 2022, Dawson Creek)

In Division B of the Building Code (Acceptable Solutions, or the “how to” Division), Part 4 deals exclusively with structural design, and only a “registered professional skilled in the work [of performing structural calculations]” may do the work required in Part 4 (Ref. Div. C, Article 2.2.1.2.).  That includes the calculation of wind loads (Subsection 4.1.7.).  Roof design, on the other hand, falls largely under Part 5 (Environmental Separation).  However, two articles in Part 5 provide a bridge between the structural design of a building and the design and construction of a roof assembly.

Article 5.2.2.1. in the Building Code makes it clear that where “materials, components or assemblies…separate dissimilar environments or are exposed to the exterior”, they (or their connections) must be “designed to withstand structural loads” which must be determined using the design requirements in Div. B, Part 4.  Article 5.2.2.2. makes it clear what that means – that because a roof assembly separates the interior from the exterior, the roof must be designed to resist structural loads exerted by wind.  Article 5.2.2.2. goes on to describe two ways a membrane roof design can comply with this requirement.  First, the design of a roof assembly may comply with the Building Code by using a roof assembly tested in a laboratory (using the test method, CSA-A123.21); the test provides an objective basis for wind resistance and includes a margin for strong wind gusts or rare, sustained storm events.  Second, a design may comply by using a roof assembly that has a proven record of resisting the calculated wind loads[2].

Framed another way, the requirements in Part 5 mean a membrane roof is not just a waterproofing cover on a building; it is a de facto structural element of a building enclosure.

All the structural elements of a building are governed in the Building Code by Part 4 of Division B – for example, dead loads, live loads (other than those named in the following sub-sections), snow and rain loads (Sub-section 4.1.6.), wind loads (Sub-section 4.1.7.), and seismic (earthquake) loads and effects (Sub-section 4.1.8.).  All of these must be documented by the Coordinating Registered Professional (CRP) in Schedule B forms, which must be submitted to the Authority Having Jurisdiction when making an application for construction (Division C, Note A-2.2.7.2.(1)(a)).  Again, only a “registered professional” (i.e., structural engineer) should calculate wind loads.

Notice that wind loads must be calculated and documented by the CRP before he or she applies for a construction permit.  Also, because wind loads form part of a suit of structural design loads that the “registered professional skilled in the work concerned” is exclusively responsible for (Division C, Article 2.2.1.2.), wind loads cannot be assigned to a contractor just as snow loads or seismic loads cannot be assigned elsewhere.

The Vancouver Building By-Law, which is the Building Code in the City of Vancouver, goes further, stating that when “structural drawings and related documents [are] submitted with the application to build” they shall indicate (in Sentence (6)) “all effects and loads, other than dead loads, used for the design and construction of the structural members and exterior cladding, including the roof assembly.”  Note A-2.2.6.2.(1). adds that “Examples of information that should be shown on architectural drawings… and building enclosure assemblies are: (p) the dimensions of the edge, field and corner zones of the roof, and load values for each affected area of a wall and roof assembly (see Figures 4.1.7.6.A through 4.1.7.6.-C in Article 4.1.7.6. of Division B).”  That means that not only must the CRP ensure that structural design loads are calculated before the design is presented for a permit, those loads must be conveyed in a meaningful manner on design drawings so that trades know what to do with them.

Interpretation of Building Code Requirements

In the summer of 2023, the RCABC raised the issue of assigned structural designed with the BC Building Code Interpretation Committee, asking that they answer three questions related to Part 3 buildings:

1. Is the Coordinating Registered Professional responsible to ascertain that the appropriate registered professionals of record have been retained for the design and field review of the roof assembly, including the wind resistance of the roofing membrane?
2. Is the Structural Registered Professional of Record responsible for determining the applicable wind loads on the roof assembly, and must the applicable wind loads be indicated on the structural drawings?
3. Is the Architectural Registered Professional of Record responsible for assuring that the design and installation of the roofing membrane substantially complies with the requirements of Subsection 5.2.2.?

In response, the Committee issued Interpretation File No. 18-0273 (see the copy attached with the downloadable PDF version of this Bulletin).  In short, the answer they provided to all three questions was “yes”.  And their responses answer another question, which is, Is it permissible for the designer to assign to the roofing contractor aspects of the roof assembly design including the calculation of wind loads?  The answer is essentially given in their first answer, which is no.

RoofStar Guarantee Standards, Part 3

All these Code requirements are reflected in Part 3 of the RoofStar Guarantee Standards.  Article 3.1.3.1.[3], “Responsibility for Design”, spells it out clearly: “The Design Authority is responsible for determining Specified Wind Loads for each roof system and each roof areas of a project, including roofs that support Vegetated Roof Systems or any other overburden, amenities, or equipment”.  The term Design Authority is a defined term in the RPM.  It refers to the “the individual or firm responsible for the issuance of project specifications and details to which the project will be bid and constructed” (RoofStar Standards, Article 1.1.1.4., “Definitions”), and has the same meaning as the term “Coordinating Registered Professional” used in the Building Code.

The requirement to calculate wind loads, and to design the roof assembly accordingly, applies equally to new construction roofs and replacement roofing.  While the Code often is not applied to existing buildings (and therefore to “re-roofing”), the requirements in the RoofStar Guarantee Standards extend to all roofs.  The reasons for this are several – certainly, life safety is high on the list, but because wind can damage a roof and lead to a leak, the RCABC Guarantee Corp. (RGC)[4] requires every roof to be designed as if it were a new roof.

This Technical Bulletin is focused on membrane roof systems, but the same principles apply to the design and construction of any roof.  Both negative (suction) and positive (pushing) loads from wind are real and potentially damaging, irrespective of the type of roof.  Each design must be based on an understanding of the service conditions the roof will experience, for its expected service life (British Columbia Building Code, Division A, Article 3.2.1.1., Functional Statement 80).  When anyone sets out to design a roof, every aspect of its performance must be thoughtfully considered.[5]

Ramifications for the roofer

All these Code requirements, and the requirements in the RoofStar Standards, mean the Design Authority carries responsibility for the design.  Some project documents delegate the calculation of wind loads to the roofer.  Clearly, this is precluded by both the VBBL and the interpretation rendered for the RGC on the key questions around “assigned design”, at least with respect to new construction buildings or wherever a permit for replacement roofing is required.  When the roofing contractor offers a design, the roofing contractor becomes the Design Authority, and those responsibilities and liabilities transfer to the contractor.

Occasionally, a design provides calculated wind loads but does not interpret how to apply the loads and zone dimensions to a project.  When that happens, the RGC recommends asking for that information from the Design Authority through an RFI, especially if roof shape is complex.  Don’t risk underbuilding the roof in the critical zones – corners and edges.

There is nothing in the Building Code that would prevent the Design Authority from assigning other elements of design to the roofing contractor, such as the selection of a Tested Assembly.  As long as the design provides enough information for the roofing contractor, assigning the selection of a suitable roof assembly is entirely permissible under the Code, and by the RGC.

______________________________________

To download this Technical Bulletin, click the link here: Technical Bulletin (Wind Loads and Responsibility for Design)

For more information about wind, roof design, and roof construction, read “Roof Design: from Code to Specification” in Roofing BC (Vol. 18, No. 3; Fall 2021), or contact the RoofStar Guarantee Program at [email protected].

Endnotes

[1] In this bulletin, the term “Building Code” is used as a collective term for the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC), the BCBC, and the VBBL.

[2] This is an oversimplification of the term “proven past performance” which is defined in the Notes to Part 5 and is actually onerous.  In a future edition of the National Building Code of Canada, it will be dropped because, as it states in the last paragraph to Note A-5.1.4.1.(5), “Past performance is a reasonable basis for determining compliance for lighter materials, components or assemblies not subject to wind load.”

[3] The reference hyperlinks to Article 3.1.3.1. in Securing the Roof Assembly which is a current replica of Part 3 of the waterproofing roof Standards.

[4] The RGC is the publisher of the Roofing Practices Manual (RPM) and the Guarantor that issues the RoofStar Guarantee.

[5] Supreme Court of Canada.  Steel Company of Canada Ltd. v. Willand Management Ltd., [1966] S.C.R. 746.

Accepted Materials

New Materials

CertainTeed LLC

MATERIALS: Water-shedding Roof Systems
Category: Secondary Material (Underlayment/Eave Protection)

• WinterGuard Pro

KPNE Products Ltd.

(new Associate Member)
MATERIALS: Water-shedding Roof Systems
Category: Secondary Material (Underlayment/Eave Protection)

• ULTRASeal SA HT

Platinum Roofing Products Ltd.

(new Associate Member)
MATERIALS: Waterproofing Roof Systems/Grade-level Waterproofing
Category: Primary Material (Drains/Penetration Flashings)

• Premium Copper Retrofit Drains
• Premium Copper New Construction Roof Drains
• Premium Aluminum Retrofit Drains
• Premium Aluminum New Construction Roof Drains
• Platinum Vent Stack (Aluminum)
• Insulated Platinum Vent Stack (Aluminum)

Siplast, Inc.

MATERIALS: Waterproofing Roof Systems
Category: Primary Material (Membranes)

SBS-modified Base Sheets

• Paratech Glass Base SA 2.5

SBS-modified Cap Sheets

• Paradiene 30 FR SA
• Paradiene 30 FR SA BW
• Parafor 30 SA
• Paradiene 30 SA BW

Heritage Roofing and Sheet Metal Ltd.

MATERIALS: Water-shedding Roof Systems
Category: Primary Material (Roll-forming machine/metal panel)

• Machine: Rollformer VS-150
• Panel: 1-1/2″ Single Lock

De-listed Materials

FT Synthetics

The following products have been de-listed from Division C, as they are no longer in production:

• • FT Synthetics GOLD
  • HYDRA
  • KOMODO BSA

Siplast, Inc.

The following products have been de-listed from Division C, as they are no longer in production:

• • Paradiene 20 EG TG P
  • Paradiene 20 P
  • Paradiene 20 SA P
  • Paradiene 20 TG P
  • Paradiene 20 TS P
  • Paradiene 20 TS SA P

General Revisions to the Roofing Practices Manual

Note:The following changes come into effect Monday, July 1, 2024, and apply to projects bid on or after that date. All changes in in the RPM are highlighted in yellow and remain highlighted for twelve months from the date of change.

Revisions to Division A

The following Articles contain revised or new requirements:

• The Preface has been updated to reflect changes in membership of the RGC Technical Committee. No other changes have been made.

New Standard for Vegetated Roof Assemblies

A new Standard for Vegetated Roof Assemblies has been approved by the RGC Board of Directors. The Standard will be published in the RPM once the Vegetated Roof Assembly Guarantee is launched.

Standard for SBS-modified Bitumen Membrane Roof Systems

With the March publication of the British Columbia Building Code 2024 edition, bituminous membranes modified with SBS or APP now must conform to CSA A123.23. That is the Canadian standard which provides the backbone of the RGC Acceptance Criteria for these types of membranes. However, not all manufacturers of polymer-modified bituminous membranes have demonstrated compliance with the CSA standard. Accordingly, we have posted a disclaimer at the top of manufacturer pages, as a note to the reader. The same disclaimer will be added to each of the membrane pages in Division C, once all the new Technical Data Sheets supplied by RCABC Associate Members have been uploaded.

Technical Bulletins

Wind Resistance Design for Roofs

Watch for a forthcoming new bulletin issued in July, 2024 by the RCABC Guarantee Corp. concerning responsibility for the design of wind-resistant roof assemblies.

End of Technical Update

Accepted Materials

CertainTeed LLC

MATERIALS: Water-shedding Roof Systems
Category: Primary Material (Asphalt Shingle)

• Northgate ClimateFlex Polymer Modified

Duro-Last Holcim Solutions and Products

MATERIALS: Waterproofing Roof Systems
Category: Primary Material (Membranes)

• Duro-Tuff (DT) 50/60/80 Mil PVC

MATERIALS: Waterproofing Roof Systems
Category: Secondary Material (Insulation)

• Duro-Guard EPS Type II
• Duro-Guard EPS Fiberglass Facer

MATERIALS: Waterproofing Roof Systems
Category: Secondary Material (Insulation Overlays)

• Duro-Guard ISO HD
• Duro-Guard ISO HD Composite Coated
• Duro-Guard ISO HD-MA

IKO Industries Ltd.

MATERIALS: Waterproofing Roof Systems
Category: Primary Material (Liquid Flashing Systems)

• Metatech Flashing
• Metatech Field

Polyglass USA, Inc.

MATERIALS: Waterproofing Roof Systems
Category: Primary Material (Membranes)

SBS-modified Base Sheets

• Elastoflex SA Base Plus
• Elastoflex SA Polar Base
• Elastoflex VP

SBS-modified Cap Sheets

• Elastoflex VP G HP

APP-modified Base Sheets

• Polyflex APP (Plastomeric) Membrane

APP-modified Cap Sheets

• Polyflex G APP (Plastomeric) Granulated Cap Sheet

Liquid Membrane Flashing Systems

• Polyglass PMMA Flashing

VaproShield LLC

MATERIALS: Water-shedding Roof Systems
Category: Secondary Material (Underlayments)

• SlopeShield Plus Self-Adhered

Ventilation Maximum Ltd.

MATERIALS: Waterproofing Roof Systems
Category: Primary Material (Vents/Penetrations)

• VMAX-101 Flat Roof Ventilator
• VMAX-201-MB Flat Roof Ventilator

MATERIALS: Water-shedding Roof Systems
Category: Primary Material (Vents/Penetrations)

• VMAX-301 Sloped Roof Ventilator
• VMAX-AT1-1224-L/S Sloped Roof Air Intake Louvers
• VMAX-AT2-1224-L/S Sloped Roof Air Intake Louvers
• VMAX-CATHEDRAL Roof System

General Revisions to the Roofing Practices Manual

Note:The following changes come into effect Thursday, February 1, 2024, and apply to projects bid on or after that date. All changes in Division A or in a Standard are highlighted in yellow and remain highlighted for twelve months from the date of change.

Revisions to Division A

The following Articles contain revised or new requirements that are applicable to all RGC Roof Standards:

• Article 3.2.1.3., “Limitations and Exclusions of Guarantee” – this Article has been revamped for improved clarity; additionally, minor changes have been made to conditions, limitations, or exclusions. The reader should view the entire Article as revised.

Standards for All Waterproofing Roof Systems

The following Articles contain revised or new requirements that are applicable to all Waterproofing Roof Systems:

No Changes

Standard for SBS-Modified Bitumen Membrane Roof Systems

The following Articles contain revised or new requirements that are applicable to the Standard for Asphalt Shingle Roof Systems:

No Changes

Standards for Single-ply Membrane Roof Systems (EPDM, TPO, PVC)

The following Articles contain revised or new requirements that are applicable to the Standard for EPDM, TPO, and PVC Membrane Roof Systems:

No Changes.

Standard for Architectural Sheet Metal (ASM) Systems

The following Articles contain revised or new requirements that are applicable to the Standard for Architectural Sheet Metal (ASM) Roof Systems:

• Article 9.2.1.5., “Clips and Bearing Plates” – this Article title has been modified to include specific requirements for bearing plates, since clips and bearing plates must both be engineered.
• Article 9.2.1.6., “EPDM Pads” – this Article has been modified to cover only EPDM pads; bearing plate requirements have been relocated in Article 9.2.1.5.
• Article 9.3.2.4., “Panel Securement and Seams” – new Sentence (7) to address the location for sealant in a seam when it is required. A new illustration accompanies this change.
• Article 9.3.2.5., “Panels Over Ventilation Materials and Voids” – minor changes to Sentence (1) concerning the engineering requirements for system securement.

Standard for Asphalt Shingle Roof Systems

The following Articles contain revised or new requirements that are applicable to the Standard for Asphalt Shingle Roof Systems:

• Article 9.3.2.4., “General Requirements for Asphalt Shingle Application” – two new illustrations have been added at the bottom of this Article, as visual representation of the requirements in the Article.

Revised Construction Details

Six new construction details will be coming for Part 10, for the following waterproofing roof system Standards:

• SBS Systems
• EPDM Systems
• TPO Systems
• PVC Systems

Notes to Standards

Notes provide commentary in support of Standards, and therefore they are non-binding.  The following Notes have been added or revised:

No Changes

End of Technical Update

Accepted Materials

Carlisle SynTec Systems Canada

MATERIALS: Waterproofing Roof Systems
Category: Primary Material (Membranes)

• FleeceBACK RL (RapidLock) EPDM
• FleeceBACK RL (RapidLock) TPO
• FleeceBACK RL (RapidLock) PVC

MATERIALS: Waterproofing Roof Systems
Category: Secondary Material (Insulation)

• SecurShield RapidLock (RL) Polyiso
• SecurShield RapidLock (RL) HD Polyiso

Duro-Last Holcim Solutions and Products

MATERIALS: Waterproofing Roof Systems
Category: Primary Material (Membranes)

• Duro-Last (DL) 50/60 PVC
• Duro-Fleece (DF) 50/60/80 PVC

G&G Roofing Ltd.

MATERIALS: Water-shedding Roof Systems
Category: Primary Material (ASM Panel)

• New Tech Machinery SSQII (Mechanical Lock/Snap Lock) (Administrative Acceptance)

IKO Industries Ltd.

MATERIALS: Waterproofing Roof Systems
Category: Primary/Secondary Material (Membrane-laminated Insulation Overlays)

• Protectobase 180 Sanded (Administrative Acceptance)

Langley Roofing Co. Ltd.

MATERIALS: Water-shedding Roof Systems
Category: Primary Material (ASM Panel)

• SSQ675 (Mechanical Lock)

Sentry Building Innovations

MATERIALS: Water-shedding Roof Systems
Category: Secondary Material (Underlayments)

• Sahara
• Sahara AnchorDeck

USG (CGC) SecureRock

MATERIALS: Waterproofing Roof Systems
Category: Secondary Material (Moisture-resistant gypsum overlays)

• Securock Ultralight Glass Mat Roof Board
• Securock Coated Ultralight Glass Mat Roof Board

General Revisions to the Roofing Practices Manual

Note:The following changes come into effect Wednesday November 1, 2023, and apply to projects bid on or after that date. All changes in a Standard are highlighted in yellow and remain highlighted for twelve months from the date of change.

Standards for all Roof Systems

The following Articles contain revised or new requirements that are applicable to all RGC Roof Standards:

• Article 1.1.2.1., “RoofStar 5-Year and RoofStar 10-year Guarantee” – clarifies what a project must comply with, in order to qualify for a Guarantee.

Standards for All Waterproofing Roof Systems

The following Articles contain revised or new requirements that are applicable to all RGC Waterproofing Roof Standards:

• Article 2.1.6.1., “Expansion Joints” – content moved and integrated into Article 10.1.6.1. Sub-section 2.1.6. now shown as “Reserved”.
• Article 2.1.6.2., “Control Joints (Roof Dividers)” – content moved and integrated into Article 10.1.6.2.
• Article 8.1.4.1., “Required Use of Insulation Overlays” – Article has been renamed, and content revised for improved clarity.
• Article 10.1.6.1., “Expansion Joints” – integrated materials from former Article 2.1.6.1. The Article title has been highlighted to indicate widespread revisions to the original content.
• Article 10.1.6.2., “Control Joints (Roof Dividers)” – integrated materials from former Article 2.1.6.2. The Article title has been highlighted to indicate widespread revisions to the original content.

Standard for SBS-Modified Bitumen Membrane Roof Systems

The following Articles contain revised or new requirements that are applicable to the Standard for SBS-modified Bitumen Membrane Roof Systems:

• Article 9.2.1.1., “Membrane Composition, Thickness, and Selection” – exception to minimum membrane thickness granted when both the base and cap sheet membranes are hot-mopped, flood-coated, and topped with gravel.

Standards for Single-ply Membrane Roof Systems (EPDM, TPO, PVC)

The following Articles contain revised or new requirements that are applicable to the Standard for EPDM, TPO, and PVC Membrane Roof Systems:

No Changes.

Standard for Architectural Sheet Metal (ASM) Systems

The following Articles contain revised or new requirements that are applicable to the Standard for Architectural Sheet Metal (ASM) Roof Systems:

No Changes

Standard for Asphalt Shingle Roof Systems

The following Articles contain revised or new requirements that are applicable to the Standard for Asphalt Shingle Roof Systems:

No Changes

Notes to Standards

Notes to All Standards

Notes provide commentary in support of Standards, and therefore they are non-binding.  The following Notes have been added or revised:

• Note A-2.1.5.4.(1) – New note to provide commentary on plywood deck types and specifications.

Notes to All Waterproofing Roof Standards

Notes provide commentary in support of Standards, and therefore they are non-binding.  The following Notes have been added or revised:

• Note A-3.1.6.1. – New note comments on the use of ballast used for anti-flotation and wind resistance in protected membrane roof assemblies.

End of Technical Update

Accepted Materials

CertainTeed LLC

MATERIALS: Water-shedding Roof Systems
Category: Secondary Material (Underlayment)

• RoofRunner AIR

Elevate

MATERIALS: Waterproofing Roof Systems
Category: Secondary Material (Polyiso insulation)

• ISOGARD CG (Administrative change – replaces Resista)

GAF Canada ULC

MATERIALS: Water-shedding Roof Systems
Category: Primary Material (Asphalt shingle)

• Timberline UHDZ (Administrative acceptance – replaces Timberline HD and Timberline Ultra HD, which will remain listed in Division C as stock remains available)

IKO Industries Ltd.

MATERIALS: Waterproofing Roof Systems
Category: Primary Material (TPO membranes)

• Innovi TPO (3 thickness options)

Soprema Inc.

MATERIALS: Waterproofing Roof Systems
Category: Primary/Secondary Material (Membrane-laminated insulation overlays)

• 2-1 SopraSmart ISO HD HP Sanded (Administrative acceptance as an addition to and improvement of 2-1 SopraSmart ISO HD)

New Material Acceptance Criteria

The Roofing Practices Manual has been updated with a new downloadable RGC Acceptance Criteria for polymer-modified bituminous sheet membranes. This document applies to all membrane roof systems that utilize either SBS-modified or APP-modified bituminous membranes, and is effective July 1, 2023. All new material applications for acceptance submitted to the RGC on or after July 1, 2023 must conform to the new acceptance criteria, RGC ACWP-MOD. Manufacturers of polymer-modified membranes already listed in Division C of the RPM have until January 1, 2024 to conform to the new acceptance criteria.

RGC ACWP-MOD is downloadable from the page, Material Classification and Application for Acceptance.

General Revisions to the Roofing Practices Manual

Note:The following changes come into effect Saturday, July 1, 2023, and apply to projects bid on or after that date. All changes in a Standard are highlighted in yellow and remain highlighted for twelve months from the date of change.

