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USING TESTED ASSEMBLY REPORTS

The tables and products shown below provide basic material data related to roof assemblies tested for their performance in modulating and high winds, using the test method found in CSA A123.21. 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 Securing the Roof Assembly; also refer to the BC Building Code, Part 4 and Part 5).

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 approaches to securement: 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 Securing the Roof Assembly.

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 combination with the supporting deck structure. Therefore, a Tested Assembly refers to both the roof system materials and the type of supporting deck structure to which they are secured and then tested in a controlled environment, in accordance with the CSA A123.21 test method. Some reports provide guidance for other deck types. The reader is advised to consult each report for optional assemblies and the testing authority's remarks concerning resistance to Specified Wind Loads (refer to the BC Building Code, Part 4).

SYSTEMS used in the tables below refers to the system of securement - that is, the pattern or spacing of fasteners or adhesive ribbons used to achieve the listed Dynamic Uplift Resistance (DUR) values (NOTE: the term System used elsewhere in the RPM denotes the combination of roof materials, excluding the supporting deck structure. The two uses of system should not be confused). Some Assemblies have been tested with a variety of securement systems, others with only one. For example, one Assembly may be tested with three different fastener spacing arrangements (securement systems), 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 of securement. You will see notations in the third column of each table indicating how many securement systems have been tested for a particular material. The associated downloadable report will be found on the same line, in the far right column. The report name is a hyperlink to the report document.

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 Specified Wind Loads of the roof using the online calculator available through Wind-RCI (click here for a sample report). For roofs that do not conform to the parameters of the Wind-RCI online calculator, the Specified Wind Loads will have to be calculated by a qualified professional. Refer to the BC Building Code, Part 4 for guidance and specific formulae;
2. familiarize yourself with the three roof zones and their respective Specified Wind Loads. The Corner Zone represents the highest anticipated Specified Wind Loads for the roof; consequently, you should use the Corner Zone value for selecting an appropriate Tested Assembly. The Specified Wind Loads for the Edge and Field zones may be considered later;
3. 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 supporting deck structure.

4. Expand the table for the membrane type and look for maximum wind uplift resistance values that exceed the requirements determined through the RCI calculator or professional calculations using the formulae in the BCBC, Part 4;

   (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 - these are called the DUR or Dynamic Uplift Resistance values)

5. 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);
6. 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 manufacturer of the Tested Assembly, or contact the RCABC.