Soprema SBS Membrane Installation Guidelines

Notice to the Reader: The instructions provided below are reprinted from the manufacturer's own materials which were submitted to the RoofStar Guarantee Program for inclusion in this Manual. The reader is urged to check these against current publications issued by the manufacturer, to ensure accuracy.

Manufacturer: SOPREMA INC.

Contact Address: See Membership List in Section 1.

Product Group: SBS MODIFIED BITUMINOUS MEMBRANES

Country of Origin: France

Country of Manufacture: Canada, France, Germany, Switzerland, USA

Year First Installed:

BC: 1979

Canada: 1979

Foreign: 1976

---

1 Description

The main components of the roofing and waterproofing systems are the “Traditional”, “Sopralene” and “Elastophene” membranes, and the High Performance Composite systems, all tough, flexible SBS polymer modified bitumen prefabricated sheets, appropriately reinforced and surface finished for specific application.

The highest quality raw materials are utilized in a manufacturing process which saturates and coats non-woven glass, composite, or polyester fabric with SBS polymer modified bitumen.

The membranes are installed on the job site by hot asphalt, propane torch welding and cold and self adhesive techniques, bonding adjacent sheets and flashing plies to form an integral roofing/waterproofing system.

1.1 GENERAL

The roofing assembly / material information published in the RoofStar Roofing Practices Manual does NOT represent a complete set of the manufacturer's published data, nor does it represent a detailed specification. The preparation of a detailed specification is the responsibility of the design authority.RANGE OF APPLICATION

1. For use over roof decks in residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial applications, wherever built-up roofing is presently used.
2. As a loose-laid roofing membrane under ballast (gravel or pavers) and in protected membrane roof systems.
3. As a fully adhered, semi-adhered, self adhered or mechanically fastened roofing membrane, without ballast, on flat, curved or domed roofs or unusual configurations.
4. As a roofing membrane over existing roofs in recover or replacement applications.
5. As a fully adhered, semi-adhered, self adhered, or mechanically fastened roofing membrane covered by growing medium in green roof (Sopranature) applications.

DELIVERY, STORAGE, AND HANDLING

1. Deliver and store materials in original containers with manufacturer's labels and seals intact.
2. Store rolls on end, selvage edge up, elevated from contact with ground and moisture, in weatherproof shelters; avoid prolonged exposure of light and heat sensitive materials to sunlight.
3. Condition membrane rolls prior to cold weather application.
4. Store combustible fluids and fuels away from heat and open flame.

SITE CONDITIONS

1. Slope range: from dead-level (except single-ply) up to and including vertical; the choice of membrane combination and its suitability to a particular slope is governed by the type of deck, insulation and fastening capability, application method, perceived stresses on the membrane, and its required finish; please consult Soprema for assistance in identifying these factors and the recommended choice of materials.

1. Slope limitations:
   • recommended slope 1:100 (1/8" in 12")
   • mechanically fasten over 1:12 (1" in 12")

1. Minimum ambient application temperature:
   • hot asphalt-applied -10°C (+14°F)
   • torch-applied -40°C (- 40°F)
   • adhesive-applied +5°C (+41°F)
   • self-adhesive-applied +5°C (+41°F)
   • self-adhesive applied (base flashing) -10°C (+20°F)
   • mechanically fastened -40°C (-40°F)
2. Chemical limitations: incompatible with coal tar pitch; not resistant to oil or most petroleum products; consult Soprema for specific requirements.

STANDARDS AND APPROVALS (for specific membranes or assemblies consult manufacturer)

1. Canadian General Standards Board: conforms to CGSB 37-GP-56M; tested at Ontario Research Facility in 1987.
2. Factory Mutual Engineering and Research: demonstrates I-90 wind uplift resistance and Class 1 fire resistance.
3. Underwriters Laboratories: Report R 13372.
4. Underwriters Laboratories of Canada: in process as of March 1, 1988.
5. Canadian Mortgage and Housing: Evaluation Report No. 10415.
6. Other: D.I.N., Agreement, S.I.A.
7. ISO 9001 and ISO 14001

MANUFACTURER'S SERVICES

1. Applicator Training: formal courses and field training leading to certification as a Soprema installer are available.
2. Field Technicians: are available to advise and assist contractors in installation techniques, production and quality control.
3. Specifications: a complete specification service and design assistance program is offered.

EQUIPMENT

• Torches: use only torches designed for torching roofing material; pre-approved by Soprema Inc.

1.2 MATERIALS

NOTE: Regardless of the materials listed below or anywhere else in these manufacturer's guidelines, only materials accepted for use in the RoofStar Guarantee Program, or accessories associated with those materials, may be used to qualify for a RoofStar Guarantee. To see a list of the manufacturer's products accepted for use in the RoofStar Guarantee Program, click on the link above.

MEMBRANES

Consult the list of Accepted Materials by clicking on the MATERIALS link above.

1.3 EXECUTION

LIMITATIONS / CAUTIONS

1. Apply roofing materials over clean, dry surfaces in accordance with RoofStar Guarantee Standards good roofing practices.
2. Use only compatible primers and adhesives / mastics / sealants.
3. Do not torch direct to flammable substrates.
4. Provide adequate protection against fire, particularly when using propane torch applied membranes.
5. Torch base sheets to suitable substrates only; many rigid insulations require a suitable overlay; wood fibreboard and fibrecants are not acceptable.