Standards for all roof systems

The following Articles contain revised or new requirements that are applicable to all RGC Roof Standards:

• Article 6.1.3.3., “Use of Air Control Materials” – references the BCBC for material and performance characteristics.

Standards for All Waterproofing Roof Systems

The following Articles contain revised or new requirements that are applicable to all RGC Waterproofing Roof Standards:

• Article 3.1.3.5., “Submittals” – aligns intent with the Standard for ASM Systems and requires that the roofing contractor provide membrane roof system documentation to the Guarantor, to augment the record for a project.
• Various changes throughout the Standards to address the subject of continuity in air, vapour, and water control layers:
  • Article 3.1.5.1., “Securement against Specified Wind Loads – addresses the potential for air intrusion where air controls intersect with details, i.e., drains, penetrations, adjacent assemblies.
  • Article 6.1.1.2., “Definitions” – new terms added to Glossary and Standards
  • Article 6.1.3.2., “Continuity of Control Layers” – Article name modified; changes to Article align with changes to Articles 3.1.5.1. and 6.1.1.2.
  • Article 6.3.2.1., “Continuity and Support” – further amendments to align with requirements for continuity of control layers.
  • Article 11.1.3.1., “Principles of Design” – new language concerning drain detailing at the design stage.
  • Article 11.3.2.4., “General Installation Requirements” – requirements to detail roof drains for continuity with specified control layers.
  • Article 12.1.3.1., “General Requirements for Penetrations” – as above, concerning penetration detailing at the design stage.
  • Article 12.3.2.1., “General Requirements for Flashing Penetrations” – as above, concerning application.
• Article 10.1.6.1., “Expansion Joints” – new language concerning the design of expansion joints.
• Article 10.1.4.1., “Parapets” – new membrane requirements for parapets supporting a pre-cast or stone coping.
• Article 10.3.4.1., “Parapets” – new application requirements when pre-cast or stone copings are installed.
• Article 11.1.3.2., “Roof Drain Function and Location” – separation between roof drains and other details increased to 457 mm (18”); also note related changes in the Article.
• Article 11.3.2.2., “Location and Spacing of Roof Drains” – dimension changes corresponding to revisions to Article 11.1.3.2.
• Article 12.1.3.3., Separation Between Details” – changes in spacing correspond to those changes in Part 11. Furthermore, there is new language referencing alternative methods when close spacing is unavoidable.
• Article 12.3.2.1., “General Requirements for Flashing Penetrations” – new language provides options for flashing penetrations that are closer together than 300 mm (12”)(nominal). This replaces the requirement for a written Variance.

Standard for SBS-Modified Bitumen Membrane Roof Systems

The following Articles contain revised or new requirements that are applicable to the Standard for SBS-modified Bitumen Membrane Roof Systems:

• Article 8.3.2.1., “Alignment of Overlays” – new language provides guidance for membrane-laminated overlay installation.
• Article 9.2.1.1., “Membrane Composition, Thickness, and Selection” – modification of Sentence (1) to include new RGC Acceptance Criteria for polymer-modified bituminous sheet membranes.
• Article 9.2.2.1., “Membrane Composition, Thickness, and Selection” – clarification that minimum thickness values in Table 9.1. apply to both individual plies and combinations (“systems”) , i.e. base and cap sheets bonded together.
• Article 10.1.4.3., “Tall Parapets” – additional language to clarify previous changes to Article.
• Article 10.2.1.1., “Flashing Membrane” – deleted language to clarify membrane use on tall parapets.
• Article 10.3.4.3., “Tall Parapets” – clarified language, and an illustration, describing how membranes can be applied to tall parapets.

Standards for Single-ply Membrane Roof Systems (EPDM, TPO, PVC)

The following Articles contain revised or new requirements that are applicable to the Standard for EPDM, TPO, and PVC Membrane Roof Systems:

• Article 12.3.2.1., “General Requirements for Flashing Penetrations” – clarification about blocking below metal flanged penetration flashings.
• Note A-12.3.2.1.(9) has been added as commentary and is linked within Sentence (9) of the Standard.

Standard for Architectural Sheet Metal (ASM) Systems

The following Articles contain revised or new requirements that are applicable to the Standard for Architectural Sheet Metal (ASM) Roof Systems:

• Article 8.2.1.1., “Suitability of Materials” – additions to the Article to clarify the appropriate selection of underlayments or self-adhered membranes.
• Note A-8.2.1.1.(3) has been added to explain the changes in Article 8.2.1.1.

Standard for Asphalt Shingle Roof Systems

The following Articles contain revised or new requirements that are applicable to the Standard for Asphalt Shingle Roof Systems:

• Article 1.3.3.4., “Converting from Cedar or Concrete Tiles to Asphalt Shingles” – addition of an explanatory note.
• Note A-1.3.3.4.(1)(1)(1) has been added to explain why the thickness of plywood installed over existing solid lumber nailing strips (formerly used to secure cedar shingles or shakes) may be only 9.53 mm (3/8”), whereas in Article 2.1.5.4. the minimum deck thickness is 12.7 mm (1/2”).

Construction Details

There are no changes at this time.

End of Technical Update

Accepted Materials

IKO Industries Ltd.

MATERIALS: Waterproofing Roof Systems
Category: Primary Material (Membranes)

• Torchflex TP-180-SF Base (3.0 mm)

Lam Metal Contracting Ltd.

MATERIALS: Water-shedding Systems
Category: Primary Material (Metal Panel)

• Nu-Tech SS 150 (38 mm Standing Seam)

ROCKWOOL

MATERIALS: All Conventionally Insulated Roof Systems
Category: Secondary Material (Mineral Fibre Insulation)

• MultiFix

Siplast, Inc.

MATERIALS: Waterproofing Roof Systems
Category: Primary Material (PVC)

• Parasolo PVC Smooth
• Parasolo PVC Fleece-backed

General Revisions to the Roofing Practices Manual

Note:

The following changes come into effect Wednesday, February 1, 2023, and apply to projects bid on or after that date.

Standards for all roof systems

The following Articles contain revised or new requirements that are applicable to all RGC Roof Standards:

• Article 2.1.1.2., “Definitions” – definition for “sheathing” added to Glossary.
• Article 2.1.7.1., “General” (Walls) – requirement for overlays on walls clarified.
• Article 12.1.3.1., “General Requirements for Penetrations.
  • Ref. Sub-sentences (4)(3) – new design requirements, to accommodate pipe penetrations that can change dimension (expand or contract).
  • Ref. Sentence (6)) – as above.
• Article 12.2.1.2., “General Requirements for Penetrations” (Ref. Sentence (5)) – new material requirement for EPDM used to form a seal around a penetration and its flashing.
• Article 12.2.1.2., “General Requirements for Penetrations” (Ref. Sentence (6)) – new material requirements for “MJ” clamps used to connect a penetration and its flashing.
• Article 12.3.2.1., “General Requirements for Penetration Flashings” (Ref. Sentence (15)) – new application requirements for “MJ” clamps used to connect a penetration and its flashing.

Standards for All Waterproofing Roof Systems

The following Articles contain revised or new requirements that are applicable to all RGC Waterproofing Roof Standards:

• Article 10.1.4.1., “Parapets”
  • Ref. Sentence (1) – addresses design limitations for coping.
  • Ref. Sentence (4) – guiding principle made a requirement.
  • Ref. Sentence (5) – introduces requirements in Part 10 for solid support of coping flashing (was only in Part 13).
  • Ref. Sentence (6) – introduces requirements for coping slope (was also only in Part 13).
• Article 10.1.4.3., “Tall Parapets” – Article title changed from “High Walls”;
  • Ref. Sentence (1) – additional design requirements concerning membrane selection.
  • Ref. Sentence (3) – design requirements for parapets with cavities (changed from a guiding principle to a requirement).
• Article 10.2.1.1., “Flashing Membranes”
  • Ref. Sentences (1) – clarification concerning membrane selection and its properties.
  • Ref. Sentence (2) and sub-sentence (2)(3) – clarification about the scope of work for which the requirements apply.
• Article 10.3.2.3., “General Application Requirements for Perimeters and Walls”
  • Ref. Sub-sentence (4)(1) – cross-reference to Article 9.2.1.1.
  • Ref. Sentence (8) – new requirement that permits membrane fastening only on vertical plane. Also note that the term “fully bonded” is now a defined term (Ref. the Glossary).
• Article 10.3.4.1., “Parapets”
  • Ref. Sentence (1) – amended for clarity.
  • Ref. Sentences (2) through (4) – new requirements for membrane application, including coping.
• Article 10.3.4.3., “Tall Parapets” – Article title changed from “High Walls”;
  • Ref. Sentence (1) – minor changes to application requirements.
• Article13.1.3.6., “Cap Flashing, Counter-flashing, and Reglet Flashing” (Ref. Sentences (1) through (3) – new requirements added.
• Article 13.2.1.3., “Fasteners” (Ref. Sub-sentence (1)(1)) – addition of friction-type pins as permissible fasteners.
• Article 13.2.2.1., “Fabrication of Flashing” (Ref. Sentence (5)) – new requirements for flashing that overlaps membrane.
• Article 13.3.2.1., “General Requirements for Linear Metal Flashing” (Ref. Sentence (3)) – amended application requirements for securing linear metal flashings, including minimum requirements for fastener penetration. Also, note that requirements for hidden clips have been relocated to Article 13.3.2.3.
• Article 13.3.2.3., “Cap Flashing, Counter-flashing, and Reglet Flashing” (Ref. Sentences (1) through (8)) – new and revised requirements for the securement of cap (coping) flashings; this includes the relocated content from Article 13.3.2.1.

Standard for SBS-modified Bitumen Membrane Roof Systems

The following Articles contain revised or new requirements:

• Article 12.3.2.1., “General Requirements for Flashing Penetrations” (Ref. Sentence (11)) – revised requirements for installing membrane target patches.

Standard for EPDM Membrane Roof Systems

The following Articles contain revised or new requirements:

• Article 9.1.3.3., “Securement” (Ref. Sentence (2)) – addition of requirement to secure membrane at roof perimeters (this duplicates the requirement in Part 10, to ensure the designer is aware).
• Article 10.1.3.1., “General Requirements” (Ref. Sentence (5)) – new sentence.
• Article 12.1.3.1., “General Requirements for Penetrations” (Ref. Sub-sentences (4)(3) and (4)(4)) – clarification about support for metal penetration flashings.
• Article 12.3.2.1., “General Requirements for Flashing Penetrations” (Ref. Sentence (8)) – revisions to existing requirements for the support of metal penetration flashings.

Standard for TPO Membrane Roof Systems

The following Articles contain revised or new requirements:

• See changes to the Standard for EPDM Membrane Roof Systems.

Standard for PVC Membrane Roof Systems

The following Articles contain revised or new requirements:

• See changes to the Standard for EPDM Membrane Roof Systems.

Standard for Architectural Sheet Metal (ASM) Systems

The following Articles contain revised or new requirements:

• Article 3.1.3.5., “Submittals” (Ref. Sentence (2)) – relocation of requirements published in Part 8.
• Article 8.2.1.3., “Underlayment” (Ref. Sentence (1) – cross-reference added to Article 8.1.3.3.
• Article 8.1.3.5., Ventilation Beneath Panels” (Ref. Clause (2)(2)(1) – addition of requirement for Contractor to provide load-bearing validation; relocation of engineering certification (moved to Article 3.1.3.5.).
• New Note to Article 8.1.3.5. on the subject of a “Ventilation” cavity (the Note is hyperlinked below Article title)
• Article 9.3.2.4., “Panel Securement and Seams” (Ref. Sentence (3)) – new requirement for use of EPDM pads that support panel clips.
• Article 10.1.3.2., “Flashing” – added clarification to Sentence (1).
• Article 10.2.1.1., “Flashing Membrane” (Ref. Sentences (1) and (2)) – clarification concerning the selection of flashing membrane; added new requirements for membrane properties, dependent on roof slope.
• Article 10.3.2.3., “General Application Requirements for Perimeters and Walls” (Ref. Sentence (4)) – added cross-reference to Article 10.2.1.1.

Standard for Asphalt Shingle Roof Systems

Ref. Revisions to Standards for All Roof Systems.

Construction Details

There are no changes at this time.

End of Technical Update

Accepted Materials

GAF Canada ULC

MATERIALS: Water-shedding Systems
Category: Secondary Material (Underlayment)

• Tiger Paw

Siplast, Inc.

MATERIALS: Waterproofing Roof and Grade-level Systems
Category: Primary Material (SBS-modified Bitumen membranes)

Base sheet membranes

• Irex 40
• Paradiene 20 F
• Paradiene 20 HT SA
• Paradiene 20 HT TG F
• Paradiene 20 HT TS
• Paradiene 20 HV TS
• Paradiene 20 HV TS F
• Paradiene 20 SA F
• Paradiene 20 TS SA F
• Paradiene 20 TS F
• Paratech 180 Base
• Paratech 180 Base TG
• Paratech 180 Base 3.0
• Paratech 250 Base
• Paratech 250 Base TG
• Paratech Glass Base TG
• Paratech Glass Base 3.0 TG
• Pro Base SA
• Pro Base TG
• Pro Base TS
• Pro Base TS SA
• Pro Base

Cap sheet membranes

• Paradiene 40 FR BW
• Paratech 180 Cap
• Paratech 180 Cap FR
• Paratech 180 Cap TG
• Paratech 180 Cap FR TG
• Paratech 250 Cap
• Paratech 250 Cap TG
• Paratech 250 Cap FR
• Paratech 250 Cap FR TG
• Paratech Glass Cap FR
• Paratech Glass Cap FR T

General Revisions to the Roofing Practices Manual

Note:

The following changes come into effect Monday, November 7, 2022, and apply to projects bid on or after that date.

Revisions to Standards for all roof systems

The following Articles contain revised or new requirements that are applicable to all RGC roof Standards:

• Article 2.1.5.3., “All Wood Roof Decks” (Ref. Sentence (1)(3)) – Maximum acceptable moisture content in wood for SA membranes.
• Article 5.2.1.1., “Suitability of Overlays” (Ref. Sentence (1)(3)) – Design Authority must select overlays suitable for the type of deck.
• Article 12.2.1.2., “General Requirements for Penetration Flashings” (Ref. Sentence (1)) – Exception for code-compliant certified chimney flashings.
• Article 12.3.2.1., “General Requirements for Flashing Penetrations” (Ref. Sentence (13)(2)(3)) – Option to use adhesive-lined heat-shrink tubing.
• Article 13.2.1.3., “Fasteners” (entire Article) – Fastener types and sizes harmonized across Standards (exceptions for ASM and Asphalt Shingles Standards)

Revisions to Standards for all waterproofing roof systems

The following Articles contain revised or new requirements that are applicable to all RGC waterproofing roof Standards:

• Article 2.1.5.3., “All Wood Roof Decks” (Ref. Sentences (3) and (4)) – removes requirement for overlay on mass timber decks (the requirement remains for “hot rubber” systems).
• Article 10.1.4.4., “Fire Separations” (new)
• Article 10.3.4.4., “Fire Separations” (new)
• Article 10.1.6.2., “Control Joints (Roof Dividers)” (Ref. Sentence (3)(3)) – provides optional heights, depending on how dividers are waterproofed.
• Article 12.1.3.2., “Galvanized Penetration Flashings (Ref. Sentence (1)) – clarification on permissible flashing sizes, and where galvanized flashings may be specified.
• Article 12.3.2.1., “General Requirements for Flashing Penetrations” (Ref. Sentence (6)) – addition of requirement to properly prepare a penetration flashing for roofing.
• Article 12.3.2.2., “Galvanized Penetration Flashings (Ref. Sentence (1)) – revised/clarified requirements for galvanized flashings used in the drainage plane.

Revisions to Standards for Architectural Sheet Metal (ASM) Systems

The following Articles contain revised or new requirements:

• Article 3.1.3.5., “Submittals” (Ref. Sentence (1)) – clarification about what must be submitted to the RGC, and by whom.
• Article 10.1.4.2., “Eave and Rake Edges” (Ref. Sentence (1)(2)) – requirement (design) to provide drainage from water that may accumulate inside roof system.
• Article 11.1.3.1., “Principles of Design” (Ref. Sentence (1)) – addition of requirement (design) to drain or shed water, including water that may accumulate inside roof system.

Revisions to Standards for Asphalt Shingle Roof Systems

The following Articles contain revised or new requirements:

• Article 9.3.2.4., “General Requirements for Asphalt Shingle Application” (Ref. Sentence (7)(2)) – changes to minimum extension of shingles beyond edge of eave or rake flashing.
• Article 13.2.2.1., “Fabrication of Flashing” (Ref. Sentence (9)) – insertion of flashing type names for eave and rake edge metal.

Revisions to Standards for SBS-modified Bitumen Membrane Roof Systems

The following Articles contain revised or new requirements:

• Article 10.3.2.3., “General Application Requirements for Perimeters and Walls” (Ref. Sentence (4)) – addition of requirement to run membrane flashing vertically.
• Article 10.3.4.1., “Parapets” (Ref. Sentences 1-4) – revised language, and additional requirements for permissible alternative approach to membrane flashing (Note: these revisions align with the revised Construction Detail, “SBS Parapet (Typical)”.

Construction Details

The following Construction Details have been updated:

• SBS Parapet (Typical)
• SBS Expansion Joint (Wall)
• SBS Expansion Joint (Field)
• SBS Control Joint (Roof Divider)

End of Technical Update

Accepted Materials

Beaver Plastics Ltd.

(new Associate Member)
MATERIALS: All Systems
Category: Secondary Material (Insulation)

• Terrafoam EPS Type I, II, III (flat and tapered)

Firestone Building Products

MATERIALS: Waterproofing Roof Systems
Category: Primary Material (EPDM)

• RubberGuard Max (reinforced)
• RubberGuard Max PT (reinforced)

General Revisions to the Roofing Practices Manual

Preface and Division A

To complement and support the Standards, Division A at the front end of the RPM has been updated. This includes expanded pages with additional material about the purpose and scope of the RPM, and how to read the Standards. Guarantee coverage matters, once included in Part 1 of each Standard, are now located in Division A, Part 3 (Guarantee).

The Preface includes the names of all current Technical Committee members. In the not-too-distant future, the Preface will be expanded to pay tribute to all those, past and present, who contribute to the development of the Roofing Practices Manual and its Standards.

New Standard for Hot Fluid-applied Rubberized Asphalt Roof Systems

The new “Standard for Hot Fluid-applied Rubberized Asphalt Roof Systems” is now published and comes into effect July 1, 2022.

Revised Standard for Architectural Sheet Metal (ASM) Systems | Revised Standard for Asphalt Shingle Roof Systems | Revised Standards for SBS, EPDM, TPO and PVC Membrane Roof Systems

In 2016, we issued new versions of existing Guarantee requirements in a format that consolidated system requirements in single documents (those of you who remember the binder will know what this refers to). In 2018, we revised the Standards for “SBS” and “ASM”; that was followed in 2019 by a revision of the Asphalt Shingle Standard, together with new and revised Single-ply membrane Standards. However, the structure and format of any one did not adhere to a common arrangement. That has now changed.

To improve readability, and to ensure all Standards followed a parallel structure, we made the following changes and additions to the current roof system Standards:

• • 1. Rewritten content – single sentences (i.e., no multiple sentences under a single sentence number), and a flow that uses “and” or “or” to better convey meaning. When a requirement has several conditions or options, that is conveyed with sub-sentences and clauses.
       Yellow highlighting indicates only new content or content that has been changed in its meaning.
    2. Arrangement by Assembly – where requirements are assembly-specific, we have organized the requirements by assembly type (i.e., conventionally insulated, uninsulated, protected).
    3. Divided content – Part 11 in the prior editions of the Standards had become too large and cumbersome, covering drainage and penetrations. Additionally, Part 12 was poorly utilized. Therefore, we
       1. Retained Part 11 and renamed it “Drainage”,
       2. Renamed Part 12, “Penetrations and Curbs”,
       3. Relocated protected roof system content into relevant Parts throughout the Standard, and
       4. Relocated the membrane gutter requirements in Part 11.
    4. Notes to Standard – these notes, hyperlinked inside each Standard, contain all that was blue text in each Part. We have also included new material, including explanatory notes for those who want to know the rationale for a requirement. The Notes are informative only and are not binding.
    5. Hyperlinked Articles – when an article in the Standard or another Standard is cross-referenced, the reference is hyperlinked for ease of use.
    6. Text formatting – all defined terms are italicized, while all references to codes or standards are shown in quotation marks. All defined terms can be found in the RPM Glossary.
    7. New Illustrations – applicable to some but not all of the Standards.
    8. Publishing information – shown in the front pane of each Standard, at the bottom.

The current Edition of each Standard remains in effect; changes to content are effective July 1, 2022.

Please note that the downloadable PDF versions of these Standards are not yet available and will be uploaded as time permits.

End of Technical Update

Accepted Materials

Mack Kirk Roofing & Sheet Metal Ltd.

MATERIALS: Watershedding Systems
Category: Primary Material (ASM)

• MK Snap-Lock
• MK Mechanical-Lock

FT Synthetics

MATERIALS: Water-shedding Systems
Category: Secondary Material (Underlayments)

• Platinum HT-B

RoofStar Guarantee Standards: Revisions

No changes

End of Technical Update

Accepted Materials

Building Products of Canada (BP)

MATERIALS: Water-shedding Systems
Category: Secondary Material (Asphalt Shingle and Cedar System Underlayments)

• Weathertex SA underlayment

Henry Company Canada

MATERIALS: Roof Waterproofing Systems
Category: Primary Material (Liquid Flashing)

• Pumadeq Flex 31MV

Precision Metals

MATERIALS: Water-shedding Systems
Category: Primary Material (ASM)

• FF100 Snap Lock metal panel
• SS100 Mechanical Lock metal panel

Additional changes:

• Sikalastic 601/621 and 641 Lo-VOC polyurethane membranes (unconditional acceptance – see material pages in the RPM)

RoofStar Guarantee Standards: Revisions

Updated Main Page

Earlier this autumn, we updated the Main Page of the RPM.  Changes include (without limitation)

• Reorganization of Divisions and a simplified structure
• Easier, direct access to Standards
• Relocation of Tested Assembly report in the Wind Uplift Resource Centre
• New Preface
• New pages in Division A

New Material Acceptance Criteria

The Roofing Practices Manual now includes the second stand-alone, downloadable RGC Acceptance Criteria.  This document applies to fiberglass-reinforced asphalt shingles and came into effect November 1, 2021.  All material applications for acceptance of fiberglass-reinforced asphalt shingles must conform to the new acceptance criteria, RGC ACWS-ASH.  Manufacturers of fiberglass-reinforced asphalt shingles already or newly accepted into the RoofStar Guarantee Program have twelve (12) months from the date of this Technical Update to conform to the new acceptance criteria.

RGC ACWS-ASH is downloadable from the page, Material Classification and Application for Acceptance.

