Accepted Materials - Grade-level Waterproofing

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1 Vapour Retarders

The RCABC does not specify Vapour Retarders, as they are not included in the RoofStar Guarantee Program. See manufacturer specifications where Vapour Retarders are required, and refer to proprietary products and installation instructions. This cross-reference is listed for information only.

6 Membranes

6.1 Thermoset Membranes

Thermoset is defined as a material that solidifies or "sets" irreversibly when heated (vulcanized). This property is usually associated with cross-linking of the molecules induced by heat or radiation. Once the material is cured, it can only be bonded to itself by adhesives; new molecular linkages cannot form. Some thermosets are not cured during manufacture (ie. Butyl flashings) and are intended to cure over time after they have been installed. This allows the material to cure into the specific shape required for waterproofing application details.

Composition

The generic membrane types defined as cured thermosets in the RoofStar Guarantee Program for Waterproofing currently include Butyl Membranes (Isobutylene and Isoprene):

Butyl (Isobutylene - Isoprene) membrane is a thermoset vulcanized elastomer synthetic rubber membrane formulated from isobutylene and Isoprene. Although most commonly available as a cured sheet, butyl can be formulated as an uncured membrane for specific purposes (i.e., flashings).

Butyl membrane waterproofing systems are single-ply membranes in 1.5 mm (0.060") and greater thicknesses and are usually black in colour. The membrane is applied fully-adhered and seams are joined with contact splicing cement or seaming tape (or a combination of both), and are caulked (see manufacturer's requirements).

Butyl membranes should conform to CGSB 37-GP-52M 1984, "Roofing and Waterproofing Membrane, Sheet Applied, Elastomeric" which lists two Classes of Type 2 reinforced membranes (classed according to their end-use), according to manufacture:

• Class A - exposed
• Class B - non-exposed

This standard covers requirements such as "thickness, tensile strength, breaking strength, lap joint strength, elongation, tensile set, low temperature flexibility, water absorption, dimensional stability after water absorption, heat aging, ozone resistance, resistance to accelerated weathering, dynamic impact test, tear resistance, and tearing strength."

6.2 Thermoplastic Membranes

Thermoplastic materials are defined as polymers which soften when heated and harden when cooled. This process is repetitive provided the material is not heated above the point at which decomposition occurs. No cross-linking or vulcanization occurs. In addition to heat welding, some materials can be solvent welded. These welds develop bonding strengths equalling or surpassing the strength of the base materials. Thermoplastic membrane systems that comply RGC Guarantee Standards, are installed as fully adhered protected waterproofing assembly, qualify for coverage under the RoofStar Guarantee Program.

Composition

Thermoplastic materials used for waterproofing decks on plazas, promenades and terraces in the RoofStar Guarantee Program include only PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Membranes:

PVC is a thermoplastic material produced through the polymerization of vinyl chloride, resulting in a relatively hard, resinous material. This material is then formulated with compounds, such as plasticizers and stabilizers, depending on the physical properties required for end use. PVC formulations have been developed to suit numerous commercial and industrial applications.

PVC waterproofing systems are single-ply membranes reinforced with polyester fabric or glass fibres, and in thicknesses usually ranging from 1.2 mm to 2.0 mm, depending on the manufacturer. The membrane is fully adhered and Seams are heat or chemically welded (see manufacturer's requirements).

PVC membrane should conform to CGSB 37-GP-54M 1979, "Roofing and Waterproofing Membrane, Sheet Applied, Flexible, Polyvinyl Chloride" which lists two types of membrane, according to manufacture:

• Type 2 - reinforced

and four classes, according to end use:

• Class A - non-exposed roofing
• Class B - exposed roofing
• Class C - waterproofing
• Class D - flashing membrane asphalt compatible

This standard covers requirements such as "thickness, lap joint strength, permeability, tensile strength, elongation at break, low temperature flexibility, water absorption, resistance to accelerated weathering, dimensional change after stress relaxation, and cone penetration"

PVC membranes should be applied in conformance with CGSB 37-GP-55M 1979, "Application of Sheet Applied Flexible Polyvinyl Chloride Roof Membrane" and the membrane manufacturer's printed instructions.

6.3 Hot Fluid-Applied, Rubberized Asphalt Membrane

These are fully adhered waterproofing system that utilize hot applied rubberized asphalt compounds, with reinforcement scrims, to form monolithic (seamless) flexible waterproofing membranes.

Composition

Single component rubberized asphalt compound installed with reinforcement between two a two layer system. Hot applied rubberized asphalt is fully- adhered to both vertical and horizontal structural surfaces to form monolithic (seamless) flexible waterproofing membrane. Reinforced membrane flashings are installed in Hot applied rubberized asphalt at all deck transitions (wall to deck etc.).

Hot applied rubberized asphalt systems are used for waterproofing on the following applications:

• Waterproofing in an Inverted Assembly

• Split Slab Construction for Plaza Decks

• Terraces, Prominades & Planters

8 Accessories

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Waterproofing Plazas, Promenades and Terraces

Accepted Materials

Special Applications