PREPARATION

1. Surfaces to receive membranes must be clean, dry, and primed with compatible primer as required.

INSULATION

1. Mechanically fasten insulation over nailable decks, in accordance with RoofStar Guarantee Standards.
2. Embed insulation in a 1.5 kg / m² (30 lb / square) mopping of hot asphalt over non-nailable deck or adhere with Coltack or Duotack adhesive, or other approved adhesives.
3. Install 11 mm (7/16") asphalt-impregnated fibreboard, 4.5mm Sopraboard, 12mm Xpress Board, Xpress EPS, Xpress ISO, or 12mm SoprabaseFR as an insulation overlay where required by RoofStar Guarantee Standards.
4. Install wood nailing strips on slopes exceeding 1:12 (1" in 12"), or as required.

ROOF MEMBRANE APPLICATION

1. Asphalt-adhered: apply asphalt to substrate at a rate of 1.2 to 1.5 kg / m² (25 to 30 lb / square), at minimum 205°C (400°F) and maximum 230°C (450°F) at point of application; mop no further than 1 m (3' ) ahead of unrolling roll of material; lap sides 75 mm (3") and ends 150 mm (6") unless specified otherwise. Soprasphalte M is recommended for all interply mopping of membranes. Contact manufacturer for application recommendations using SEBS Modified Soprasphalte M.
2. Torch-adhered: torch onto suitable substrates or base sheets, fully bond membrane; lap sides 75 mm (3") and ends 150 mm (6") or as required by the applicable system assembly.
3. Adhesive-applied: install Colply Adhesive Brush / Trowel and membranes according to Soprema's printed instructions.
4. Self-adhered: Membranes used in base/cap field or stripping plies in 2 ply assemblies require substrate priming with Elastocol Stick, Elastocol 350, or Elastocol Stick H2O in almost all applications. Contact manufacturer for possible exceptions.
5. Use of cant strips is optional; where used, install base sheet to bottom or top of cant; where not used, install base sheet to the base of vertical surfaces. Fiberboard Cant is not acceptable except in hot mopped asphalt applications.
6. Start at low point and where slopes are 1:15 (3/4" in 12") or less at right angles to the slope; on slopes greater than 1:15 (3/4" in 12") install parallel to the slope.
7. Stagger end laps minimum 300 mm (12") except in systems when soldiering and seam overlays are recommended.
8. Consult Soprema Inc. for membrane flashing details; where gravel stop details are utilized, mastic under the gravel stop flange is required.
9. Install base sheet stripping, starting at the outer edge of parapet, across top face, down inside vertical surface, over base sheet on cant strip (if present), and out minimum of 100 mm (4") onto field portion of roof. Apply base sheet stripping over primed flanges of installed metal accessories.
10. Install membrane cap sheet parallel to base sheet, with laps of cap sheet being offset minimum of 300 mm (12") from those of base sheet, using same side and end lap widths as base sheet; embed granules (do not remove) prior to bonding onto granular surfaces.
11. Limit asphalt / bitumen "bleed-out" at laps on granular surfaces to a maximum of 6 mm (1/4") width; conceal excess "bleed-out" and repair damaged granular finishes with matching loose granules from manufacturer.
12. Extend cap sheet stripping minimum of 150 mm (6") onto field portion of roof, extend to top inside corner of parapets, or terminate 25 mm (1") higher than base stripping on walls.
13. Check laps with round-nosed roofing trowel as work proceeds; reseal unbonded areas and voids; repair punctures or tears with patches of similar materials torch-welded to surface.
14. Consult Soprema Inc. for recommendations on fastener type and pattern for mechanically fastened membranes.
15. Consult Soprema Inc. for specific application and use for adhesive applied systems.

---

2 Membrane Assemblies

2.1 Exposed Membrane: Un-insulated

Slope Limitation:	NO LIMIT
In-Service Performance:	Min.:	-18°C	(+0°F)	}	Required membrane tensile strength varies.
Temperature of the	Min.:	<-18°C	(0°F)
Membrane:	Max.:	+93°C	(+200°F)

2.2 Exposed Membrane: Insulated

Slope Limitation:	NO LIMIT
In-Service Performance:	Min.:	-18°C	(+ 0°F)	}	Required membrane tensile strength varies.
Temperature of the	Min.:	<-18°C	( 0°F)
Membrane:	Max.:	+93°C	(+200°F)

2.3 Protected and Modified Protected Membrane Assemblies

Slope Limitation:	NO LIMIT
In-Service Performance:	Min.:	-18°C	(+ 0°F)	}	Required membrane tensile strength varies.
Temperature of the	Min.:	<-18°C	( 0°F)
Membrane:	Max.:	+93°C	(+200°F)

2.4 Colvent Systems: Various

Slope Limitation:	NO LIMIT
In-Service Performance:	Min.:	-18°C	(+ 0°F)	}	Required membrane tensile strength varies.
Temperature of the	Min.:	<-18°C	( 0°F)
Membrane:	Max.:	+93°C	(+200°F)

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Application temperature must be a minimum of +5°C. When temperatures are below +10°C, rolls must be pre-heated in a non hazardous zone.

All side laps are required to be sealed with torch and hot trowel, or granule embedment tool at the end of each days work. Colvent end laps are required to be 25 mm (1"), and are not required to be staggered. A 300 mm (12") strip of membrane will be welded over end lap terminations. Mechanically fasten all perimeters with screw and steel plate 300 mm (12") o.c. Base flashing will exceed steel plates a minimum of 100 mm (4")

2.5 Colphene Self-Adhesive System

Slope Limitation:	NO LIMIT
In-Service Performance:	Min.:	-18°C	(+ 0°F)	}	Required membrane tensile strength varies.
Temperature of the	Min.:	<-18°C	( 0°F)
Membrane:	Max.:	+93°C	(+200°F)

---