Standard for Asphalt Shingle Roof Systems

Minor changes have been made to the Standard for Asphalt Shingle Systems, including (without limitation) the following:

• Part 11
  • Clarification of material criteria for penetration flashings

Please note that the downloadable PDF version of these Standards will be updated in the next few days.  Each PDF is dated in the footer; once these downloadable documents have been updated, older versions will be considered obsolete and should be discarded or deleted from your devices.

Standard for Architectural Sheet Metal (ASM) Systems

Minor changes have been made to the Standard for Architectural Sheet Metal (ASM) Systems, including (without limitation) the following:

• Part 11
  • Clarification of material criteria for penetration flashings

Please note that the downloadable PDF version of these Standards will be updated in the next few days.  Each PDF is dated in the footer; once these downloadable documents have been updated, older versions will be considered obsolete and should be discarded or deleted from your devices.

Standards for SBS, EPDM, TPO and PVC Roof Waterproofing Systems

Minor changes have been made to the Standards for SBS, EPDM, TPO and PVC Membrane Systems, including (without limitation) the following:

• Part 2
  • New introductory material concerning electrical cable and boxes – moved to Notes, which are hyperlinked within the Standards (Notes will be more fully developed in the Standards in a future update.
• Part 7
  

• Reorganization with revised language to clarify use of tapered insulation and mineral fibre (wool)
• Addition of Notes which provide context or explanatory information.
• Part 8
  • Similar changes to Part 7, with the addition of Notes
•  Part 9
  • Design notes concerning the protection of membranes exposed to reflected sunlight
• Part 10
  • Design and Application requirements (Sections 1 and 3) regarding EIFS wall finishes
• Part 11
  • Minor changes to Application requirements for drains fitted with clamping rings
• Part 14
  • Clarification concerning the waterproofing of cast-in-place structures on a roof

In addition to the foregoing, readers of Standards will see minor formatting changes.

Please note that the downloadable PDF versions of these Standards will be updated in the next few days.  Each PDF is dated in the footer; once these downloadable documents have been updated, older versions will be considered obsolete and should be discarded or deleted from your devices.

End of Technical Update

Accepted Materials

Bothwell-Accurate Company (B.C.) Ltd.

MATERIALS: Water-shedding Systems (ASM)
Category: Primary Material (Metal panel)

• BA-Versaspan 2 (SS 200) Standing Seam (50 mm)

Building Products of Canada (BP)

MATERIALS: Water-shedding Systems
Category: Primary Material (Asphalt Shingles)

• Vanguard 42 IR

MATERIALS: Water-shedding Systems
Category: Secondary Material (Asphalt Shingle and Cedar System Underlayments)

• Deckgard
• ProDeck
• Suredeck

Carlisle Syntec Systems Canadas

MATERIALS: Roof Waterproofing Systems
Category: Secondary Material (Insulation)

• SecurShield (re-affirmed with modified facer colours)

Category: Secondary Material (Insulation Overlays)

• SecurShield HD

FT Synthetics

MATERIALS: Water-shedding Systems (All)
Category: Secondary Material (Underlayment)

• FT Pro
• SynTrack

GAF Canada ULC

MATERIALS: Water-shedding Systems
Category: Secondary Material (Asphalt Shingle Underlayments)

• Feltbuster

Category: Secondary Material (ASM Underlayments)

• Deck Armor

Hunter Panels

MATERIALS: Roof Waterproofing Systems
Category: Secondary Material (Insulation)

• H-Shield CG (re-affirmed with modified facer colours)

Category: Secondary Material (Insulation Overlays)

• H-Shield HD

Malarkey

MATERIALS: Water-shedding Systems
Category: Secondary Material (All Water-shedding System Underlayments)

• Secure Start Permeable
• Secure Start Plus
• Secure Start SG

Siplast

MATERIALS: Roof Waterproofing Systems
Category: Primary Material (SBS modified bituminous membranes)

• Parafor 30 (sanded)

Soprema Inc.

MATERIALS: Roof Waterproofing Systems
Category: Primary Material (PVC Membranes)

• Sentinel P150 PVC
• Sentinel P150 HFB PVC
• Sentinel P200 PVC
• Sentinel P200 HFB PVC

Tremco Ltd.

MATERIALS: Roof Waterproofing Systems
Category:Primary Material (Polyurethane Membranes)

• AlphaGuard MT Base Coat
• AlphaGuard MT Top Coa
• AlphaGuard MTS Base Coat
• AlphaGuard MTS Top Coat

RoofStar Guarantee Standards: Revisions

New Material Acceptance Criteria

The Roofing Practices Manual now includes the first of a stand-alone, downloadable RGC Acceptance Criteria. This document applies to mechanically fastened polymeric roof underlayments for asphalt shingle systems and is effective July 1, 2021. All material applications for acceptance of polymeric roof underlayments must conform to the new acceptance criteria, RGC ACWS-PUL. Manufacturers of polymeric underlayments already or newly accepted into the RoofStar Guarantee Program have twelve (12) months from the date of this Technical Update to conform to the new acceptance criteria.

RGC ACWS-PUL is downloadable from the page, Material Classification and Application for Acceptance.

Standard for Asphalt Shingle Roof Systems

Minor changes have been made to the Standard for Asphalt Shingle Systems, including (without limitation) the following:

• • Part 1
    • Revised limitation language in Section 1.6
  • Part 2
    • Revised minimum thickness requirements for existing roof decks.
    • Updated language concerning the suitability and treatment of CMU (Concrete Masonry Units).
  • Part 3
    • Clarified wording concerning the securement of asphalt shingles (see also the Technical Bulletin issued March 17, 2021).
  • Part 8
    • Revisions to acceptance criteria for polymeric (synthetic fabric) underlayments; further clarification of acceptance criteria for self-adhered eave and valley protection underlayments.

Please note that the downloadable PDF version of these Standards is also new. Older versions are now considered obsolete and should be discarded or deleted from your devices.

Standard for Architectural Sheet Metal (ASM) Systems

Minor changes have been made to the Standard for Architectural Sheet Metal (ASM) Systems, including (without limitation) the following:

• • Part 1
    • Revised limitation language in Section 1.6
  • Part 2
    • Updated language concerning the suitability and treatment of CMU (Concrete Masonry Units).

Please note that the downloadable PDF version of this Standard is also new. Older versions are now considered obsolete and should be discarded or deleted from your devices.

Standards for SBS, EPDM, TPO and PVC Roof Waterproofing Systems

Minor changes have been made to the Standards for SBS, EPDM, TPO and PVC Membrane Systems, including (without limitation) the following:

• • • Part 1
      • New wording for ‘Recovering’ in Section 1.4 (SBS-Modified Bituminous Membrane Systems only)
      • Revised limitation language in Section 1.6
    • Part 2
      • Updated language concerning the suitability and treatment of CMU (Concrete Masonry Units).
    • Part 8
      • Revised wording concerning insulation overlays
    • Part 9
      • Revisions to material acceptance criteria (SBS-Modified Bituminous Membrane Systems only)
      • New language concerning the application of self-adhered membranes (Section 9.3) (SBS-Modified Bituminous Membrane Systems only)
    • Part 11
      • New language concerning cast drains (deck drains not permitted)
      • Updates to installation requirements around scuppers and overflows (Single-ply Standards only).

Please note that the downloadable PDF version of these Standards is also new. Older versions are now considered obsolete and should be discarded or deleted from your devices.

Roof Waterproofing Securement

While the roofing industry generally has faired well during the COVID-19 pandemic, supply issues are emerging, affecting the availability of materials such as screw fasteners and insulation.  To keep up with construction schedules, roofing contractors have sometimes turned to whatever is available through suppliers or to what they have on hand.  But when the roof design relies on a Tested Assembly that utilized specific fasteners or insulation panels, choosing appropriate substitutions may prove critical for roof performance.

When MARS and PARS membrane roof assemblies are tested using the CSA-A123.21 test method for wind uplift resistance, they are constructed with specific fastener brands, sizes, and thread configurations.  These details are published in assembly test reports.  Changing specified screw fasteners for a different brand, size or thread count could adversely affect the otherwise predictable performance of the assembly under windy conditions.  Not all screw fasteners are made the same; the self-drilling tips are made differently, and even the thread count can vary, even when the fastener size is said to be “No. 12” or “No. 14”.  So, while mixing fastener brands seems harmless when brand supplies become scarce, switching brands or screw sizes may make the difference between a roof that stays where its built, and one that ends up on the ground.  Check with the membrane manufacturer of the Tested Assembly.  If they approve of the alternate, obtain confirmation in writing.  Alternatively, work through the consultant on site to obtain equivalency.

If fastener supply simply is too unreliable to complete a project, it may be necessary for the Design Authority to consider a fully or partially adhered system of securement.  Of course, this means that the adhered system must be able to achieve the same Dynamic Uplift Resistance that the system using fasteners was able to achieve.  Work with the Design Authority to find a workable solution.

Similarly, insulation panels are not necessarily all manufactured equally.  This can be particularly evident when the insulation (polyisocyanurate, for example), comprised of facers that sandwich a plastic foam core, fails under negative wind loads.  An internal failure of a material is more common that a failure of an adhesive bond.  Internal failures, including the delamination of a facer from the product core, is referred to as a “cohesive failure”.  The possibility of cohesive failures should give anyone pause when considering a product substitution.  Once again, consult with the membrane manufacturer of the Tested Assembly or work with the roofing consultant on the project, to obtain approval of alternate insulation materials that are RoofStar-accepted materials listed in Division C of the RGC Roofing Practices Manual.

For more information about securing the roof assembly, refer to Part 3 (Securing the Roof Assembly) in any roof waterproofing system Standard, or contact the RoofStar Guarantee Program at [email protected].  To download this Bulletin, click on the following link: 2021 June Technical Bulletin (Securing the roof system)

Asphalt Shingle Securement

This bulletin addresses shingle securement so that every project can qualify for a RoofStar Guarantee.

Guarantee Requirements

Asphalt Shingles that qualify for use in the RoofStar Guarantee Program must be manufactured to comply with CSA-A123.5 and must also exhibit a clearly marked fastening zone or line, which must be centred on the common bond area (9.2 Materials).

All asphalt shingles must be nailed within the shingle manufacturer’s designated fastening zone or line (3.3 Application), which complies with CSA-A123.51 Asphalt Shingle Application.  This requirement assumes a line or zone that is “centred on the common bond area” (the “common bond” is the portion of a laminated shingle where multiple layers are factory-bonded, typically above the cut-outs.  See the illustration below).

Securing asphalt shingles through the common bond is a well-established RGC standard, and it is supported by the more recent CSA Standard for asphalt shingle application (CSA-A123.51):

“Proper nail location (e.g., through both layers of a laminated shingle – see Figure 11.) and proper driving of nails are critical factors in roof system wind resistance and overall roof performance.” The illustration affirms the explanatory note (6.6 Nailing, 6.6.1 General).

The reasoning behind the RGC requirement is simple: shingles stay put when they are nailed through the laminated region.  Nails installed above the common bond risk shingle detachment and product failure.

Correct Nail Placement

The current RoofStar Guarantee requirements for nailing asphalt shingles remain unchanged: shingles must be nailed through the common bond, where the common bond corresponds to the marked fastening zone.

For more information about asphalt shingles and proper securement, contact the RoofStar Guarantee Program at [email protected].  To download this Bulletin, click on the following link: 2021-March-17 Technical Bulletin (Asphalt shingle securement)

Accepted Materials

Lam Metal Contracting Ltd.

MATERIALS: Water-shedding Systems (ASM)
Category: Primary Material (Metal panel)

• SS 200 Standing Seam (50 mm

Carlisle Syntec Systems Canada

MATERIALS: Roof Waterproofing Systems
Category: Primary Material (EPDM Membrane Systems)

• Sure-Seal EPDM SAT Membrane (Non-reinforced)
• Sure-White EPDM SAT Membrane (Non-reinforced)

MATERIALS: Roof Waterproofing Systems
Category: Primary Material (TPO Membrane Systems)

• Sure-Weld TPO SAT (Reinforced) Membrane

FT Synthetics

MATERIALS: Water-shedding Systems (All)
Category: Secondary Material (Underlayment)

• Komodo BSA
• Cobalt Ultra

GAF Canada ULC

MATERIALS: Water-shedding Systems
Category: Primary Material (Asphalt Shingles)

• Timberline HDZ

IKO Industries Ltd.

MATERIALS: Roof Waterproofing Systems
Category: Primary Material (SBS modified bituminous membranes)

• ArmourStick HD Base
• ArmourStick HD Cap
• Torchflex Ultra TP-HD-Base
• Torchflex Ultra TP-HD-Cap

MATERIALS: Water-shedding Systems (All)
Category: Secondary Material (Eave Protection/Underlayment)

• IKO Stormshield Ice and Water Protector
• IKO 44 Stormshield
• IKO Armourgard Ice and Water Protector

Precision Metals Ltd.

MATERIALS: All Systems
Category: Primary Material (penetration flashings)

• Drains, vent flashings, pipe flashings, settlement caps, gooseneck vent, scuppers

Sentry Building Innovations

MATERIALS: Water-shedding Systems (All)
Category: Secondary Material (Underlayment)

• Roofnado AnchorDeck (underlayment)
• Roofnado LapLock PSU (HT) (SA underlayment)
• StormTread XW

Soprema Inc.

MATERIALS: Water-shedding Systems (ASM)
Category: Secondary Material (Underlayment)

• Lastobond Stick VP

RoofStar Guarantee Standards – Revisions

RoofStar Guarantee Standard for Asphalt Shingle Roof Systems

Minor changes have been made to the following Part(s) in the RoofStar Guarantee Standards for Asphalt Shingle Systems:

• Part 8
  • Clarification about eave protection and minimum thickness requirements
• Part 11
  • New illustration for penetration flashing with underlayment

Please note that the downloadable PDF version of these Standards is also new. Older versions are now considered obsolete and should be discarded or deleted from your devices.

RoofStar Guarantee Standard for ASM Systems

Minor changes have been made to the following Part(s) in the RoofStar Guarantee Standards for Architectural Sheet Metal (ASM) Systems:

• Part 1
  • RoofStar 15-year Standards (summary)
  • Revised requirements for high snow load regions
• Part 9
  • New RoofStar 15-year Standards
  • Revised requirements for metal finishes
• Part 11
  • New RoofStar 15-year Standards

Please note that the downloadable PDF version of these Standards is also new. Older versions are now considered obsolete and should be discarded or deleted from your devices.

RoofStar Guarantee Standards for Waterproofing Systems (roofs)

Minor changes have been made to the following Part(s) in the RoofStar Guarantee Standards for SBS, EPDM, TPO and PVC Membrane Systems:

• Part 1
  • RoofStar 15-year Standards (summary)
• Part 9
  • Revised tables for membrane thicknesses
  • Revised requirements for membrane side laps (TPO only)
• Part 10
  • Revisions for low door and low window openings
  • Clarification about parapet heights relative to the finished waterproofing surface.
• Part 13
  • New standards and revisions pertaining to manufactured linear metal flashings

Please note that the downloadable PDF version of these Standards is also new. Older versions are now considered obsolete and should be discarded or deleted from your devices.

Construction Details: Asphalt Shingle Systems

• Part 11, Detail Ash 11.3.1 Penetration flashing with Storm collar (New)

Construction Details: SBS Modified Bitumen Membrane Systems

• Part 10, Detail 10.3.7.1 Low Door Opening (Revised)

Accepted Materials

Garland Canada Inc.

MATERIALS: Waterproofing Systems (roofs)
Category: Primary Material (SBS-modified bituminious membranes)

• OptiMax
• OptiMax FR Mineral

MATERIALS: Water-shedding Systems
Category: Primary Material (ASM panel)

• R-Mer Shield

MATERIALS: Water-shedding Systems
Category: Secondary Material (Underlayments, ASM)

• R-Mer Seal

Pabco Roofing Products

MATERIALS: Water-shedding Systems
Category: Primary Material (Asphalt shingle)

• Name Change:
  • “Premier” (shingle) renamed Prestige

Siplast

MATERIALS: Waterproofing Systems (roofs)
Category: Secondary Material (Insulation overlays)

• Paratherm HD
• Paratherm W HD

MATERIALS: Water-shedding Systems
Category: Secondary Material (Underlayments, ASM and Asphalt Shingles)

• Paradiene 20 EG SA

Category: Secondary Material (Insulation overlays)

• Paratherm HD
• Paratherm W HD

Soprema Inc.

MATERIALS: Waterproofing Systems (roofs)
Category: Primary Material (Hot fluid-applied rubberized asphalt membrane)

• Colphene H

Tremco Ltd.

MATERIALS: Waterproofing Systems (roofs)
Category: Primary Material (SBS-modified bituminous membrane)

• BURMastic Composite Ply HT (Base or interplay membrane)
• POWERPly Endure 100 Smooth (base membrane)
• POWERPly Endure 100 FR (cap membrane)
• POWERPly Endure 200 Smooth (base membrane)
• POWERPly Endure 200 FR (cap membrane)
• POWERPly Endure 300 Smooth (base membrane)
• POWERPly Endure 300 FR (cap membrane)

Category: Primary Material (PVC membrane)

• Tremply KEE

Accessories

NOTE: These are not Accepted Materials (see the Roofing Practices Manual for an explanation)

Soprema Inc. (Associate Member)

Category: Photvoltaic panel support (Waterproofing Systems)

• Soprasolar Fix EVO Pedestal

Metal-Era, Inc. (Affiliate Member)

Category: Linear Metal Flashings (Waterproofing Systems)

• Edge flashing systems (5 flashings)
• Fascia flashing systems (15 flashings)
• Coping flashing systems (9 flashings)

RoofStar Guarantee Standards – Revisions

RoofStar Guarantee Standards for Asphalt Shingle Roof Systems

Minor changes have been made to the following Part(s) in the RoofStar Guarantee Standards for Asphalt Shingle Systems:

• Part 10
  • Revised standards for metal valley flashings.

Please note that the downloadable PDF version of these Standards is also new. Older versions are now considered obsolete and should be discarded or deleted from your devices.

RoofStar Guarantee Standards for ASM Systems

Minor changes have been made to the following Part(s) in the RoofStar Guarantee Standards for Architectural Sheet Metal (ASM) Systems:

• Part 8
  
  • Revised standards concerning ventilation space beneath metal panels – size of space and when it can be unsupported.
• Part 11
  
  • Additional standards for the application of “hose clamps” and storm collars.
  • Clarification concerning chimney caps when they form part of the roofing work.

Please note that the downloadable PDF version of these Standards is also new. Older versions are now considered obsolete and should be discarded or deleted from your devices.

RoofStar Guarantee Standards for Waterproofing Systems (roofs)

Minor changes have been made to the following Part(s) in the RoofStar Guarantee Standards for SBS, EPDM, TPO and PVC Membrane Systems:

• Part 1
  • Revised requirements for integrity scans on new membranes.
• Part 3
  
  • substantial revisions to Section 1.
  • clarification concerning fastener penetration.
• Part 10
  • The entire Part has been reorganized and, in some cases, rewritten.
• Part 11
  
  • Revisions concerning overflow drains, particularly for PMR Systems.
  • Clarification about where and when a “detailer” liquid membrane flashing may be used.
  • Clarification about the application of single-component liquid membrane flashing on galvanized flashings (SBS Membrane Systems only).
• Part 13
  • Clarification concerning seams on linear metal flashings, and where seam types may be used.
  • Clarification concerning the securement of curved coping flashings.

Please note that the downloadable PDF version of these Standards is also new. Older versions are now considered obsolete and should be discarded or deleted from your devices.

Accepted Materials

Henry Company Canada

MATERIALS: Waterproofing Systems (roofs)
Category: Primary Material

• 790-11 Hot Fluid-applied Rubberized Asphalt – accepted for application on roofs

IKO Industries Ltd.

MATERIALS: Water-shedding Systems
Category: Primary Material

• Name Change:
  • Cambridge IR (shingle) renamed Nordic

Soprema Inc.

MATERIALS: Waterproofing Systems (roofs)
Category: Primary Material

• Name Changes:
  • Sopraflash Stick 20 renamed Sopraflash Stick
  • Sopraflash Stick 40 renamed Sopraflash Stick Duo
  • Soprelene Stick HR 40 renamed Sopraply Stick Duo
  • Sopralene Flam Stick renamed Sopraply Flam Stick
  • Sopralene Stick HR GR renamed Sopraply Stick Traffic Cap
  • Colply Traffic Cap 460 renamed Colply Traffic Cap
  • Colply Traffic Cap 460 Flex renamed Colply Traffic Cap Flex
  • Colply Traffic Cap FR 461 renamed Colply Traffic Cap FR
  • Sopraply Traffic Cap 560 renamed Sopraply Traffic Cap
  • Sopraply Traffic Cap 561 renamed Sopraply Traffic Cap FR
  • SopraStar Flam HD GR renamed SopraStar Flam GR
• Product Replacement:
  • Sopralene Stick HR 20 replaced by Sopraply Stick Duo
  • Sopralene Flam 250 replaced by Sopralene Flam 180
  • Colvent Traffic Cap 860 replaced by Sopraply Traffic Cap
  • Colvent Traffic Cap FR 861 replaced by Sopraply Traffic Cap FR
  • Soprafix Traffic Cap 660 replaced by Sopraply Traffic Cap
  • Soprafix Traffic Cap FR 661 replaced by Sopraply Traffic Cap FR
  • Sopralene 180 GR replaced by Colply Traffic Cap FR
  • Sopralene 250 GR replaced by Colply Traffic Cap FR
  • Sopralene Flam 350 GR replaced by Sopralene Mammouth GR

Category: Secondary Material

• Name Changes:
  • Xpress Board HD replaced by 2-1 SopraSmart Rock
  • Express ISO replaced by 3-1 SopraSmart Rock
  • Soprasmart Board 180 replaced by 2-1 SopraSmart Board
  • Soprasmart ISO HD 180 replaced by 2-1 SopraSmart Board ISO HD
  • Soprabase HD replaced by 2-1 SopraSmart FB

RoofStar Guarantee Standards – Revisions

RoofStar Guarantee Standards for Asphalt Shingle Roof Systems

Minor changes have been made to the RoofStar Guarantee Standards for Asphalt Shingle Systems.  These changes include (without limitation)

• Part 1
  • Definitions
  • new subsection: 1.3.6 Variances
• Part 2
  • Definitions
  • Expanded standards for Walls
• Part 5 – expanded standards for Wall Overlays
• Part 7 – minor revisions
• Part 11 – minor revisions

Please note that the downloadable PDF version of these Standards is also new. Older versions are now considered obsolete and should be discarded or deleted from your devices.

