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USING THE CSA A123.21 WIND UPLIFT TEST REPORTS

The tables and products shown below provide basic material data related to roof assemblies tested for their performance in modulating and high winds. They also provide links to more information about the materials, including manufacturers' published Technical Data sheets. The reader is advised to use this information in conjunction with other RoofStar-accepted Materials, and with reference to roof system requirements derived from from appropriate wind uplift calculations (see the Wind-RCI calculator and reference notes and requirements outlined in Wind Uplift Design and CSA A123.21). The information on this page is not intended for use as a comparison of material performance or quality. Nor should this information be construed as an endorsement of the suitability of any given material for a particular application. It is the sole responsibility of the design authority to assess the performance capability and material suitability for specific design requirements.

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Roof Assemblies are classified according to three different attachment approaches: MARS (Mechanically Attached Roof Systems), PARS (Partially Adhered Roof Systems), and AARS (Adhesive Applied Roof Systems). For a full explanation of these and other key details pertinent to an understanding of the test reports, visit Wind Uplift Design and CSA A123.21.

In the tables below, the following definitions apply:

ASSEMBLIES are represented by the downloadable reports linked in the far right column of each table. Assemblies are defined in this Manual as the arrangement of various and distinct roofing materials in layers, secured to the roof deck by a variety of methods. The Accepted Material which is listed in the second column of each table is included in the associated Assembly wind uplift test reports, which may be downloaded using the links in the far right column of each table. The RCABC has renumbered these reports for tracking purposes. The official report numbers will be found on the documents themselves.

The tested assembly reports use the language of "systems" to reflect how the CSA A123.21 Standard uses the term: to refer to the different spacing of fasteners or adhesive ribbons. Some Assemblies have been tested with a variety of fastener or adhesive patterns, others with only one. For example, one Assembly may be tested with three different fastener spacing arrangements, indicated both by the row spacing and by the fastener spacing. In that case, the tables show that a material has been tested with three different Systems. You will see notations in the third column of each table indicating how many attachment systems have been tested for a particular material. The associated report will be found on the same line, in the far right column.

Some of the reports will include diagrams or photographs illustrating the tested patterns. Click on a report link for a complete description of the test results and all other materials tested in the assembly (NOTE: Most reports are under 2 MB in size but some are considerably larger and may exceed your server capacity)

How to Use the Tables

1. Begin by determining the wind load of the roof using the online calculator available through Wind-RCI (click here for a sample report);
2. The current page you are on displays materials and tested assembly reports for one method, or system, by which the roof will be fastened together. To switch to another type of system, click on one of the links below:
   • MARS Systems (mechanically fastened);
   • AARS Systems (adhered);

   • PARS Systems (a combination of adhered and mechanically fastened).

     Note that the method of attachment may be determined by the type of roof deck.

3. Expand the table for the membrane type and look for maximum wind uplift values that exceed the requirements determined through the RCI calculator;

   (NOTE: while the reports show two different values for tested maximum assembly strength, the RPM tables display only the values adjusted for the required safety factor of 1.5)

4. Open the report for the tested assembly that fits with the design parameters you have chosen and calculated, and examine the report. It will break down the assembly by its components. Ensure all the key components (Secondary materials, such as deck overlay, insulation and insulation overlay) are accepted by the RoofStar Guarantee Program (note that fasteners and adhesives currently are not listed in this Manual - use the materials specified in the wind test report, or consult the membrane manufacturer);
5. In cases where a tested Secondary material is not accepted by the RoofStar Guarantee Program, look for alternates which often are published in the each report. In the absence of published alternates, locate a possible alternate in the Accepted Materials section of this Manual. If you are unsure about compatibility, contact the RCABC.