RoofStar Guarantee Standards for ASM Systems

The final changes to this Standard are now complete, and some of the content has been re-arranged to suit the standard 14-Part structure introduced in 2018.  Further minor changes are also sprinkled throughout the Standard.  These changes include (without limitation)

• Part 1
  • Definitions
  • new subsection: 1.3.6 Variances
• Part 2
  • Definitions
  • Expanded standards for Walls
• Part 3 – concerning concealed and exposed fasteners
• Part 4
  • Definitions
  • Requirements for new materials
• Part 5 – expanded standards for Wall Overlays
• Part 6 – new material concerning ventilation
• Part 7 – minor revisions
• Part 8
  • Definitions
  • Minor revisions to standards
• Part 9 – minor revisions
• Part 10 – minor revisions and additions
• Part 11 – several revisions and additions
• Part 13 – this is a new Part, addressing Linear Metal Flashings used in an ASM System

Please note that the downloadable PDF version of these Standards is also new. Older versions are now considered obsolete and should be discarded or deleted from your devices.

RoofStar Guarantee Standards for Waterproofing Systems (roofs)

Minor changes have been made to the RoofStar Guarantee Standards for SBS, EPDM, TPO and PVC Membrane Systems.  These changes include (without limitation)

• Part 1
  • Definitions
  • new subsection: 1.3.6 Variances
• Part 2
  • Definitions
  • Expanded standards for Walls
• Part 5 – expanded standards for Wall Overlays
• Part 7 – revised standards for improved readability
• Part 8 – revised standards for improved readability

Please note that the downloadable PDF version of these Standards is also new. Older versions are now considered obsolete and should be discarded or deleted from your devices.

Please see further amendments to 8.1.1.2 (1) All Projects and 8.3.1.2 (1)(2) All Projects, applicable to all Waterproofing Standards for roofs. Downloadable PDF versions for these Standards also have been revised.  If you have already downloaded a PDF version since the last Technical Update (February 20, 2020), please discard it and replace it with an amended version.

Thank you.

New Accepted Materials

CertainTeed Inc.

MATERIALS: Water-shedding Roofs – Underlayments
Category: Secondary Material

• RoofRunner (underlayment only)

Menzies Metal Products

MATERIALS: Waterproofing (roofs)
Category: Primary Material

• Multi-flash Insulated Pipe Flashing (note: modified installation requirements apply)

Sika Canada

MATERIALS: Waterproofing (roofs)
Category: Primary Material

• Sikalastic 601/621 liquid-applied membrane (full acceptance pending further documentation – see material listing in RPM)
• Sikalastic 641 Lo-VOC liquid-applied membrane (full acceptance pending further documentation – see material listing in RPM)

Soprema Inc.

MATERIALS: Waterproofing (roofs)
Category: Primary Material

• Colply Base 410 Flex (full acceptance pending further documentation – see material listing in RPM)
• Colply Traffic Cap 460 Flex (full acceptance pending further documentation – see material listing in RPM)

MATERIALS: Waterproofing (roofs)
Category: Secondary Material

• Sopra-Iso Plus HD (see it listed under High-density Insulation Overlays)

RoofStar Guarantee Standards – Revisions

RoofStar Guarantee Standards for Asphalt Shingle Roof Systems

Minor changes have been made to the RoofStar Guarantee Standards for Asphalt Shingle Systems.  These changes include (without limitation)

• Definitions
• Additions to 5 Workmanship
• Additions to 6 RoofStar Guarantee: Coverage and Limitations (carried over into Parts 4 and 13)
• Expanded wording for 3.5 Hot Works.
• Expanded wording and new images (figures) for 7 Electrical Cables and Boxes

Please note that the downloadable PDF version of these Standards is also new.  Older versions are now considered obsolete and should be discarded or deleted from your devices.

RoofStar Guarantee Standards for ASM Systems

Minor changes have been made to the RoofStar Guarantee Standards for Architectural Sheet Metal (ASM) Systems. These changes include (without limitation)

• Definitions
• Additions to 5 Workmanship
• Additions to 6 RoofStar Guarantee: Coverage and Limitations (carried over into Parts 4 and 13)
• Expanded wording for 3.5 Hot Works.
• Expanded wording and new images (figures) for 7 Electrical Cables and Boxes
• Terminology changes in Part 8 and Part 9.

Please note that the downloadable PDF version of these Standards is also new. Older versions are now considered obsolete and should be discarded or deleted from your devices.

RoofStar Guarantee Standards for Waterproofing (roof) Systems

Numerous changes have been made to the RoofStar Guarantee Standards for SBS, EPDM, TPO and PVC Membrane Systems. These changes include (without limitation)

• Definitions
• Additions to 1.5 Workmanship
• Additions to 1.6 RoofStar Guarantee: Coverage and Limitations (carried over into Parts 4 and 10)
• Expanded wording for 1.3.5 Hot Works
• Expanded wording and new images (figures) for 2.7 Electrical Cables and Boxes
• Updated application Standards for Part 6 AIR & VAPOUR CONTROLS
• Terminology changes in Part 8 and Part 9
• Additional images for alternative applications to torch-applied materials (Part 10) – SBS Membrane Systems only

Please note that the downloadable PDF version of these Standards is also new. Older versions are now considered obsolete and should be discarded or deleted from your devices.
                                                                                                                                                                                    

Construction Details

Several Construction Details have been modified, and new details have been introduced. Modified and new pages are highlighted in each of the construction detail pages listed by waterproofing system.

New Accepted Materials

TBA

RoofStar Guarantee Standards for EPDM, TPO and PVC Membrane Systems

A complete revision of the RoofStar Guarantee Standards for EPDM, TPO and PVC Membrane Systems is now available in the Roofing Practices Manual.  These Standards come into official effect January 1, 2020.  This revision represents both a structural and content revision of the section.  Like the Standards for their SBS cousin, the content for each of these membrane Standards has been divided into fourteen (14) Parts to parallel the restructuring of other Standards in the RPM, and the content has been both modified and supplemented with new material.

Construction details to support these Standards will be developed on an ongoing basis in the future.

A printable version is available for download under the Editor’s Note on the new page.   As this will be revised from time to time, the reader is advised to consult the online RPM for the most current wordings.

A link to the retired wordings is available for reference (for one calendar year, for projects bid before January 1, 2020).

New Accepted Materials

TBA

General Revisions to the Roofing Practices Manual

The following general changes have been made to content in Division A of the RPM:

• Revisions to The RoofStar Guarantee Program, incorporating the RoofStar 15-year Guarantee

RoofStar Guarantee Standards for Asphalt Shingle Roof Systems

A complete revision of the RoofStar Guarantee Standards for Asphalt Shingle Roof Assemblies is now available in the Roofing Practices Manual.  These Standards come into official effect December 1, 2019.  This revision represents both a structural and content revision of the section.  Content has been divided into fourteen (14) Parts to parallel the restructuring of other Standards in the RPM, and the content has been both modified and supplemented with new material.

Also note that new Construction Details have been added to the RPM to supplement the revised standards.  Other details have been updated.  Further revisions and additions are on the horizon.

A printable version is available for download under the Editor’s Note on the new page.   As this will be revised from time to time, the reader is advised to consult the online RPM for the most current wordings.

A link to the retired wordings is available for reference (for one calendar year, for projects bid before December 1, 2019), and a PDF of the current Standards is also available for download, for use where digital connectivity is limited.

RoofStar Guarantee Standards for SBS-modified Bitumen Membrane Roof Systems

Further changes have been made to the RoofStar Guarantee Standards for SBS-Modified Bitumen Membrane Roof.  While there are minor changes sprinkled throughout the Standard, principal changes include (without limitation)

• RoofStar 15-year Guarantee Standards
• Expanded wording for 3.5 Hot Works.
• Part 10 – added illustrations and associated wording for 3.3.1 Pre-flashing Approach.

Please note that the downloadable PDF version of these Standards is also new.  Older versions are now considered obsolete.

RoofStar Guarantee Standards for EPDM, TPO and PVC Membrane Roof Systems

Watch for further updates in the coming days as we upload complete revisions for the three principal single-ply membrane Standards.

Liquid Membrane Flashing

In recent years, the use of liquid membrane flashings has gained in popularity, especially as waterproofing roof designs have become more complex and detailed.  While many products are available in the marketplace, only a few are explicitly Accepted by the RoofStar Guarantee Program: (a) single-component flashing systems, and (b) fleece-reinforced 2-component PMMA flashings.  In addition to these, the RoofStar Guarantee Program acknowledges accessory flashing products marketed as a loose fibre-reinforced 2-component PMMA flashing for limited application; as Accessories, these products are not Accepted for widespread use on Guaranteed Projects, and they may be used only in restricted circumstances.

Members must pay close attention to the limited applicability of each product type, and note the restrictions imposed on their use by the Guarantee Program.  Failure to select the appropriate material for a specific application may result in a flagged deficiency that the Member Contractor will be obliged to rectify before a RoofStar Guarantee can be issued.

This bulletin does not identify all the possible opportunities or limitations presented by each product type, and the applicator should consult both the RoofStar Roofing Practices Manual (RPM) and the material manufacturer to ensure compliance with the RoofStar Guarantee Program.

Fleece-reinforced PMMA (2-component) flashing

Catalyzed polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) flashing resin is a durable, hard-setting 2-component material that must be applied in two or more coats together with an embedded polyester fleece reinforcement fabric.   Fleece-reinforced PMMA products are acceptable for application in the water plane, and may be used where foot traffic or contamination of the membrane is an issue (for example, below a kitchen fan), where abrasion may cause premature wear of the roof membrane (i.e. around the perimeter of a drain sump), or where it is difficult to flash a protrusion with membrane (I-beams or HSS posts, for example).  Fleece-reinforced PMMA may also be used to terminate the top edges of membrane where it terminates on a vertical surface (as an alternative to mechanical fastening).

The RPM provides clear standards for the use and application of this product type, limited to SBS-modified bituminous membrane roof systems.  Consult the manufacturer’s application and preparation requirements, as a properly prepared substrate is key to the material’s success.

These products must be applied with clean edge lines and uniform application rates, and must extend past the reinforcement fleece; refer to both the RoofStar Guarantee Standards and to the manufacturer’s published application instructions. Failure to achieve proper thickness and coverage in keeping with both the manufacturer’s published tolerances and the Guarantee Standards published in the RPM can result in premature material failure. Furthermore, it is critical for the applicator to follow the manufacturer’s published mixing rates of the two components, and work within the material’s cure times. Improper mixing, or a delay in applying the fleece reinforcement, may yield poor, unacceptable results and a flagged deficiency during site reviews.

You can find notes scattered throughout the SBS-modified Bitumen Membrane Systems Standard, but the application requirements are found in both Part 10 (PERIMETERS and WALLS) and Part 11 (DRAINS and PENETRATIONS).  You will also find useful notes on the Material pages for Accepted Materials.  Read the product description, and review the Technical Data Sheets downloadable from the RPM.  Ensure that these notes are consulted in combination with the Standards in the RPM.

Fleece-reinforced PMMA flashing systems should not be confused with field-applied PMMA systems which are handled similarly to flashings, but fall under a different set of Standards and limited use.

Single-component liquid flashing

Single-component liquid flashing systems Accepted by the RoofStar Guarantee Program may not be used to terminate membranes, seal hard-to-flash penetrations at the water plane, or reinforce membranes against abrasion.  Rather, these polyurethane or silicone products are suitable to coat galvanized flashings used at the water plane, or they may be used to flash details that membranes cannot be applied to, well above the water plane.  Additionally, single-component polyurethane flashings may be used as an alternative to fleece-reinforced PMMA, to waterproof dowels set in a pre-curb (pre-curbs are at least 100 mm, or 4” above the water plane; the RoofStar Guarantee Standards require at least two independently cured coats that cover dowels and intersecting membranes).

Fleece reinforcement is required in single-component polyurethane flashings where a change in angle occurs, or where there is a joint between two supports (where the flashing is used to bridge a joint).  In instances where a fleece is used, a second coating of liquid is required after the first coat has cured.

Clean edge lines and a uniform application typify good installation. As with two-component liquid flashing systems, applied single-component liquid must extend past the scrim.

Accessory Detailers

While these accessories are a PMMA product, they are reinforced with fibres mixed in at the time of material preparation.  These products may not be used as a substitute for fleece-reinforced PMMA, nor may they be used at the water plane.  They are suitable for application where movement is not expected, and for limited areas where a fleece-reinforced PMMA flashing cannot be used.  Commonly, fibre-reinforced PMMA detailers are used around bolts and nuts at least 100 mm (4”) above the water plane, where neither membranes nor a fleece-reinforced PMMA flashing would be practicable.

This product should be installed with clean edge lines and a uniform application.

To download this Technical Bulletin, click the link here: Technical Bulletin (Liquid Membrane Flashings)

For more information about liquid membrane flashing materials, consult the RoofStar Roofing Practices Manual online.

New Accepted Materials

Soprema Inc.

MATERIALS: Roofing – Eave Protection and Underlayments (ASM)

Category: Secondary Material

• Sopralene Stick HR40 (for use beneath panels on slopes less than 1:6 (2” in 12”)). See requirements on the Accepted Material page in the RPM.

MATERIALS: Roofing –  Drainage layer (ASM)

Category: Accessories

• Sopradrain Eco Vent (for use beneath panels on slopes less than 1:3 (4” in 12”)

Upcoming Changes to Accepted Materials (Penetration flashings and Drains)

The RGC Board of Directors has approved the direction set by the Technical Committee, to bring penetration flashings and drains into the RoofStar Guarantee Program as Accepted Materials.  This approval represents a significant shift in the Program, since it means that only products listed in the RPM will be considered valid for use on a RoofStar-guaranteed Project (for all roof systems and Grade-level Waterproofing).  Applications for Associate membership and product acceptance have already been received, and more are expected.  Watch for further developments following the September Technical Committee meeting and subsequent October Board of Directors meeting.

General Revisions to the Roofing Practices Manual

The following general changes have been made to content in Division A of the RPM:

• New nomenclature for the RPM (see How to Use the Roofing Practices Manual).
• Complete revisions to The RoofStar Guarantee Program.

Also note that content in Independent Observations was revised in February 2019.

RoofStar Guarantee Standards for ASM (Architectural Sheet Metal) Roof Systems

Further changes have been made to the RoofStar Guarantee Standards for ASM Roof Assemblies.  Principal changes include (without limitation)

• Part 1 – Definitions; the RoofStar Guarantee: Coverage and Limitations
• Part 2 – General; Roof Slope; Electrical Cables and Boxes
• Part 3 – Application
• Part 6 – Materials; Application
• Part 8 – Materials
• Part 10 – General (Design); Application (Sequencing; Transitions with Waterproofing Systems)
• Part 12 – Built-in Gutters (fully revised – aligns with Waterproofing standards)

RoofStar Guarantee Standards for SBS-modified Bitumen Membrane Roof Systems

Further changes have been made to the RoofStar Guarantee Standards for SBS-Modified Bitumen Membrane Roof.  While there are minor changes sprinkled throughout the Standard, principal changes include (without limitation)

• Part 1 – Definitions; Integrity Scans and Electronic Leak Detection; Hot Works; Contractor qualifications; revisions to the RoofStar Guarantee: Coverage and Limitations
• Part 2 – Roof Slope (vis-à-vis drainage)
• Part 3 – Application (primarily for Tested Assemblies); amendments to securement options, particularly for MARS assemblies.
• Part 5 – General; Materials (both with respect to acceptable materials for application on walls)
• Part 6 – Materials; Application (additional standards for appropriate application requirements)
• Part 7 – General (Design); Application (panel spacing/gaps)
• Part 8 – General (Design); Materials (note table); Application (heat-sensitive insulation and crickets)
• Part 9 – General (Design)(this includes new standards for SA membranes on slopes greater than 1:6, plus new design requirements for membrane protection); Materials (note the revised table in 9.2.1); Application (SA membranes on slopes greater than 1:6; transitions with Water-shedding Systems)
• Part 10 – General (Design)(continuity; alternative materials for hazardous locations; changes to minimum parapet height; options for membrane termination, including revisions for reglet options); Materials (see fastener requirements); Application (generally parallel to revisions under General)
• Part 11 – General (Definitions; Design – drainage, curbs and penetrations); Materials (Curb and Penetration Flashings); Application (Drains; Penetrations – note new requirements for cable and pipe-type penetrations, and for sealant pockets)
• Part 12 – Materials for PMRAs
• Part 13 – General (Design – note changes for butt seams and flashings for membrane terminations); Application – note that sealant is not required for S-lock or Standing Seams, unless specified by the Design Authority; see also requirements for seams.
• Part 14 – General (Design, with respect to loads, integrity scans and ELD); Materials (membrane protection)

Accepted Materials

Mansonville Plastics is now owned by Airfoam Industries Ltd.  This change is reflected in the RPM list of Associate Members.

Building Products of Canada is no longer an Associate Member of the RCABC.  Their page and listed Accepted Materials have been deleted from the RPM.

These changes take effect immediately, for Projects bid after June 24, 2019.

New Accepted Materials

FT Synthetics

MATERIALS: Roofing

Underlayment (all Water-shedding Systems)

• Hydra

G&G Roofing

MATERIALS

Architectural Sheet Metal (ASM) panels (site-formed)

• Knudson KR-21 VP Varipan

New/Revised Guarantee Standards

Red and Bold Red italics in this bulletin indicate changes made to the RoofStar Guarantee Standards wording. Refer to the published RoofStar Guarantee Program Standards.

Terminology Shift

Because membrane roofs can be applied on slopes greater than 2:12, and ASM (as one example) can be applied to slopes as low as 0 (think ‘barrel roofs’ at their apex), the use of the terms “Low-slope membrane roofing” and “Steep-slope roofing” have not adequately served the Guarantee Program. Furthermore, the distinction of roof types based on slope has become perplexing to some users of the RPM, as for example when discussing the application of shingles on ‘low-slopes’ while simultaneously describing shingles as a ‘steep-slope’ material.

Consequently, we have reclassified roof types based on functional categories – Waterproofing Systems and Water-shedding Systems.  Within these two functional Divisions, slopes have been redefined as follows:

• Flat Slope means a roof with a slope less than 1:6 (2” in 12”, or 9 degrees).
• Low Slope means a roof with a slope from 1:6 (2” in 12”, or 9 degrees) up to but less than 1:3 (4” in 12”, or 18 degrees).
• Common Slope means a roof with a slope 1:3 (4” in 12”, or 18 degrees) up to and including 1:1 (12” in 12”, or 45 degrees).
• Steep Slope means a roof with a slope greater than 1:1 (12” in 12”, or 45 degrees) up to and including 21:12 (21” in 12”, or 84 degrees).
• Extreme Slope means a roof with a slope greater than 21:12 (21” in 12”, or 84 degrees).

The diagram below illustrates these slope definitions and has been incorporated into the RPM (for now only in the RoofStar Guarantee Standards for SBS-modified Bitumen Membrane Roof Assemblies; other Parts, i.e. single-ply membranes and all water-shedding systems will be updated over time).

RoofStar Guarantee Standards for ASM (Architectural Sheet Metal) Roof Assemblies

• Minor changes have been made to the recent complete revisions of the RoofStar Guarantee Standards for ASM Roof Assemblies.  Principal changes affect Part 8 (EAVE PROTECTION, UNDERLAYMENT and DRAINAGE
• Part 9 (PANELS) and
• Parts 10 and 11 (with respect to fasteners).

RoofStar Guarantee Standards for SBS-modified Bitumen Membrane Roof Assemblies

Numerous changes have been made to the recent complete revision of the RoofStar Guarantee Standards for SBS-modified Bitumen Membrane Roof Assemblies is now available in the Roofing Practices Manual.  Changes include

• Part 1 (GENERAL)
• Part 2 (SUPPORTING STRUCTURES: Decks and Walls)
• Part 3 (SECURING the ROOF ASSEMBLY)
• Part 7 (INSULATION)
• Part 8 (INSULATION OVERLAYS)
• Part 9 (FIELD MEMBRANES)
• Part 10 (DRAINS and PENETRATIONS)
• Part 12 (PROTECTED MEMBRANES and OTHER DETAILS)
• Part 13 (METAL FLASHINGS) and
• Part 14 (THE ROOF as a PLATFORM)

New Accepted Materials

Soprema Inc.

MATERIALS: Roofing

Insulation:

• Sopra-XPS (35, 40, 60, 100)

Malarkey Roofing Products

MATERIALS: Roofing

Asphalt Shingles:

• Windsor XL
• Legacy XL
• Vista
• Vista AR

New/Revised Guarantee Standards

Red and Bold Red italics in this bulletin indicate changes made to the RoofStar Guarantee Standards wording. Refer to the published RoofStar Guarantee Program Standards.

Wind Uplift – Securing the Roof Assembly

Wind uplift design requirements have been substantially revised (now adopted by the 2018 British Columbia Building Code and effective for all new construction on December 12, 2018).  These are published in the new SBS membrane Standards (Securing the Roof Assembly).  System-specific versions of these standards will be adopted over the next few months.  In the meantime, the link on the Main Page of the RPM redirects readers to this link in the Guarantee Standards. A similar redirect is now included for other active membrane roof systems (see 3 SECURING the ROOF ASSEMBLY for EPDM, TPO and PVC).

RoofStar Guarantee Standards for ASM (Architectural Sheet Metal) Roof Assemblies

A complete revision of the RoofStar Guarantee Standards for ASM Roof Assemblies is now available in the Roofing Practices Manual.  This revision represents both a structural and content revision of the section.  Fourteen (14) sections have been reorganized, and the content has been both modified and supplemented with new material.

A printable version is available for download under the Editor’s Note on the new page.   As this will be revised from time to time, the reader is advised to consult the online RPM for the most current wordings.

A link to the retired wordings is available for reference (for one calendar year, for projects bid before December 1, 2018), and a PDF of the current Standards is also available for download, for use where digital connectivity is limited.

RoofStar Guarantee Standards for SBS-modified Bitumen Membrane Roof Assemblies

A complete revision of the RoofStar Guarantee Standards for SBS-modified Bitumen Membrane Roof Assemblies is now available in the Roofing Practices Manual.  This revision represents both a structural and content revision of the section.  Fourteen (14) sections have been reorganized, and the content has been both modified and substantially supplemented with new material.

A printable version is available for download under the Editor’s Note on the new page.   As this will be revised from time to time, the reader is advised to consult the online RPM for the most current wordings.

A link to the retired wordings is available for reference (for one calendar year, for projects bid before December 1, 2018), and a PDF of the current Standards is also available for download, for use where digital connectivity is limited.

New Accepted Materials

IKO Industries Ltd.

MATERIALS

Composite Insulation Overlays:

• ShieldBase 180
• IKOTherm Covershield

New/Revised Guarantee Standards

Please note that changes have been made to Material Discontinuance, Substitutions or Additions in the Material Criteria and Application for Acceptance section of the Roofing Practices Manual.

New Accepted Materials

Polyglass USA, Inc.

MATERIALS

SBS-modified Bitumen Base Membranes:

• Elastoflex S6 SA 2.5
• Elastoflex S6 Poly/Sand 2.5

SBS-modified Bitumen Cap Membranes:

• Polyfresko SBS G
• Polyfresko SBS G FR

Steep-slope Underlayments:

• Polystick IR-Xe
• Polystick MTS
• Polystick TU Plus

ACCESSORIES (Note: Accessories are listed but not Accepted as Materials guaranteed under the RoofStar Guarantee Program)

• Polyflash 1C (low-slope application, on proprietary materials only)

CertainTeed Corporation

MATERIALS

Steep-slope Underlayments:

• Roofers Select

HAL Industries Inc.

MATERIALS

Steep-slope Underlayments:

• Breathex

Soprema Inc.

MATERIALS: Roofing (PMRA’s only)

SBS-modified Bitumen Base Membranes:

• Sopraply Plus P/P 3.0
• Colphene Flam HR
• Colphene Flam HR SP

SBS-modified Bitumen Cap Membranes:

• Sopraply Traffic Cap Plus G/P 4.0

MATERIALS: Waterproofing

SBS-modified Bitumen Base Membranes:

• Sopraply Plus P/P 3.0
• Colphene Flam HR
• Colphene Flam HR SP

SBS-modified Bitumen Cap Membranes:

• Sopraply Traffic Cap Plus G/P 4.0

New/Revised Guarantee Standards

Red and Bold Red italics in this bulletin indicate changes made to the RoofStar Guarantee Standards wording.  Refer to the published RoofStar Guarantee Program Standards.

Insulation requirements

7.1. General

.2 When heat-sensitive insulations are used in a roof assembly, they must be covered with a heat-resistant insulation at least 50 mm (2″) thick.

SBS-modified Bitumen Membrane Standards

9.2 Material Selection

Not all membranes are ideal or even acceptable for every type of application. Below is a table that outlines the new minimum thickness and puncture resistance requirements for SBS-modified bituminous membranes, based on what type of assembly they will be used in (effective for projects bid after March 1, 2018):

RoofStar Guarantee Standards for Low-slope Membrane Roofs (all membrane assemblies)

11.3.8 Sleepers and Roof Separation (Expansion and Control) Joints

Roof Separation Joints (Expansion and Control Joints, etc.) / Equipment Sleepers / Safety Anchor Piers (poured in place pads) that are completely sealed (enveloped) with membrane flashing (stripping) may be less than 200 mm (8″) in height but must not be less than 100 mm (4″) in height above the finished roof surface.

Proprietary elastomeric expansion joint systems, manufactured with an EPDM-based core and flanges that can be fully bonded to the primary membrane, are acceptable for use in low-sloped membrane roof assemblies when the systems are located a minimum of 200mm (8″) above the finished roof surface and are completely sheathed (covered) with sloped metal flashing.  Such joints must be

1. 1. accepted for use in the RoofStar Guarantee Program;
   2. compatible with the roof membrane and acceptable to the membrane manufacturer;
   3. designed and manufactured to accommodate building movements of at least 500% elongation at -40° C (-40° F) across its length and at all vulcanized points;
   4. factory-fabricated by means of vulcanization;
   5. manufactured as one piece, complete with all joints, details and connections;
   6. Bonded with the primary membrane in a manner acceptable to the manufacturers of both the expansion joint and the membrane to which it will be bonded.

Field splicing of proprietary elastomeric expansion joints is permitted only when made with a machine acceptable to the expansion joint manufacturer.  All other field splices are not permitted.

RoofStar Guarantee Standards for Waterproofing
4.2.2 Elastomeric Expansion Joints

Proprietary elastomeric expansion joint systems may be used at the water plane provided the expansion joint system is manufactured with an EPDM-based core and flanges that can be fully bonded to the primary membrane. Such joints must be

1. 1. accepted for use in the RoofStar Guarantee Program;
   2. compatible with the roof membrane and acceptable to the membrane manufacturer;
   3. designed and manufactured to accommodate building movements of at least 500% elongation at -40° C (-40° F) across its length and at all vulcanized points;
   4. factory-fabricated by means of vulcanization;
   5. manufactured as one piece, complete with all joints, details and connections;
   6. Bonded with the primary membrane in a manner acceptable to the manufacturers of both the expansion joint and the membrane to which it will be bonded.

Field splicing of proprietary elastomeric expansion joints is permitted only when made with a machine acceptable to the expansion joint manufacturer. All other field splices are not permitted.

Change of Ownership / change to Accepted Materials:

InterWrap Inc. has been purchased by Owens Corning Canada LP.  Accordingly, all materials listed under the InterWrap Inc. label are now found on the Owens Corning Canada page of the Accepted Materials in the Roofing Practices Manual.

New Accepted Materials

Siplast

MATERIALS

• Parapro PMMA Roof Membrane Resin (for application to Paradiene “P” membranes, below)
• Paradiene 20 EG TG P
• Paradiene 20 P
• Paradiene 20 SA P
• Paradiene 20 TG P
• Paradiene 20 TS P
• Paradiene 20 TS SA P

Accepted for both the primary field and detail membranes as part of:

• Conventionally insulated and Protected/Modified Protected Membrane Roof Assemblies, and as part of
• Waterproofing assemblies

Acceptable application of this system is limited to:

• direct application of PMMA membrane to concrete decks, provided the epoxy primer is used for new concrete application, or
• application of PMMA membranes as the “cap” over an accepted base ply (Paradiene P membranes) in conventional SBS-modified bitumen membrane roof assemblies (PARS and AARS assemblies must have an adhered cover board)

ACCESSORIES (Note: Accessories are listed but not Accepted as Materials guaranteed under the RoofStar Guarantee Program)

• Paracoat

Polyglass USA, Inc.

MATERIALS

SBS-modified Bitumen Base Membranes:

• Elastobase
• Elastoflex S6 (2.2 mm sand/sand, poly/sand, poly/poly)
• Elastoflex S6 (3.0 mm poly/poly)
• Elastoflex V
• Elastoflex SA
• Elastoflex SA V
• Elastoflex SA V FR

SBS-modified Bitumen Cap Membranes:

• Elastoflex S6 G
• Elastoflex S6 G FR
• Elastoflex SA P
• Elastoflex SA P FR
• Elastoflex S6 G C HP (250)
• Elastoflex S6 G C HP FR (250)
• Elastoshield TS G FR

ACCESSORIES (Note: Accessories are listed but not Accepted as Materials guaranteed under the RoofStar Guarantee Program)

• PG 350

New Accepted Materials

FT Synthetics

• HT-SA self-adhering underlayment (for eave and valley protection (asphalt shingles)

Hydrotech Membrane Corporation

• Monolithic Membrane 6125
• Monolithic Membrane 6125 EV

Accepted for:

• Protected Membrane Roof Assemblies, and for
• Waterproofing assemblies.

Soprema Inc.

• Alsan RS 230 (system with various components)

Accepted for both the primary field and detail membranes as part of:

• Conventionally insulated and Protected/Modified Protected Roof Assemblies, and as part of
• Waterproofing assemblies

Acceptable application of this system is limited to:

• direct application to concrete decks, provided the epoxy primer is used for new concrete application, or
• application as the “cap” ply over an acceptable base ply in conventional SBS roof assemblies (PARS and AARS assemblies must have an adhered cover board)

IKO Industries Ltd.

• IKO Stormtite (accepted as a synthetic underlayment only, for asphalt shingles)

New/Revised Guarantee Standards

Red and Bold Red italics in this bulletin indicate changes made to the RoofStar Guarantee Standards wording.  Refer to the published RoofStar Guarantee Program Standards.

7.2.2 Mineral Wool Insulation
Mineral wool insulation panels must be fastened or adhered according to the manufacturer’s published instructions and tested assemblies, but in any event must conform to the options shown in the table below.

           Permissible Conventional Roof Assembly – Mineral Wool Insulation

A Non-Coated Mineral Wool Base Insulation layer is permissible only by mechanically fastening, but may not have additional insulation layers adhered to it.

†† NOTE: All conventional roof systems with an overburden (see 10.1.1 & 10.1.2) require a ½” cover board over the top layer of insulation, regardless of its type. Adhere cover board only if top insulation layer is bitumen-coated.

1.2.3 Eave Protection and Underlay
.1 Acceptable eave protection consists of one continuous width of accepted self-adhesive rubberized asphalt sheet.

Apply on the roof deck, extending from the edge of the roof a minimum distance of 915 mm (3′) up the roof slope to a line not less than 300 mm (12″) inside the inner face of the exterior wall. In high snow regions, extend the eave protection not less than 600 mm (24”) inside the inner face of the exterior wall. Eaves protection membrane is to be carried up all abutments (walls, skylights, etc.) a minimum of 125mm (5″).

Eave protection is not required:

1. over unheated garages, carports, and porches, or
2. where the roof overhang exceeds 915 mm (3′) measured along the roof slope from the edge of the roof to the inner face of the exterior wall.

Horizontal runs of eave protection must be positively lapped at least 50 mm (2″) and end laps (vertical joints) must be at least 150 mm (6″). Where negative (backward) laps are unavoidable, laps must be at least 150 mm (6”), and seams must be roller-pressed and sealed with a compatible mastic along the seam edge

.2 Acceptable underlay may include any of the following:

• At least one ply of 15 lb. non-perforated asphalt saturated felt
• RoofStar-accepted synthetic underlayment
• RoofStar-accepted self-adhering eave protection

Because synthetic and fully-adhered membranes vary in vapour permeability, consult the manufacturer’s specifications and ventilation requirements of the British Columbia Building Code (latest edition).

For materials acceptable under the RoofStar Guarantee Program, see Eave Protection & Underlayment.

Apply underlayment to all roof decks in shingle fashion, fastened in accordance with the manufacturer’s published instructions and acceptable fasteners.

Horizontal runs of underlayment must be positively lapped at least 50 mm (2″) and end laps (vertical joints) must be at least 150 mm (6″). Where negative (backward) laps are unavoidable, only a RoofStar-accepted self-adhering underlayment may be used. Negative laps must be at least 150 mm (6”), and seams must be roller-pressed and sealed with a compatible mastic along the seam edge.

Underlayment is to be carried up all abutments (walls, skylights, etc.) a minimum of 125mm (5″).

Felt underlays and asphalt shingles must be applied on the same day. To prevent wrinkling, let felt relax before installing.

Air and Vapour Barriers – All Systems

6.1 Intent

Air and vapour barriers, along with thermal barriers, water resistive barriers and water-shedding surfaces, serve to separate the outside environment from the interior environments of a structure.  Continuous air barriers are perhaps the most critical.  Building Codes in force in each jurisdiction, and the National Energy Code (2011), require the selection and proper installation of “a continuous air barrier system comprised of air-barrier assemblies to control air leakage into and out of the conditioned space” (NEC 2011).

Continuity of the air and/or vapour barrier from the wall systems and roof systems is essential to the satisfactory performance of either or both.  Therefore, proper connection between air and/or vapour barrier systems is essential, and the responsibility of both the design authority and trades constructing walls and roofs.

Air barriers control “flow of air through the building enclosure, either inward or outward” (Guide for Designing Energy Efficient Building Enclosures, Homeowner Protection Office).  Controlling air flow into and out of conditioned spaces affects the performance of “thermally efficient enclosure assemblies” (ibid), impacts the potential for condensation in between materials, and directly influences rain water penetration of the building envelope.  Some air barriers are considered permeable, others air-impermeable or ‘airtight’.  The suitability of one over the other, in the application of a roofing system, is left to the discernment of the design authority and/or the roofing contractor.  Consequently, the RoofStar Guarantee Program strongly recommends that designers and builders of roof systems intended to qualify for a RoofStar Guarantee carefully consider the regulatory design and installation requirements for effective, continuous air barrier systems.

Vapour barriers regulate or prohibit the movement of water vapour from one space to another by means of diffusion.  Consequently, these barriers are referred to as either vapour-permeable or impermeable.  Diffusion is a slow process, in contrast to air movement, and its regulation is not always mandatory or even desirable.  Consequently, because continuous vapour barriers “are not needed within all climate zones and assemblies”, they are considered non-critical and may be left to the discretion of the design authority.  Nevertheless, where continuous vapour barriers are required and specified by provincial or municipal building codes (current and in force), the RoofStar Guarantee Program requires that a suitable vapour barrier system be selected by the design authority and properly installed by the roofing contractor in conformity with the vapour barrier manufacturer’s published instructions, and with the design authority’s specified details.

Any references in this Manual to installation methodologies, and any construction details that show air and/or vapour barriers, are merely illustrative and not prescriptive.  Installers of continuous air and/or vapour barrier systems are urged to understand and comply with best practices for their application.

6.2 Limitations and Exclusions

.1 Air and vapour barrier performance is not part of the RoofStar Guarantee, and air/vapour barrier materials are not listed in the Accepted Materials section of this Manual.  Therefore, the decision to specify an air and/or vapour barrier, the placement of a continuous air and/or vapour barrier in relation to a roof assembly and system, and the selection of suitable materials for that application, is the sole responsibility of the design authority.  The design authority is urged to review and consider the performance characteristics of materials available for such applications.

Neither the RoofStar Guarantee Program nor the roofing contractor will accept any responsibility for damage to, or failure of, the roof system caused by the use or absence of air and/or vapour barriers.

.2 Proper installation and continuity of air and/or vapour barriers within the roof assembly is the responsibility of the roofing contractor. The air/vapour barrier must:

• Extend past the roof membrane flashing by 100mm (4”) on new construction providing a positive (water-shedding) lap seal union between courses of material for the wall air/vapour barrier membrane applicator.
• Must be sealed to the wall air/vapour barrier on roof replacement projects.

Installation must conform to the manufacturer’s published requirements and the design authority’s design details.

6.2 Material Selection

.1 Fully supported air and/or vapour barriers must possess a minimum published static puncture resistance rating of 150 N (34 lbf) (ref. CGSB-37.56-M for both test method and standard limits) and be either self-adhering or torch-applied.  For unsupported air and/or vapour barriers, see 6.2.3 below. Therefore, while responsibility for the selection of a suitable air/vapour barrier rests with the design authority, a roof designed and built to qualify for a RoofStar Guarantee shall not include either polyethylene sheet plastic or bitumen-impregnated kraft paper.

.2 Where air and/or vapour barriers are specified by the design authority, they must be selected from the materials listed in the wind-tested assemblies reports for MARS, PARS or AARS roof systems (excluding polyethylene sheet plastic and kraft paper, as noted above).  For a complete listing of current wind test reports, click on the linked system acronyms above.

.3 Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, the RoofStar Guarantee Program strongly recommends that any air and/or vapour barrier system be installed over a smooth, continuous plane (for example, concrete or plywood).  Consequently, a deck overlay board installed on corrugated steel roof decks in highly recommended.  Where no deck overlay board is installed and the air and/or vapour barrier is partially unsupported (for example, on a steel deck), the air and/or vapour barrier must have a published static puncture resistance of at least 400 N (90 lbf).  Furthermore, both the side laps and end laps must be fully supported.

.4 Should the air/vapour barrier membrane be used as a temporary roof during project construction by either the roofing contractor or by other trades, a minimum 2mm thick bituminous membrane is recommended.

.5 Because curing concrete releases considerable moisture that can compromise the performance of a roof system, a vapour barrier installed on new concrete decks (28 days or older) must be selected to prevent condensation inside the roof system.  A membrane with a permeability of 0.01 perms (Class I) is recommended.  Nevertheless, the selection of the vapour barrier product is the responsibility of the design authority.

6.3 Vapour Retarder Design for High-Humidity Building Interiors

Careful consideration should be given to the performance characteristics of air and/or vapour barriers when specifying such a membrane for roof assemblies constructed over high-humidity building interiors.  These types of building interiors include (but are not limited to)

• Swimming pools
• Commercial laundry facilities
• Large aquariums
• Paper mills

Roof systems for facilities such as these, with high-humidity environments, may be susceptible to the accumulation of moisture within the roof assembly unless an effective vapour barrier is omitted.

Vapour retarders for high humidity facilities should have a perm rating as close to zero as possible, be durable, multi-layer membranes that are effective in preventing vapour drive into the roof systems from the interior of high humidity environments.

Thin, lightweight, single-layer vapour retarders are prone to damage during installation of roof assemblies and are therefore not recommended for use over high humidity building interiors.

Revised ASM (Architectural Sheet Metal) Standards

Comprehensive changes to the ASM Guarantee Standards have been approved and are forthcoming, subject to the completion of new detail drawings.  A separate Technical Update will be issued once the new section material is ready for publishing.

New Accepted Materials

FT Synthetics

• Platinum HT-SA (for shingle underlayment only)

Nielson Roofing & Sheet Metal Ltd.

• SS 100 ASM panel profile
• FF100 ASM panel profile

New/Revised Guarantee Standards

Red and Bold Red italics in this bulletin indicate changes made to the RoofStar Guarantee Standards wording.  Refer to the published RoofStar Guarantee Program Standards.

DOW Chemical Ballast Guide for PMR and MPMR Assemblies
For reference only – see Protected and Modified Protected Roof Systems in B. Essential Elements, and in each of the low slope membrane roof system sections.

8.4.2 Adhering (NOTE: for SBS, EPDM, TPO/PVC and BUR Roof System Standards.  For colour-coded classification of the wording, refer to the RoofStar Roofing Practices Manual)

When asphaltic membranes are adhered (using hot asphalt, cold adhesives, or when applied with a torch), at least one layer of overlay board is required over all types of insulation. The exception to this requirement is mineral wool insulation used in a single or multi-layered adhered or partially adhered insulation assembly, where the top surface of the uppermost insulation layer incorporates an impregnated bitumen surface to which an asphaltic membrane may be torch welded, mop-applied or cold-adhered.

Note the following restrictions and conditions, which apply to the above:

• flame protection may be required where only one layer of insulation is specified.
• where mineral wool insulation is mechanically fastened through the uppermost insulation layer, an adhered non-flammable cover board with a thickness of no less than 12.5 mm (1/2”) is mandatory, to prevent fastener penetration of the adhered membrane. A cover board is not required where only the bottom layer of a multi-layer mineral wool insulation assembly is mechanically fastened.

The following standards, principles and information also apply:

Heat Sensitive Insulation: On all heat sensitive insulation (polystyrene – both  extruded and expanded), an overlay consisting of two layers of acceptable cover board (each with min. 3/16″ thickness) is to be used when using hot-applied adhesive, when torch-welding or where the cover board is less than 1/2″ in thickness on torch applied assemblies. Overlay board thickness shall not exceed 50 mm (2”).  Fibreboard shall not be used with flame-welded membrane seams.

9.3.4 Cold-Applied and Self-Adhered Membranes (NOTE: for SBS; see also 9.3.6 in BUR Roof System Standards.  For colour-coded classification of the wording, refer to the RoofStar Roofing Practices Manual)

When the base sheet and cap sheet membrane assemblies are self-adhered or applied using a cold adhesive, the cap sheet membrane must be installed on a clean, dry base.  Therefore, barring extreme circumstances, and to comply with the manufacturer’s requirements, the base and cap sheets must be installed and completed together on the same work day. This standard does not apply where torch-applied cap membranes will be bonded to a self-adhering base membrane.  Specifications and manufacturers’ written application instructions must be strictly followed. Phased installation of membranes is not permitted.

NOTE to Reader: What follows is a substantial change to the RoofStar Guarantee Standards for Waterproofing.  Most of the material shown here is new (hence the red text).  Note that the section title has changed.

10 VEGETATED ROOF ASSEMBLIES, PLANTERS & OCCUPIED SPACES (NOTE: for SBS, EPDM, TPO/PVC and BUR Roof System Standards.  For colour-coded classification of the wording, refer to the RoofStar Roofing Practices Manual)

10.1 General

SBS Modified Bituminous membranes used on Landscaped and Vegetated conventionally insulated roofing systems with an overburden 200 mm (8”) or less in depth shall consist of two plies and the top ply (cap) must be a minimum thickness of 3.7 mm on the selvedge edge, with a minimum 180g / meters squared polyester or equal strength combination reinforcement. Thermoset and Thermo Plastic (EPDM, TPO, PVC) single ply membranes used for Landscaped and Vegetated roofing systems shall be fully adhered and a minimum thickness of 1.5mm (0.060″).

For roof membrane systems insulated above the membrane (Protected Membrane Roof assemblies), refer to the membrane standards under Protected and Modified Protected Membranes and additional requirements set out below in 10.1.2.

10.1.1 Definitions

Overburden

In this Manual, “overburden” denotes any manner of material, equipment or installation that is situated on top of, and covering all or a portion of, a roof or waterproofing membrane assembly.  This excludes thermal insulation but includes and is not limited to

• planters, inclusive of everything they contain;
• vegetated assemblies in trays, mats or other similar containers;
• loose growing media, gravel, sand or any other granular material;
• non-structural water features, inclusive of the water;
• void fill;
• tiles, pavers, supporting pedestals or other similar materials;
• equipment and/or installations, other than those mounted on curbs or structural mounts which are permanently waterproofed with the roof membrane assembly

Extensive Vegetated Roof Assemblies

Roof top gardens having minimal plant species diversity, irrigated only to establish plants, and typically having a soil depth of less than 150 mm or 6 inches.

Intensive Vegetated Roof Assemblies

Roof top gardens with diverse plant species, irrigated for maintenance and typically having a soil depth equal to or more than 150 mm or 6 inches.

10.1.2 Design and Construction Requirements

Roof Systems – Options and Requirements

A conventional roof membrane assembly is not appropriate for all types of roofs supporting overburden.  For example, overburden weight, and hydrostatic pressure exerted because of certain types of overburden, demand different materials and design approaches to ensure membranes do not fail.  Therefore, where

• the designed overburden of the roof assembly (excluding plants) exceeds 150 mm (6”) in depth, or
• the point-loading of overburden equals or exceeds 138 kPa (20 psi); or
• moveable planters or equipment/installations on a roof each weigh 90 Kg (200 lbs) or more

the roof must be designed and constructed to comply with all the requirements for a Protected Membrane Roof assembly (insulated above the membrane); under these circumstances, conventionally insulated roof assemblies (insulated beneath the membrane) are not permitted under the RoofStar Guarantee Program.  Furthermore, both a Moisture Survey Scan of the installed membrane assembly and a permanently installed electric leak detection system are mandatory (for leak detection system requirements, refer to the RoofStar Guarantee Standards for Waterproofing Plazas, Promenades and Terraces).  EPDM roof membranes are therefore excluded from these applications.

The cost of removal and re-installation or replacement of any such equipment, installations, planters, overburden (or services and connections associated with them) is the sole responsibility of the building owner, whether for the purpose of investigating a leak or conducting warrantable repairs to the membrane.

For further requirements concerning leak detection for Rooftop Gardens, Vegetated Roof Assemblies and Planters, see 10.7 Membrane Moisture Surveys and Electric Leak Detection.

10.2 Membrane Protection…

10.3 Planter Design & Waterproofing…

10.4 CSA A123.24 and Wind Uplift…

10.5 Overburdens

10.5.1 Extensive Vegetated Roof Assemblies

Where Extensive Vegetated Roof Assemblies are installed as part of the roofing specification and / or contract, the costs for removal and replacement of soil to access the membrane, to investigate or repair leaks in the membrane, are included in the RoofStar Guarantee coverage. However, the removal and replacement of plants, irrigation lines and or equipment, electrical lines, landscape and decorative features such as concrete pads, statues, planters, large rocks, etc., to investigate or repair leaks in the membrane, is not included, and is the responsibility of others. Consequently, such access shall be provided and/or paid for by others.

10.5.2 Intensive Vegetative Roof Assemblies

Intensive Vegetated Roof Assemblies installed as part of the roofing specification and/or contract, are permitted on conventionally insulated membrane roof assemblies provided the depth of the growing medium does not exceed 150 mm (6″);

When an Intensive Vegetated Roof Assemblies with growing medium greater than 150 mm (6”) forms part of the roofing specification and/or contract, the roof must be designed and constructed to the RoofStar Guarantee Standards for a Protected Membrane Roof assembly (see 10.1.2 above).  Consequently, the removal and replacement of such overburden is the responsibility of the others, and such costs do not form part of the coverage under a RoofStar Guarantee.

10.5.3 Planters …

10.6 Walkways and Warning Zones …

10.7 Membrane Moisture Surveys and Electric Leak Detection.

10.7.1 General

A Membrane Moisture Survey and permanently installed electric leak detection system is mandatory for all roofs that must be designed and installed to meet the requirements for a RoofStar Guaranteed Protected Membrane Roof assembly.

10.7.2 Flood Testing

Flood Testing is not a recommended practice but is at the discretion of the design authority or owner. If flood testing is required to water test waterproofing membranes, testing shall be conducted prior to installation of insulation and overburdens and be performed to ASTM D5957 – 98.

10.7.3 Application

10.7.3.1 Moisture Scan Survey

Membrane moisture survey scans must be performed on all waterproofing membrane systems by an independent Moisture Detection Company that is specifically accepted by the RoofStar Guarantee Program.

10.7.3.2 Leak Detection Systems

Only electric leak detection systems (utilizing high or low voltage) accepted for use in the RoofStar Guarantee Program may be installed and monitored on waterproofing systems accepted by the RoofStar Guarantee Program.

A Membrane Moisture Survey and an installed electric leak detection system is not required on PMR or MPMR roof systems when the roof system is designed and constructed with

• overburden not exceeding 150 mm (6”) in depth, or
• moveable planters or equipment/installations on a roof each weighing less than 90 Kg (200 lbs); or
• standard concrete pavers on pedestals

Regardless of the accepted leak detection technology employed, the leak detection system must provide detection capabilities for the entire affected deck surface and extend leak detection a minimum of 50 mm (2″) vertically from the water plane at

• all transitions;
• any point along the entire deck perimeter; and at
• protrusions

Where the electric leak detection system of choice utilizes a sensor ribbon installed on the waterproofing membrane in a grid pattern, the ribbon spacing shall be no less than two (2) metres in any direction for waterproofing systems covered by the Overburden.

10.7.4 Leak Detection for Sensitive Occupied Spaces

Designers are strongly encouraged to consider specifying an insulated (PM) membrane system and mandatory leak detection protection for a RoofStar Guarantee when the occupied space below a roof area contains, or will contain,

• highly sensitive equipment or contents (e.g. hospitals, art galleries), or
• electronic systems (e.g. communications or data centres)

Criteria for evaluating the sensitivity of building interiors is left to the Design Authority.

NOTE to Reader: What follows is a substantial change to the RoofStar Guarantee Standards for Waterproofing Plazas, Promenades and Terraces.  Only new material is shown in red text; all else has been reorganized, rendering the format completely new.

12 WEARING COURSE and OVERBURDEN (NOTE: for Waterproofing Guarantee Standards only.  For colour-coded classification of the wording, refer to the RoofStar Roofing Practices Manual)

12.1 General

In this Manual, a “wearing course” or “overburden” is used to denote any manner of material, equipment or installation that is situated on top of, and covering all or a portion of, a waterproofing membrane assembly.

Wearing courses or overburdens for plaza deck waterproofing systems are classified either as accessible or inaccessible. Waterproofing Systems for pedestrian and emergency vehicle traffic on plaza decks are often designed with inaccessible wearing courses or overburdens. In contrast, Protected Membrane Roofing Systems on plaza/terrace decks are almost always designed with accessible wearing courses for pedestrian traffic and utilize pavers on pedestals.

Accessible wearing courses and overburdens are reasonably easy to remove for access to the membrane. Inaccessible wearing courses or overburdens require demolition or substantial material removal to gain access to the membrane, and are often constructed with cast-in-place concrete protection slabs (split-slab) or brick, tile or stone set in mortar beds.

Inaccessible Overburdens may also include soils (and associated plants), vegetative assemblies in a growing medium greater in depth than 150 mm (6”), and water features or equipment installations (non-structural but not easily moved).  As a result of the potentially high cost of demolition to access membranes under Inaccessible wearing courses or overburdens, the performance criteria for these waterproofing systems are higher. To qualify for coverage under the RoofStar Guarantee Program, an electric membrane leak detection system is required in order to identify and locate membrane breaches that may occur during the waterproofing system’s service life.

The RoofStar Guarantee Program strongly recommends the use of wearing surfaces that permit relatively easy access to the membrane. Waterproofing systems that incorporate in the design either Accessible Wearing Courses of a more complex nature, or Inaccessible Wearing Courses, such as poured-in-place concrete, asphalt paving and wearing surfaces units set in mortar beds, etc. must meet additional standard requirements for coverage under the RoofStar Guarantee Program.

12.2 Installation

12.2.1 Accessible Wearing Courses

An Accessible Wearing Course is limited to a maximum of 200 mm (8”) in depth.  Accessible Wearing Courses can be comprised of various materials, subject to some limitations.

Concrete pavers on pedestals permit easy access to waterproofing membranes and therefore are the best choice (whenever practicable) for an Accessible Wearing Course over all waterproofing systems. When pavers are used as the walkway material, they must be spaced no closer than 3mm (1/8″) and must be supported by non-abrasive pads or proprietary pedestals providing a minimum of 12.5 mm (1/2″) of vertical separation layer for airflow and levelling. The choice of pedestal or drainage layer type is the responsibility of the design authority. Pedestals provide airflow for drying surfaces and assist in leveling. They should not impede the flow of water or air, and should uniformly distribute the dead load of pavers and predicted live loads.

An Accessible Wearing Course may include installed unit masonry, brick, tile or stone (placed on sand and or gravel beds), and both Extensive and Intensive Vegetated Assemblies.  That said, some of these types of wearing courses are more difficult to remove than pavers on pedestals.  Consequently, an installed electric leak detection system may be mandatory. For further information and the RoofStar Guarantee Standards applicable to leak detection systems, see 13.3.2 below.

In the event the waterproof membrane requires repairs or maintenance, Accessible Wearing Courses will be removed and reinstalled under the terms and conditions of the RoofStar Guarantee.  Replacement of any components that cannot be reinstalled, due to breakage or other factors, remains the responsibility of the Owner.

12.2.2 Inaccessible Wearing Courses

Wearing Courses greater than 200 mm (8”) in depth, regardless of their composition, are considered Inaccessible. Typically, an Inaccessible Wearing Course is one designed for pedestrian and emergency vehicle traffic on plaza decks, and includes cast-in place concrete protection slabs (split-slab) and brick, tile or stone set in mortar beds.  Because Inaccessible Wearing Course designs require demolition for access to the membrane, an installed electric leak detection system is mandatory. Electric leak detection systems that are specifically accepted by the RoofStar Guarantee Program are listed in the Accepted Materials: Leak Detection & Monitoring Systems section of this Manual.

Solid cast-in place concrete protection slab (split-slab) and asphalt paving wearing courses shall incorporate surface score lines (indents) to facilitate cutting for removal of wearing course sections in order to locate possible breaches in membranes. Score lines shall be straight edged grid patterns (squares, rectangles, diamonds, etc.) with indents spaced at a maximum of two (2) metres apart.

Because of their nature, the removal and reinstallation or replacement of Inaccessible Wearing Courses is not covered under the terms and conditions of a RoofStar Guarantee.

13 MEMBRANE MOISTURE SURVEYS & ELECTRIC LEAK DETECTION

13.1 General

A membrane moisture survey (see 13.3.1) is required for all waterproofing membrane systems, prior to the installation of any overburden or wearing course.

When mandated in this Manual, an electric leak detection system (13.3.2) shall be installed on the waterproofing membrane, or placed over protection boards or SBS membranes that have been set in hot fluid-applied modified asphalt, prior to the application of overburdens or wearing courses.  The leak detection system may be constantly monitored, but ongoing monitoring is not a requirement of the RoofStar Guarantee Program.

13.2 Flood Testing

Flood Testing is not a recommended practice but is at the discretion of the design authority or owner. If flood testing is required to water test waterproofing membranes, testing shall be conducted prior to installation of insulation and overburdens and be performed to ASTM D5957 – 98.

13.3 Application

13.3.1 Moisture Scan Survey

Membrane moisture survey scans must be performed on all waterproofing membrane systems by an independent Moisture Detection Company that is specifically accepted by the RoofStar Guarantee Program.

13.3.2 Leak Detection Systems

Only electric leak detection systems (utilizing high or low voltage) accepted for use in the RoofStar Guarantee Program may be installed and monitored on waterproofing systems designed and accepted by the RoofStar Guarantee Program.

The following types of wearing courses do not require installation of an electric leak detection system:

• pavers on pedestals
• gravel ballast with a maximum depth of 100mm (4″)
• an Extensive Vegetative Waterproofing Assembly, or
• an Intensive Vegetative Waterproofing Assembly with a soil depth of less than 200 mm (8”)

An installed electric leak detection system is mandatory on waterproofing systems covered by Accessible Wearing Course that includes

• unit masonry, brick, tile or stone (placed on sand and or gravel beds), or
• an Intensive Vegetated Waterproofing Assembly with a soil depth equal to or more than 200 mm (8”),
• water features or equipment installations (non-structural but not easily moved).

An installed electric leak detection system is also mandatory on all waterproofing systems covered with Inaccessible Wearing Courses.

Regardless of the accepted leak detection technology employed, the leak detection system must provide detection capabilities for the entire deck surface and extend leak detection a minimum of 50 mm (2″) vertically from the water plane at

• all transitions;
• any point along the entire deck perimeter; and at
• protrusions.

Where the electric leak detection system of choice utilizes a sensor ribbon installed on the waterproofing membrane in a grid pattern, the ribbon spacing shall be no less than three (3) metres in any direction for waterproofing systems covered by an Accessible Wearing Course, and no less than two (2) metres in any direction for waterproofing systems covered by an Inaccessible Wearing Course.

12.5 Roof Drains (NOTE: for SBS, EPDM, TPO/PVC and BUR Roof System Standards.  For colour-coded classification of the wording, refer to the RoofStar Roofing Practices Manual)

A roof drain, in this Manual, means “a fitting or device that is installed in the roof to permit storm water to discharge into a leader.” (BCPC, Division A, Part 1).  A leader “means a pipe that is installed to carry storm water from a roof to a storm building drain or sewer or other place of disposal” (BCPC, Division A, Part 1).  An overflow is a secondary roof drain that serves as a safeguard when roof drains fail.

Roof drains are comprised mainly of two parts: a bowl or flange that is affixed to the roof deck with mechanical fasteners or a proprietary clamping mechanism; and an integral drain stem that connects the bowl or flange to the leader.  Roof drains are sized according to the diameter of the drain stem.  The appropriate size and number of roof drains for any given roof area is determined by the relevant municipal and/or provincial building code in force (ref. BCPC, Division B – Part 2; 2.4.10.4 Hydraulic Loads from Roofs or Paved Surfaces).

Roof drains can be further classified as internal or external.  Internal roof drains are connected to leaders located and connected to a storm building drain or sewer inside the exterior surface of a building.  External roof drains drain storm water outside the exterior surface of a building.  External roof drains may connect to leaders.  Any requirements for leaders and connections to leaders may be found in the applicable municipal and provincial building and plumbing codes (ref. BCBC, 5.6.2.2 Accumulation and Disposal).

Roof drains and other roof accessories are to be installed as per membrane manufacturer’s instructions.

12.5.1 Internal Roof Drains

All drains shall be connected to internal leaders only with mechanical compression type seals. “O”- rings, mastics and caulking are not acceptable methods for sealing internal roof drains to leaders.

12.5.1.1 Cast-iron Roof Drains

All cast-iron roof drains must be flashed …

When cast-iron roof drains…. proprietary secondary stainless steel debris strainers is acceptable.

12.5.1.2 Flange-type Roof Drains

Flange-type drains typically include

• Bowl-style drains with an extended flange, and
• flat drains without a bowl

Drains for use in the RoofStar Guarantee Program must be hot-welded at the joints between the bowl/flange and drain stem.

All flange type roof drains shall be constructed of non-ferrous material and include a primary drain strainer. Flanged copper drains shall be formed from a minimum weight of 16 oz. sheet copper for external (on outside of walls) drains and 24 oz. sheet copper for internal (inside walls or buildings) drains. The minimum gauge for aluminium sheet to be used for roof drains shall be 20 gauge for external use and 12 gauge for internal use.

On all roofing systems that utilize gravel ballast and or growing mediums (soil), the trade supplying roof drains must also provide secondary stainless steel debris strainers. Only the use of drain manufacturer’s proprietary secondary stainless steel debris strainers is acceptable.

12.5.2 External Roof Drains

12.5.2.1 Scupper Drains

A scupper drain may serve either as a primary roof drain or as a secondary drain.  A scupper drain passes through a wall or parapet, and is connected to a drain leader outside the building envelope.  Scupper drains must incorporate a continuous flange surrounding the drain box, measuring at least 100 mm (4”) in width, and must be manufactured with welded seams and joints, and made from non-ferrous metals, subject to the Material Selection standards for metal found in this Manual.

All scupper drains shall be formed with a minimum 37.7 mm (1 ½”) lower outside faces than side walls of the water collection boxes and incorporate minimum 12.7 mm (½”) drip edges on the lowered outside faces.

Scupper drains shall be installed according to the prevailing municipal building code and the British Columbia Building Code (latest edition).

12.5.3 Overflows

An overflow is only a secondary drain that serves as a safeguard when primary drains fail.  Overflows must incorporate a continuous flange surrounding the drain box, measuring at least 100 mm (4”) in width, and may be manufactured from ferrous metals, subject to the Material Selection [hyperlink] standards for metal found in this Manual.

Heights and locations of roof drains are the responsibility of the Design Authority.  The RoofStar Guarantee Program recommends the installation of overflows

• when the perimeter wall height above the roof membrane exceeds 100 mm (4”)
• no higher than 100 mm (4”) above drain elevations
• in locations where their discharge of storm water will be visible.

Overflows are required when low doorway or low window details are used (see D1.7.31 Water & Drainage (Open Wall Scupper) and D1.7.32 Water & Drainage (Through-wall Scupper)).  In these applications, the overflow must be installed at least 1” lower than the elevation of the door or window sill.

Overflows shall be installed according to the prevailing municipal building code and the British Columbia Building Code (latest edition).

Where no overflows are specified, the building structure must be designed to carry the total load of water collected on the roof, in the event of the failure of roof drains (see BC Building Code, latest edition). The RoofStar Guarantee Program accepts no responsibility for roof failure where overflows are not specified or installed.

TPO, PVC Guide Specifications
3.6 Mechanically Fastened Membrane:

3.6.1 ENGINEERED SYSTEM

.1 Unroll membrane and draw tight to minimize wrinkles and folds; lap adjacent sheets (50) mm (2″) to fabricate hand-welded seams, and lap adjacent sheets (100) mm (4″) to fabricate 38mm (1.5″) machine-welded seams.

.2 Heat-weld seams according to Membrane manufacturers’ printed instructions.

.3 Place proprietary fastening bars over membrane and fasten through pre-drilled holes; bar and fastener placement to be determined by membrane manufacturer.

.4 Weld a membrane cover strip over each bar.

.5 Install continuous fastening bar at the base of perimeter and vertical flashings.

.6 Complete perimeter flashing details according to membrane manufacturer’s details and specifications.

For Section Headers (Applicable to Low Slope and Steep Slope Roofs main section pages)

A Roof System (different from a roof assembly) excludes the structural roof deck but includes the roof covering and any other components, including insulation.

New Accepted Materials

CertainTeed

• Northgate SBS laminate shingle

New/Revised Guarantee Standards

Red and Bold Red italics in this bulletin indicate changes made to the RoofStar Guarantee Standards wording.  Refer to the published RoofStar Guarantee Program Standards.

A4.4 Insulation Fasteners
.1 The roof area is divided into three areas (zones). The perimeter area is defined as 10% of the building
width or 40% of the building height, whichever is less. In no case will perimeter area be less than 2.0 m
(7′). The field area is defined as the remaining area after the perimeter is calculated. When the roof height
is:
• greater than 18 m (60’) and low-slope (slope is 2:12 or less) or
• less than 18 m (60’) and pitched (slope is greater than 2:12
Perimeter fastening along the entire eave will be enhanced to corner requirements. The corner area is
defined by the perimeter in both directions at the corners. In no case will the corner area be less than 2.0
m x 2.0 m (7’ x7’). For corner enhancement of roofs in high wind locations (higher than 100 mph) or for
roofs above 60’ refer to Section 3.8.5.

Note: Refer to part 4 of the applicable code to ensure compliance.

Wind Uplift Design and CSA A123.21

Qualifying for a RoofStar Guarantee
To qualify for a RoofStar Guarantee, and to comply with the Guarantee Standards in this Manual,
mechanically attached and adhered insulated membrane systems must be secured to the roof deck in
keeping with the requirements set out below.

Definitions
Membrane Roof System – “Consists of a deck and roofing membrane. It includes components such as
vapour barriers or retarders, insulation, cover board, etc. It is subjected to a dynamic load sequence that
has been developed based on wind pressure records, simulating the effects of wind on membrane-roof
assemblies” (CSA A123.21, Scope 1.1)
CSA Standard – CSA Standard A123.21 Standard test method for the dynamic wind uplift resistance of
membrane-roofing systems (latest edition)
Accepted Membrane Roof System Assembly – an assembly of Accepted Materials that meets or exceeds
the Standard
Mechanically Attached Roof Systems (MARS) – A “system in which the roofing membrane is intermittently
attached to the deck using fasteners…” (CSA A123.21, Definitions)
Adhesive Applied Roof Systems (AARS) – A “system in which the roof membrane is bonded to the
substrate using adhesives and all other components below roofing membrane are adhered using
adhesives…” This includes “a system in which the roof membrane is bonded to the substrate using
adhesives” (CSA A123.21, Definitions)
Partially Attached (Hybrid) Roof Systems (PARS) – A “system in which the roof membrane is bonded to
the substrate using adhesives and a minimum of one component below the membrane is intermittently
attached to the supporting structure using fasteners…” This includes “a system in which the roof
membrane is bonded to the substrate using adhesives” (CSA A123.21, Definitions)

New Membrane Roof Systems
To qualify for a RoofStar Guarantee, and to comply with the Guarantee Standards set out herein, all new
Membrane Roof Systems that begin with an exposed deck (MARS, PARS and AARS) must be designed
and built to meet or exceed the test requirements of the CSA Standard. Only those Membrane Roof
Systems that have successfully met the CSA Standard through tests administered by a qualified test
facility/laboratory will qualify as an Accepted Membrane Roof System Assembly for a RoofStar Guarantee
(see exceptions noted below). Click here for a list of qualified testing facilities.

When an existing roof system is removed to expose the deck, the replacement roof is considered new
and therefore the design and construction of the replacement roof assembly must meet or exceed the
minimum requirements set out by the CSA Standard. Furthermore, a replacement roof must conform to
existing BC Building Code requirements for performance. For reference, see the BC Building Code
(latest edition), Div. A, Part 1, Section 1.1 General (cf. 1.1.1.1. Application of this Code, and 1.1.1.2.
Application to Existing Buildings).

When a Membrane Roof System incorporates materials that are not part of the RoofStar Guarantee
Program, appropriate substitutions for those materials shall be made from the list of RoofStar-accepted
Materials, and test data extrapolated in keeping with ANSI/SPRI WD-1, “Wind Design Standard Practice
for Roofing Assemblies” (cf. National Building Code of Canada 2015, A-5.2.2.2.(4) Membrane Roofing
Systems). The Design Authority, or in their absence, a Member, shall be responsible for the selection of
appropriate material substitutions.

In addition to the above, the CSA Standard also applies to circumstances where “the roof membrane may
be designated as the plane of air tightness.”

Partial Roof System Replacement
When only a part of a roof system is replaced, in which the roof deck is not exposed, the CSA Standard
does not apply. Nevertheless, partial roof replacements shall still conform to all other RoofStar
Guarantee requirements for roof system assembly set out in this Manual. Also refer to ANSI/SPRI WD-1,
“Wind Design Standard Practice for Roofing Assemblies” (cf. National Building Code of Canada 2015, A5.2.2.2.(4) Membrane Roofing Systems). All components utilized in a partial roof replacement shall still
be selected from the Accepted Materials section of this Manual.

Limitations
The Standard does not apply to:

• Membrane Roof Systems with proven past performance for anticipated wind loads (National Building
  Code of Canada 2015, 5.2.2.2.5 Determination of Wind Load);
• Ballasted roof assemblies or roof assemblies with non-ballast overburdens, where the membrane is
  secured against wind uplift by the ballast/overburden (National Building Code of Canada 2015, A-
  5.2.2.2.(4) Membrane Roofing Systems)

See the ‘decision tree’ illustration below in conjunction with these requirements and guidelines:

3.8.1 Adhesives

In the past, roofing was installed over wood decks using mechanical fasteners. As construction technology progressed, many new types of decks developed bringing with them different securement requirements.

Concrete and other non-nailable decks dictated that an adhesive, usually bitumen, be used to apply the roof insulation and roofing. On sloped roofs where securement is required to prevent slippage, wood nailing strips must be cast into or fixed to the deck to permit mechanical attachment.

On steel decks, the initial use of bitumen as the adhesive has proven to be less successful than adhesion to concrete. Steel deck deflection can result in breaking the adhesive bond between the insulation and the deck. In addition, the use of bitumen may contribute to the fire hazards associated with steel decks.

Several adhesives successfully achieve adequate adhesion against wind uplift and lateral movement
resistance. Many factors can influence the strength achieved, including substrate characteristics and
preparation, bonding area, chemical compatibility of adhesive and insulation and moisture and
temperature conditions at time of application. To properly evaluate an adhesive for use in a roof
assembly, the design authority must

• Know if it is acceptable to the membrane manufacturer
• Understand the adhesion properties of the product, and
• Consult the list of tested assemblies compliant with the CSA A123.21-14 Standard test method
  for the dynamic wind uplift resistance of membrane roofing systems.

D7 ROLL-FORMING MACHINES

.1 Metal roofing systems must be installed with clips and screws that are specified or listed as acceptable, by the metal panel machine manufacturer, for use with the metal roofing system.

.2 Contractors and owners of metal panel machines are responsible to meet or exceed the panel machine maintenance standards as established by the roll form machine manufacturer.

.3 Sheet steel roof panels may be roll-formed without stiffening ribs. Stiffening ribs are recommended to
help reduce oil-canning.

.4 Sheet steel roof panels may be roll-formed to a maximum of 500 mm (20”).

.5 The maximum width permissible for copper and zinc non-ferrous metal roof panels is 425 mm (17″);
these may be roll-formed with or without stiffening ribs or striations incorporated into the panels.

A6.10 Mechanical Attachment of Metal Cap Flashings

.1 The use of concealed in-seam fasteners is required. Metal flashings end joint S-lock seams must have
a minimum 1 screw type faster every 200 mm (8”). For standing seam applications, clips must be a
minimum 24 gauge in thickness, 38 mm (1-1/2”) wide, each secured with minimum 2 screws, and placed
a minimum of 1 clip every 200 mm (8”). Fasteners must have a low-profile head and penetrate the
substrate a minimum of 19 mm (3/4”).
.2 Any exposed fastening of metal flashings on the top of parapet surfaces is strongly discouraged and is
not permitted as the only attachment method. If top-surface fastening must be used because of a specific
job site condition, only appropriate screw-type fasteners with neoprene washers may be used. Only in-seam S-lock and standing seam clip fasteners are exempt from this requirement.
The flashing detail 10.2.1 reference notes, changes include:
1) Clips: Standing seams are fastened to wood blocking before applying the following length, using
screws and clips.
(4) Fasteners: S-locks and Double S-locks are screwed through the single leaf before applying the
following length. See RGC Guarantee Standard A6.8 for requirements.

New Definitions (for section headings)

Low Slope Membrane Roofs

Low Slope Membrane Roofs include weatherproof membrane types of roof systems installed on slopes at
or less than 3:12 (1:4, or 14 degrees). In some instances, roof systems designed for low-slope
applications may be used on roofs with a slope greater than 3:12. Conversely, some steep-slope roof
materials may be used on roofs with slopes less than 3:12. Consult the RoofStar Guarantee Standards
for guarantee requirements, Guiding Principles and Recommendations in any application.

Low Slope Membrane Roofs employ a weatherproof covering or membrane that keeps water from
entering a building. These membranes may be comprised of one or more layers. They include Built-up
Roofs (BUR), which utilize multiple layers of felt laminated or bonded together with hot bitumen and
coasted on top with small rock (these are commonly referred to as ‘tar and gravel roofs’).

A Roof System (sometimes referred to as a roof assembly) is comprised of the structural roof deck, the
roof covering and any other components, including insulation.
The RoofStar Guarantee Standards for Low Slope Membrane Roof Systems include the following
membrane types in this section:

• SBS Roofing Systems
• EPDM (Thermoset Membrane) Systems
• TPO/PVC (Thermoplastic Membranes) Systems
• Other Flexible Membrane Systems (APP, etc.)
• Built-Up Roofs (BUR)

Steep Slope Roofs

Steep Slope Roofs are water-shedding types of roof coverings installed on slopes greater than 3:12 (1:4,
or 14 degrees). In some instances, roof systems designed for low-slope applications may be used on
roofs with a slope greater than 3:12. Conversely, some steep-slope roof materials may be used on roofs
with slopes less than 3:12. Consult the RoofStar Guarantee Standards for guarantee requirements,
Guiding Principles and Recommendations in any application.

Steep Slope Roofs typically employ individual components that, when installed together in shingled
fashion, shed water from a roof.

A Roof System (sometimes referred to as a roof assembly) is comprised of the structural roof deck, the
roof covering and any other components, including insulation.

The RoofStar Guarantee Standards for Steep Slope Roof Systems therefore include the following system
types in this section:

• Architectural Sheet Metal (ASM) Systems
• Asphalt Shingle Systems
• Cedar Shake & Shingle Systems
• Tile & Slate Systems
  

TECHNICAL BULLETIN: CSA A123.21-14 Dynamic Wind Uplift Standard

Effective September 1, 2016, RCABC will require each manufacturer with accepted materials in the RoofStar Guarantee Program used in Low Slope (< 2:12) roof applications to provide RCABC with:

a) a current list of membrane assemblies, and

b) Roof System Assessment Reports for each assembly on that list,

that have been tested to and conform with the CSA A123.21-14 Dynamic Wind Uplift Standard.  These lists and Roof System Assessment Reports will be reviewed by the Technical Committee at the fall 2016 meeting.

Please note that the Roofing Practices Manual (RPM) now requires that mechanically fastened membrane systems conform to the CSA A123.21-14 Dynamic Wind Uplift Standard (2.1.1, A4.4).  Further amendments to the RPM are forthcoming, and will require conformity with the CSA A123.21-14 Dynamic Wind Uplift Standard for all tested systems (MARS, AARS and PARS), for projects bid after either April 1, 2017 or the release of the 2017 British Columbia Building Code, whichever comes first.

The CSA A123.21-14 test method applies only to membrane roofing systems whose components resistance to wind uplift is achieved by fasteners or adhesives. The current National Building Code of Canada recognizes the CSA A123.21-14 as the only method to determine compliance of a roof assembly for wind uplift. It is anticipated the BC Building Code will adopt this test method with the 2017 release.

The RCABC Roofing Practices Manual (RPM) will be listing the approved materials/assemblies after review by the Technical Committee at their meetings currently scheduled for September 2016 and January 2017.

The National Building Code provides for two exceptions where the wind uplift standard does not apply. The following are brief excerpts:

1. Membrane roofing assemblies with proven past performance for the anticipated wind load need not comply – A-5.1.4.1.(5)
2. Roofing systems that use ballasts, such as gravel or pavers, to secure the membrane against wind uplift – A-5.2.2.2.(4)

Please refer to the sections noted above in the 2015 National Building Code for the entire provision parameters.

Despite item 1 above, and regardless of each product’s past performance, RCABC will require conventional low slope roof membrane systems to meet the CSA A123.21-14 standard.

New Accepted Materials

CertainTeed

• Landmark Solaris Gold asphalt shingle
• Landmark Solaris Platinum asphalt shingle
• Highland Slate (name change only, from Centennial Slate)

IKO

• Torchflex HD-FF-Base
• Torchflex TP-HD-Cap
• Torchflex HD-FF-Base
• Modiflex HD-FS-Base
• Modiflex HD-SS-Base
• Modiflex MP-HD-Cap
• Prevent MP-HD-Cap
• Prevent TP-HD-Cap
• Prevent Armourcool HD Cap
• Fast-N-Stick HD Base
• Armourbond HD Base
• Armourbond HD Flash
• Armourbond Flash Sand HD
• Armourcool Granular TP-HD Cap
• Carrara Armourcool HD

Soprema (Accessories only)

• Soprajoint Plus 20 (expansion joint waterproofing membrane)
• Soprajoint Plus 40 (expansion joint waterproofing membrane)
• Soprajoint Plus 75 (expansion joint waterproofing membrane)
• Soprajoint Plus 125 (expansion joint waterproofing membrane)
• R-Nova Plus (polyurethane/acrylic-based waterproofing liquid membrane/coating)
• R-Nova Plus Mastic (polyurethane/acrylic-based waterproofing liquid mastic)

Trail Roofing Ltd.

• Roll Former VS-150 – Standing Seam Metal Roof System

B.F. Roofing Ltd.

• Roll Former VS-150 (removed from list)

New/Revised Guarantee Standards

Red bold italics in this bulletin indicate changes made to the RoofStar Guarantee Standards wording.  Refer to the published RoofStar Guarantee Program Standards.

7.1.2 ASPHALT SHINGLE APPLICATION SPECIFICATIONS: STR-AS

2.1.11 Photovoltaic Panel (PV) and Solar Water  – Panel Mounting and Installation

1. No PV or solar water panels may be mounted on shingled roofs having a pitch of less than 4:12.
2. All PV or solar water panels designated for installation on a roof carrying a RoofStar Guarantee must display an authentic decal or plate indicating compliance with CSA Standard B272-93.
3. Shingle underlayment requirements for STR-LS Asphalt Shingles shall apply to roof areas where PV or solar water panels are installed.
4. All PV or solar water panels shall be mounted at least 150 mm (6 inches) from the finished roof surface (shingles).

2.1.1 GUARANTEE STANDARDS FOR ALL LOW-SLOPE ROOFING SYSTEMS

A6.3 Strip-in Type Vents & Penetration Flashings

(Low Slope) .1 Strip-in type roof penetration flashings (lead, aluminum, stainless steel, copper, etc.) must be properly sized to fit pipe penetrations or alternatively, when pipes are irregular in size spray foam urethane insulation may be used to fill gaps between pipes and flashings. Strip-in type roof penetration flashings are only permitted for use with single pipe roof penetrations, must incorporate properly fitted settlement caps, and be a minimum height of 200 mm (8″) above finished roof surfaces. Pipes that are higher than standard flashings must have site formed non-bituminous flexible roof membrane storm collars sealed with compatible sealants and stainless steel clamps. Where shrink-wrapped terminations are employed, they shall be fitted with a stainless steel mechanical compression strap, and sealant shall be applied between shrink-wrap and penetration.

2.1.1 GUARANTEE STANDARDS FOR ALL LOW-SLOPE ROOFING SYSTEMS

A4.4 Insulation Fasteners

.1 The roof area is divided into three areas (zones). The perimeter area is defined as 10% of the building width or 40% of the building height, whichever is less. In no case will perimeter area be less than 2.0 m (7′). The field area is defined as the remaining area after the perimeter is calculated. When the roof height is:

• greater than 18 m (60’) and low-slope (slope is 2:12 or less) or
• less than 18 m (60’) and pitched (slope is greater than 2:12),

Perimeter fastening along the entire eave will be enhanced to corner requirements. The corner area is defined by the perimeter in both directions at the corners. In no case will the corner area be less than 2.0 m x 2.0 m (7’ x7’). For corner enhancement of roofs in high wind locations (higher than 100 mph) or for roofs above 60’ refer to Section 3.8.5.

NOTE: To qualify for a RoofStar Guarantee, and to comply with the Guarantee Standards in 4.6 (below), mechanically attached membrane systems for projects bid after either April 1, 2017 or the issuance of the British Columbia Building Code, 2017 Edition (whichever comes first) must be fastened according to each manufacturer’s tested specifications complying with conforming to CSA A123.21-14 or a FM 1-90 Standard for assembly wind ratings.

2.1.1 GUARANTEE STANDARDS FOR ALL LOW-SLOPE ROOFING SYSTEMS

A5.3 Planters, Landscaped and Green Roofs

.10 All vegetative roof systems using a modular system are required to meet CSA A123.24 “Standard test method for wind resistance of modular vegetated roof assembly”.

2.1.1 GUARANTEE STANDARDS FOR ALL LOW-SLOPE ROOFING SYSTEMS

A8 BUILT IN MEMBRANE GUTTERS

.1 When a built in membrane gutter joins an RGC Guaranteed sloped roof; the gutter will be included by the Guarantee. Built-in membrane gutters that drain a roof not covered by an RGC Guarantee are not eligible for a Guarantee.

.2 Membranes installed as a gutter liner must be fully adhered and mechanically fastened at terminations. The accepted flexible membrane roofing system must be installed to RGC Guarantee Standards and the manufacturer’s printed instructions.

.3 Built in gutter membranes must extend up the roof slope to a point, which is 150 mm (6″) vertically above the maximum water level of the gutter or outside parapet height (see Section 7.5) “Built in Gutters for Water Shedding Roofing”).

.4 Fasteners shall be installed 4” or more above the maximum water line, and gutters must include a scupper overflow drain.

2.1.4 GUARANTEE STANDARDS FOR METAL ROOFING

D3 UNDERLAYMENT – Eave and Detail Protection

All metal roof systems require the installation of an RGC accepted underlay.

.1 For insulated metal roof systems…..

.10 Built in gutter membrane over insulation must transition onto underlayment membrane that is under insulation by use of sloped insulation and as detailed in construction drawing, Section 8.3 Built in Gutter Membrane / Underlayment Transition for Insulated Metal Roof Systems.

 .11 Minimum allowable thicknesses for a modified bituminous membrane underlayment is 1mm.

2.1.1 GUARANTEE STANDARDS FOR ALL LOW-SLOPE ROOFING SYSTEMS

A5.6 Membrane Flashing (Stripping)

.4 All membrane flashing (stripping) terminating on a vertical surface must be mechanically fastened.  Fasteners shall be installed to suit/match vertical structural supports but shall be placed no more than 24” o/c.

2.1.4 GUARANTEE STANDARDS FOR METAL ROOFING

D1.4 Tie-In (Re-roofing or Building Additions):

Where a new roof is tied-in to an existing roof, the two areas must be isolated and separated by a curb joint properly constructed a minimum height of 125 mm (5”), attached to the structure and properly flashed. If job conditions or aesthetic considerations do not allow for a curb joint, written permission from RGC to eliminate curb joints must be obtained and a positive water cut-off must be installed to the deck to isolate the existing roof from the new roof.

7.1.2 ASPHALT SHINGLE APPLICATION SPECIFICATIONS: STR-AS

1.2 TIE-IN (Re-roofing or Building Additions):

Where a new roof is tied-in to an existing roof, the two areas must be isolated and separated by a curb joint properly constructed a minimum height of 125 mm (5”), attached to the structure and properly flashed.

7.1.4 ASPHALT SHINGLE APPLICATION SPECIFICATIONS: STR-LS

1.2 TIE-IN (Re-roofing or Building Additions):

Where a new roof is tied-in to an existing roof, the two areas must be isolated and separated by a curb joint properly constructed a minimum height of 125 mm (5”), attached to the structure and properly flashed.

2.1.1 GUARANTEE STANDARDS FOR ALL LOW-SLOPE ROOFING SYSTEMS

A6.12 Guardrails

Guardrails should be installed only on vertical surfaces; attachment of guardrails to a horizontal surface is strongly discouraged.  Where guardrails are fastened through the top of copings, the base of the guardrail shall be flashed with a compatible reinforced membrane flashing material, applied according to the primary membrane flashing manufacturer’s specifications. 

Guardrails shall not direct water into a roof system by means of weep holes or the method of fastening, and mounts and flashings shall be installed at least 87.7 mm (3 ½”) above the roof surface.

NOTE: Detail drawing located in above section of the RPM

2.1.1 GUARANTEE STANDARDS FOR ALL LOW-SLOPE ROOFING SYSTEMS

A5.2 Protected and Modified Protected Membranes

.1 On all protected and modified……

.5 Pedestals: Installation……is required.

Proprietary (purpose-made) pedestals must have a 3mm (1/8”) integral spacer ribs for uniform spacing between pavers that provide a minimum 12.5 mm (1/2″) of vertical separation layer for airflow and leveling.  The choice of pedestal or drainage layer type is the responsibility of the design authority. Pedestals / drainage layers provide airflow for drying surfaces and assist in leveling. They should not impede the flow of water or air, and should uniformly distribute the dead load of pavers, and other unit masonry products, as well as predicted live loads.

2.1.1 GUARANTEE STANDARDS FOR ALL LOW-SLOPE ROOFING SYSTEMS

A5.5 Walkway and Warning Zone Materials

A design authority or membrane manufacturer may specify a proprietary walkway protection system or warning zone membrane over the primary roof membrane. Walkway and warning zone materials are not part of the roofing membrane assembly but are typically accessory products that are placed over completed roof membranes. Subsequently the type and performance of any walkway or warning zone material is specifically excluded from coverage under the RGC guarantee, as is any detrimental effect the materials may have on the roof system.

Where walkways are employed, they must be designed to facilitate drainage of water.  To promote drainage, use accepted concrete-topped XPS insulation panels, or pavers located on purpose-made pedestals.  When pavers are used as the walkway material, they must be spaced no closer than 3mm (1/8″) and must be supported by non-abrasive pads or proprietary pedestals providing a minimum of 12.5 mm (1/2″) of vertical separation layer for airflow and levelling.  The choice of pedestal or drainage layer type is the responsibility of the design authority. Pedestals provide airflow for drying surfaces and assist in leveling. They should not impede the flow of water or air, and should uniformly distribute the dead load of pavers and predicted live loads.

When primary roof membranes of contrasting colour are used for warning zones, membrane end lap off sets and ply side lap directions must be maintained. Staggered membrane end lap offsets may be positioned below primary roof membranes that are used for warning zones.

2.1.1 GUARANTEE STANDARDS FOR ALL LOW-SLOPE ROOFING SYSTEMS

A5.6 Membrane Flashing (Stripping)

.1 Membrane flashing (stripping) details (with the exception of low parapets, cant strip edges and RGC accepted door sill details) must be designed to provide a minimum 200 mm (8″) sealed height above the finished roof surfacing. Surfacing is defined as the top of the roofing assembly, be it membrane, ballast or growing medium (soil).

.2 Roof Separation Joints (Expansion and Control Joints, etc.) / Equipment Sleepers / Safety Anchor Piers (poured in place pads) that are completely sealed (enveloped) with membrane flashing (stripping) may be less than 200 mm (8″) in height but must not be less than 100 mm (4″) in height above the finished roof surface.

.3 Doorsill membrane flashing (stripping) may be less than 200 mm (8″) in height but must not be less than 100 mm (4″) above the primary roof membrane and must be installed to comply with the following conditions:

• A metal water stop flashing, formed with pan folded, welded or soldered corners must be mechanically attached to inside of doorsill framing or opening and be sealed with membrane flashing (stripping).
• Membrane flashing, (stripping) or metal pan sill flashing must be installed at doorjamb framing or opening to a minimum height of 100 mm (4″) above doorsill framing or opening, prior to installation of doorjambs and doorsills. *Membrane gussets must be installed at sill corners.
• Metal pan sill flashings or RGC accepted reinforced liquid flashing systems must be installed wherever clearances preclude the use of membrane flashing (stripping) to seal door sill details.
• Slopes must be provided to direct water away from door sill details. (Overhangs are recommended wherever practical).
• Overflow drains in that area must be installed a minimum 25 mm (1″) lower in height than adjacent door sills.
• When design or safety codes require minimal elevation changes between a low door sill and an outdoor walking surface (ref. BC Building Code), the walking surface must be pavers placed on proprietary pedestals designed with a least 12.5 mm (1/2″) clearance between the finished roof surface and the paver. Alternatively, pea gravel may be used in place of pedestals, but must be installed above a dimple-style drainage board.

2.1.1 GUARANTEE STANDARDS FOR ALL LOW-SLOPE ROOFING SYSTEMS

A5.3 Planters, Landscaped and Green Roofs

.6 Where Extensive Vegetative Roof Assemblies are installed as part of the roofing specification and / or contract (Extensive Vegetative Roof Assemblies are defined as roof top gardens having minimal plant species diversity, irrigated only to establish plants, and typically having a soil depth of less than 150 mm or 6 inches) the costs for removal and replacement of soil to access the membrane, to investigate or repair leaks in the membrane, are included in the RGC Guarantee coverage. However, the removal and replacement of plants, irrigation lines and or equipment, electrical lines, landscape and decorative features such as concrete pads, statues, planters, large rocks, etc., to investigate or repair leaks in the membrane, is not included, and is the responsibility of others.  Subsequently, such access shall be provided and/or paid for by others.

.7 Where Intensive Vegetative Roof Assemblies are installed as part of the roofing specification and/or contract (Intensive Vegetative Roof Assemblies are defined as roof top gardens with diverse plant species, irrigated for maintenance and typically having a soil depth equal to or more than 150 mm or 6 inches), and where the soil thickness of Intensive Vegetative Roof Assemblies exceeds 200 mm (8″), the removal and replacement of soil and plants to access the membrane to investigate or repair leaks in the membrane is the responsibility of others, and such access shall be paid by others. In addition, the removal and replacement of plants, irrigation lines or equipment, electrical lines, landscape and decorative features such as concrete pads, statues, planters, large rocks, etc., to investigate or repair leaks in the membrane is also the responsibility of others, and such access shall be provided and/or paid for by others.

.8……

.9 Waterproofing liners in planters with structural walls, concrete curb or other materials, that do not incorporate pre-curbs shall be isolated and separated from the guaranteed roofing membrane and are specifically not accepted under the RGC guarantee. Conventionally insulated roof assemblies are required to have a minimum 12.5mm (1/2″) adhered approved RGC accepted gypsum overlay board, and insulation boards with a minimum compressive strength of 20 psi, under the roof membrane for extensive vegetated systems. Intensive Vegetative Roof Assemblies in excess of 200 mm (8″) or more in depth are not permitted over conventionally insulated roof systems.

New Accepted Materials

Soprema

• Colphene Flam 180 accepted modified SBS waterproofing base membrane
• Colvent Base 830 accepted modified SBS 2-ply base membrane
• Colvent Base 840 accepted modified SBS 2-ply base membrane
• Sopraflash Stick 20 accepted self-adhering modified SBS 2-ply base membrane
• Sopraflash Stick 40 accepted self-adhering modified SBS 2-ply base membrane
• Sopralene Stick HR 20 accepted self-adhering modified SBS 2-ply base membrane
• Sopralene Stick HR 40 accepted self-adhering modified SBS 2-ply base membrane
• Antirock accepted modified SBS 2-ply waterproofing membrane
• Trafikrock accepted modified SBS 2-ply waterproofing membrane
• Trafikrock Base accepted modified SBS waterproofing base membrane
• Sopratack (no acceptance required – an accessory product only)
• Duotack 365 (no acceptance required – an accessory product only)

IKO Industries Ltd.

• Protectobase 95 accepted overlay board
• Protectobase 180 accepted overlay board

CertainTeed Corporation

DiamondDeck accepted asphalt shingle and metal roof underlayment for slopes 4/12 and greater

FT Synthetics

FT Synthetics Platinum, FT Synthetics Gold and FT Synthetics Silver accepted asphalt shingle and metal roof underlayment for slopes 4/12 and greater.

New/Revised Guarantee Standards

Red bold italics in this bulletin indicate changes made to the RoofStar Guarantee Standards wording.  Refer to the published RoofStar Guarantee Program Standards.

A2.5 Steel Decks

.1 Gypsum Board on Steel Decks Gypsum boards installed over steel decks as substrates for primary roof membranes must be a minimum thickness of 12.7 mm (1/2″) RGC accepted overlay boards. All edges of the gypsum board are to be fully or intermittently supported by the deck and end joints to be staggered (offset) 300 mm (12″) from adjacent board rows. A minus offset tolerance of 50 mm (2″) maximum will be permitted to compensate for variance in the manufacturers’ tolerance of differing board widths and lengths.

.2 Gypsum Board Attachment on Steel Decks When gypsum board is required on steel decks as a substrate overlay, the gypsum board can be fully mechanically fastened to the deck or adhered with proprietary polyurethane foam adhesives acceptable to the primary roof system manufacturer. Attachment must meet or exceed the CSA A123.21-14 requirements for the building dimensions and geographical location.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

A4.5 Insulation on Steel Decks

.1 When installing insulation or thermal barriers to steel decks, all edges of the first layer of insulation or thermal barrier shall be fully or intermittently supported by the deck when the total thickness of insulation is less than 2.7″.

.2 Mechanical fasteners must penetrate steel decks a minimum of 20mm (3/4″) and must be located in the top flutes only. Adhesive systems must be tested to meet or exceed the CSA A123.21-14 requirements and designed for the building dimensions and geographical location.

.3 The minimum thickness of insulation directly over fluted steel decks shall be a minimum of one-half the nominal flute width. Additionally, the minimum allowable thickness of expanded polystyrene or unfaced glass fibre insulation shall be 38 mm (1-1/2″), and the minimum thickness for extruded polystyrene, faced glass fibre, faced polyisocyanurate, etc. shall be 25 mm (1″).(For loose laid ballasted systems, see Section 2.1.3,C.4.3.)

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Detail 6.3.2 (new) (see 6.3.2 in the RoofStar Guarantee Standards)

Safety Bulletin: Electrical Conduit

The following safety bulletin was received from the BC Safety Authority regarding the protection of electrical raceways and cables under roof systems and decks. This is already a requirement under the RoofStar Guarantee Program, as it is a safety concern for the roofing installers and a fire risk to the building, but has now been brought to the attention of electrical inspectors and designers.

In order to have this be included in the Canadian Electrical Code and the National Building Code, we will need your support to document instances in the field. Please forward the details to Laurence Matzek, RoofStar Guarantee Director. Email: [email protected]

PROTECTION OF ELECTRICAL RACEWAYS AND CABLES UNDER ROOF SYSTEMS AND DECKS

Date of Issue: August 26, 2015

NO: IB-EL 2015-05

Topic: Roofing and Electrical Equipment

References:
BC Electrical Code

The following bulletin provides guidance on the application BC Electrical Code: Sections 2 & 12.

The Roofing Contractors Association of British Columbia (RCABC) has reported a recent increase in occurrences of electrical raceways and cables being installed within, or adjacent to the underside of, roof systems or roof decks. Cables and raceways, installed in proximity to roof systems or roof decks may be subject to mechanical damage during roof installation or repairs. Nails and screws, used to penetrate the roofing from the top during the roof installation process, could easily penetrate electrical cables and raceways installed within or adjacent to roof systems or roof deck. This could result in electrical shock or fire hazards.

The figure below shows a typical roofing system and how a screw can easily penetrate electrical equipment (a conduit in this example):

Diagram provided courtesy of Roofing Contractors Association of British Columbia

1. Rule 2-032 Damage and Interference requires that no person shall cause damage to an electrical installation or components thereof, except when it is necessary to disconnect or move components of an electrical installation during alterations or repairs; it is the responsibility of the person carrying out the alterations or repairs to ensure the electrical installation is restored to a safe operating condition.
Persons performing roof installation, alteration, or repair must ensure that they have identified and located all electrical equipment installed within or adjacent to the roof system or roof deck before carrying out their work. Mapping out of conduit and cable locations, disconnection of electrical power within work areas, and safe work practices will reduce or prevent electrical fire and shock hazards. Electrical contractors should ensure that electrical drawings accurately show locations of electrical raceways and conduits upon completion of their work. Alteration or relocation of electrical conduits, raceways, and equipment may only be performed under a valid electrical permit.

2. Rule 2- 200 General requires that electrical equipment must be protected and guarded against mechanical damage or other damage to which it is liable to be exposed.
The Roofing Contractors Association of British Columbia recommends that electrical raceways and cables can be protected from mechanical damage by ensuring that:

a) no electrical equipment is installed closer than 38mm (1.5”) as measured from the nearest point of the roofing system or deck; or

b) the electrical equipment is protected from mechanical injury by a steel plate not less than 5mm (3/16 inch) thick extends at least 38mm (1-1/2 inches) beyond the electrical equipment on each side.

Ulrich Janisch
Provincial Safety Manager, Electrical

For more information on the British Columbia Safety Authority, please visit our web site at: www.safetyauthority.ca

For further information, please contact the BC Safety Authority:

Toll free phone: 1-866-566-7233 (7:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday to Friday)
Phone: 778-396-2000 (8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday)
Fax: 778-396-2064

Or Email us at: [email protected]

See updates to Accepted Materials, highlighted in Sections 2.2, 3.6, 3.7, and 5.1.

New Accepted Materials

Inter-Wrap Inc.
RhinoRoof U20 Asphalt Shingle and Metal Roof underlayment
Malarkey Roofing Products
Secure Start Asphalt Shingle underlayment

New/Revised Guarantee Standards

Section A4.1 Insulation and Overlay Boards (illustration to follow)
.1 Multi Layering: All square edge flat format insulation boards greater than 67.5mm (2.7”) in thickness shall be installed in multiple layers. With the exception of systems that include tapered insulation, individual layers are not to exceed 60% of total insulation/overlay board assembly. Multi layering of plastic foam insulation is required for all adhered, mechanically attached, and ballasted low slope roof assemblies. In addition, all slope format plastic foam insulation boards greater than 150mm (6”) in thickness shall be installed in multiple staggered layersor alternatively, be installed under two (2)offset/staggered layers of RGC accepted insulation overlay boards.

.2 Overlay Boards: RGC accepted insulation overlay boards shall be installed over all insulations (EPS, XEPS, Polyisocyanurate) on all adhered low slope roofing systems. When heat sensitive insulations (EPS,XEPS) are used with heat welded membrane seams an accepted overlay board must be installed. Overlay board thickness shall not exceed 50mm (2″). Fibreboard shall not be used with flame-welded seams.

.3 Insulation and overlay board joints are to be offset/staggered 300 mm (12″) from adjacent layers and rows. A minus offset tolerance of 50 mm (2″) maximum will be permitted to compensate for variance in manufactured tolerance of differing insulation board widths and lengths. The exception is sloped insulation boards that are generally installed soldiered fashion to adjacent rows; and the first layer of overlay board over heat sensitive insulation to facilitate joint taping. However, the uppermost layer of insulation or overlay board directly below membranes shall have joints that are offset/staggered from adjacent layers and rows.

Section A5.3 Planters, Landscaped and Green Roofs

Last paragraph modified as follows:

.9 Waterproofing liners in planters with structural walls, concrete curb or other materials, that do not incorporate pre-curbs shall be isolated and separated from the guaranteed roofing membrane and are specifically not accepted under the RGC guarantee. Conventionally insulated roof assemblies are required to have a minimum 12.5mm (1/2″) adhered approved RGC accepted gypsum overlay board, and insulation boards with a minimum compressive strength of 20 psi, under the roof membrane for extensive vegetated systems (less than 200 mm, 8″ in depth). Intensive vegetated systems (200 mm, 8″ or more in depth) are not permitted over conventionally insulated roof systems.

Guarantee Standard A2.3 Conduit   
Guarantee standard A2.3 regarding conduit within a low slope roof system first appeared in the Roofing practices Manual in the 1980’s. It restricted the installation of conduit on top of the roof deck unless express written permission was removed and further definition regarding EMT and cabling was added.

Aside from the immediate problems of reduced insulation thickness over the conduit and air barrier continuity, fasteners used for insulation boards and/or inseam membrane attachment easily penetrate the conduit causing electrical and possible fire danger. Electrical codes in other building jurisdictions were modified in 2011 to reflect this, referencing the possible conductor damage during initial roof installation and future re-roofing.

New Accepted Materials

AR EPS Foam
AR EP Foam – Types 1, 2, and 3 EPS insulation

New/Revised Guarantee Standards

Section 7.1.2 Asphalt Shingle Application Specification: STR-AS
#30 asphalt saturated felt and nail applied proprietary synthetics be removed from STR-AS as an eave protection membrane.

Section A4 Insulation & Overlay Boards

“Plastic foam” to be deleted from A4.1 in order to include mineral wool insulation boards in multi-layering.

New Accepted Materials

Building Products of Canada Corp.
Mystique 42, Laminated, accepted asphalt shingle

Building Products of Canada Corp.
Dakota – Traditional 3-tab, accepted asphalt shingle

Building Products of Canada Corp.
Yukon – Traditional 3-tab, accepted asphalt shingle

Building Products of Canada Corp.
Manoir, Laminated, accepted asphalt shingle

New/Revised Guarantee Standards

New/Revised RGC Guarantee Standards
Section 3.3.0. General
Wording in this section has been simplified to read and better definitions of roof slope added

References to the British Columbia Building Code 2006, have been removed from this Section

Section 2.1.1. Guarantee Standards A.5.3.3 and A.5.3.4
Guarantee Standards A.5.3.3 and A.5.3.4 are amended to accommodate the use of vegetation trays in a vegetated roof system

Section 2.1.3. Guarantee Standard C8.5

Wording changed to add – “The heat welded field membrane must be turned up the vertical surface a minimum of 100 mm (4″) or a heat welded base sheet transition gusset extending 100 mm (4″) onto the roof and upstand surfaces be installed”

New Accepted Materials

Owens Corning Canada LP
Deck Defense, accepted asphalt shingle underlayment for roofs 4/12 and over

Owens Corning Canada LP
Weatherlock G membrane, accepted asphalt shingle eaves protection and underlayment

New/Revised Guarantee Standards

Section C4.1.1. Fastener Systems and C4.1.2 Adhered Systems
With the development of thicker and more heat resistant coverboards, a single minimum 1/2″ layer used over heat sensitive insulations for torch applied SBS membrane installations is acceptable when joint protection is used

Section A1.3. Roof Slopes
Wording in this section is modified to remove ’48 hours’ as the time for effective drainage and replaced with ‘within a reasonable amount of time’

NEW Accepted Materials

Firestone Building Products Canada
Rubbergard Max, RubberGard Eco White non-reinforced EPDM, UltraPly Platinum TPO, UltraPly XR 100 & 115 TPO, accepted flexible membrane products

IKO Industries Ltd.
Grandeur SBS Modified Laminated Architectural Shingles, accepted shingles

Lexsuco 2010 Corporation
Lexcan EPDM Membrane, Sure-Flex PVC, Sure-Weld TPO, accepted with condition that all associated materials are also manufactured by Carlisle SynTec

New/Revised Guarantee Standards

Eave Protection
The point of installation is extended to 24″ past the inside face of the wall in high snow load areas as per 3.5 KPA noting that individual requirements may dictate additional eaves protection.

NEW Accepted Materials

Nelson Roofing & Sheet Metal Ltd.
New Tech Machinery SS100 and SS150, accepted metal roofing systems

Alpha Roofing & Sheet Metal Inc.
Schlebach Quadro 1.5″ mechanical lock, accepted metal roofing system

Carlisle SynTec Canada
Sure Weld 155 mill (080) TPO; FleeceBACK TPO – 100 mil (045), 135 mil (060), 155 mil (080) thicknesses, AFX TPO (hot mopped)-  100 mil (045), 135 mil (060), 155 mil (080) thicknesses, accepted TPO products

Carlisle SynTec Canada
Sure-Tough 075 reinforced EPDM, Sure Seal 145 mil (090) Non-Reinforced EPDM, FleeceBACK EPDM 100 mil (045), 115 mil (060), 145 mil (090) thicknesses, AFX EPDM (hot mopped), 100 mil (045), 115 mil (060) thicknesses, accepted EPDM products

Carlisle SynTec Canada
Sure-Flex PVC – 050, 060, 080 thicknesses; Sure-Flex FRS PVC – 050, 060, 080 thicknesses; Sure-Flex KEE PVC – 050, 060, 080 thicknesses, Sure-Flex KEE PVC – 050, 060, 080 thicknesses; Sure-Flex KEE FleeceBACK PVC – 050, 060 080 thicknesses, accepted PVC products with a subject that the PVC KEE membranes be separated on the project list to show a 2 year history of use in a similar climactic area

Soprema Canada
Soprasmart Board 180, Sopraboard ISO HD 180, accepted combined membrane and cover board systems

Soprema Canada
Soprafix 635 base sheet with a Soprafix 655 or 656fr cap sheet, accepted mechanically fastened 2 ply SBS modified bitumen membrane

Durolast Roofing Inc.
50 mil and 60 mil PVC membranes, limited to acceptance of rolled membrane products and accessories only

New/Revised Guarantee Standards

Section C8.5.5 – Guarantee Standards
Revised to include an extra step in the method description for alternative reverse lap application of a self adhered SBS modified bitumen base sheet membrane followed by a torch applied field membrane.

Guarantee Standards
Metal panel rollforming machines that produce a currently accepted panel, acquired by active member companies, can be accepted in the RoofStar guarantee program by the technical manager.

NEW Accepted Materials

Hunter Panels
H-Shield CG, H-Shield Premier, H-Shield Composite, accepted polyisocyanurate insulation and overlay boards

Marine Roofing & Sheet Metal Ltd.
MR-100 Snap Lock, MR/S-150, MR/S-100, accepted standing seam metal roofing systems

Protecto Wrap Company
Jiffy Seal Ice and Water Guard HT and Jiffy Seal Butyl Ice and Water Guard HT, accepted underlayment/eaves protection for metal panel and asphalt shingle roof systems

Interwrap Inc.
Titanium UDL-25 Plus, Titanium UDL-30 and Titanium UDL-50, accepted metal roof underlayment

New/Revised Guarantee Standards

Section A4.2 – Guarantee Standards
Wording be added to allow increased slopes for systems that do not use oxidized asphalt as an adhesive and have additional restraint

Section 8.2.1
Revised to include accepted proprietary synthetic underlayments as acceptable for use on uninsulated wood decks sloped over 4″ in 12″

Section A4.7.4 and C5.3 – Guarantee Standards
Effective January 2014, requirements for testing and conformance of wind uplift pressure have changed with respect to proprietary mechanically attached or adhesive roof assemblies.

NEW Accepted Materials

Alpha Roofing & Sheet Metal
Knudson P2401 System, accepted standing seam metal roofing system

Sika Canada
Sika Sarnifil Rhinobond System, accepted alternate fastening system for Sika’s PVC membranes

Soprema Canada
Soprarock MD and Soprarock MD Plus, accepted overlay boards
Xpress Board Coated, accepted composite board insulation and overlay board

Roxul
Roxul MonoBoard and MonoBoard Plus, accepted overlay boards

Siplast Canada
Paratherm and Paratherm K polyisocyanurate insulation, accepted insulation boards

IKO Industries
IKO Royal Estate Asphalt Shingles, accepted asphalt shingles

CGC
CGC Securock Gypsum Fibre Roof Board and Securock Glass Matt Roof Board, accepted overlay boards

Firestone Building Products
Firestone Isogard HD Composite, accepted insulation board

New/Revised Guarantee Standards

Tab 2
Wording be added to A1.1 referring the reader to Tab 3.1.3 where further explanation can be made regarding Factory Mutual FM 1-90 assemblies.

Moisture on Polyisocyanurate Insulation Facers
There have been reports of moisture accumulation within bundles between the fibreglass faced polyisocyanurate insulation boards on various jobsites throughout BC. The problem has been sporadic; occurring or not occurring under what appears to be similar circumstances. At this time there is no conclusive evidence of the moisture source but the wet material has been rejected for use, causing production delays and related costs of replacement to all parties involved.

If bundles containing wet insulation facers are found on an RGC guarantee project, please report the guarantee number and description to [email protected]. The report should include: – photos of the wet insulation facers, bundle wrapper labels, and product as stored
– condition of the product when delivered to the site
– quantity of product involved
– length of time product was stored on the roof and weather conditions exposed to
– any other circumstances noted

NEW Accepted Materials

VicWest
Prestige Snap-Lock Metal Roof System, accepted metal panel roof system.

Carlisle SynTec Systems Canada
Secureshield HD polyisocyanurate coverboard, accepted insulation overlay board for Carlisle roof systems.

IKO Industries
Storm Shield Ice & Water Protector, eaves protection for asphalt shingle roof systems.

New/Revised Guarantee Standards

Tab 7.1.5 page 4
Depiction of plastic cement applied at metal drip edge flashing will be removed.

Tab 7.1.2 and Tab 7.1.4
All proprietary asphalt shingle ridge cap material installed on RoofStar guarantee projects must be made by the same manufacturer as the field shingles.

NEW Accepted Materials

Owens Corning Canada
Type IV Foamular Extruded Expanded Polystyrene insulations

Firestone Building Products
UltraFlash Liquid Membrane Flashing and UltraFlash reinforcement fabric – modified bitumen liquid membrane flashing system

Nelson Roofing Ltd.
New Tech Machinery mechanical lock SS150 and SS100 metal panels – metal panel roof system

Raven Roofing Ltd.
New Tech Machinery Snap Lock 2 675 panel, SS150 and SS100 panels, Quadro Snap Seam – FFQ100 panel – metal panel roof systems

Cascade Roofing & Waterproofing Ltd.
New Tech Machinery Snap Lock metal panel – metal panel roof system

New/Revised Guarantee Standards

D5.2 INSULATION bearing plates

When panel clips with bearing plates are installed directly over insulation the compressive strength of the insulation must be a minimum of 138 kPa (20 psi) and the maximum thickness of the insulation shall not exceed as specified in the proprietary designed assembly. Drag load fastening must be designed to withstand the anticipated loading. Insulation bearing plates are not permitted for use in high snow load regions unless expressly accepted in writing under the seal of a structural engineer.

A1.5.3 Gypsum boards on vertical surfaces must be RGC Accepted overlay boards with fibreglass facers and silicone treated cores. On steel framed walls, fibreglass faced silicone treated gypsum boards with a minimum thickness of 12mm (1/2”) or fibre-mat reinforced cement boards with a minimum thickness of9.5mm (3/8”) that conform to ASTM C1325-04 are an acceptable vertical substrate to receive roofing.

The installation of roof membrane to the surface must be as per the membrane manufacturer’s requirements for that substrate.

A2.3 Conduit, EMT, cable and/or piping applied on the top of roof deck surfaces shall not be acceptable on new construction projects.

If conduit is present on decks in re-roofing projects, the deck must be made smooth and even to the satisfaction of the accepted roof inspection firm. The upper layer of insulation must cover the conduit, EMT, cable and/or piping.

Tab 7.1.2 STR AS
1.5 Eave protection – RGC accepted self-adhered, rubberized asphalt sheet material (see tab 3.15) #30 non-perforated asphalt saturated felt, or RGC accepted proprietary underlayments that meet or exceed the requirements for #30 non-perforated asphalt felt, CSA A123.3-05 (2010).

NEW Guarantee Standard (Effective January 28, 2011)

A4.1.3 Overlay boards – RGC accepted insulation cover or overlay boards shall be installed over all plastic foam insulations on all adhered low sloped roof assemblies. All insulation types shall have a minimum compressive strength of 110 KPa (20 psi) when installed without a cover board under mechanically attached membranes.

Former Guarantee Standard
A4.1.3 Overlay boards – RGC accepted insulation cover or overlay boards shall be installed over all plastic foam insulations on all adhered and mechanically attached low sloped roof assemblies.

NEW Accepted Materials

Garland Canada Inc.
SBS Cap sheets and base sheets accepted or use as waterproofing membrane systems.

Garland Canada Inc.
GMX Hot-applied Rubberized Waterproofing Membrane accepted for use as waterproofing systems.

Garland Canad Inc.
SBS Roofing Membranes accepted for use as roofing membranes under RPM Tab 5 in the RGC Guarantee program. And Garland Canada Inc. Fiberglass Felts and SBS Cap Sheets Systems accepted under RPM 4.6 Proprietary BUR.

IKO Industries Ltd.
IKO MS DETAIL with reinforcement scrim, accepted for use as a liquid applied membrane flashing.

IKO Industries Ltd.
Manufacturer’s proprietary adhesive applied modified bituminous system that utilizes IKO Cold Gold brand adhesive, as tested by NRC for compliance with CSA A123.21-04 Wind Uplift Standard for Adhesive Applied Low Slope Roof Assemblies.

SMT Structure Monitoring Technology
Roof Moisture Survey System accepted for use as a moisture survey and monitoring system in the RGC waterproofing program.

WR Grace
Underlayment Membranes for cedar shakes and shingles, asphalt shingles, as well as metal roof panels accepted for use in the RGC guarantee program.

New/Revised Guarantee Standards

A1.2 Material Storage & Protection – All installed roofing system materials that are susceptible to moisture damage shall be made weather tight by end of each work day.

Asphalt Single specification 7.1.2 Steep & 7.1.4 Low Slope as well as Cedar Shake and Shingle sections in Tab 7.2 now include the following requirement. A6.3 Strip in Type vents and penetration flashing (low slope) – strip-in type roof penetration flashings (lead, aluminium, stainless streel, copper, etc. must be properly sized to fitted roof pipe penetrations or alternatively when pipes are irregular in size oversized flashings with sprayed foam insulation may be used.

All organic based asphalt shingles are, as of this date, NOT accepted for use in the RGC guarantee program and all listings for organic based asphalt shingles will be removed from the RGC Accepted Materials list.

Vent Heights – RGC guarantee standards are now a minimum of 200mm (8″) on roof slopes of less than 1:3 (4″ in 12″) for all roofing material types.

Concrete Cold Joints – the following requirements for concrete cold joins have now been added to the RGC guarantee standards E Waterproofing, E2.2 Concrete Decks, .4 Cold joints between concrete pours, at horizontal concrete decks and vertical walls that are at or below grade, shall be sealed and covered with waterproofing membrane flashing. Membrane  flashing shall cover all deck/wall transitions, shall lap over cold joints and onto horizontal slabs (deck) a minimum of 200mm (8″) and be compatible with both the deck and wall waterproofing or damp proofing materials. Or alternatively, when materials at deck/wall transitions are not compatible the use of compatible sealants and termination bars that create a watertight lap that is a minimum width of 200mm (8″) is acceptable.

Insulation & Thermal Barriers on Steel Decks – A4.5.1 When installinginsulation or thermal barriers directly over steel decks, all edges of the insulation orthermal barriers are to be fully or intermittently supported by the deck.