GAF APP 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: GAF

Contact Address: See Membership List in Section 1.

Product Group: APP MODIFIED BITUMINOUS MEMBRANES

Country of Origin: U.S.A.

Country of Manufacture: U.S.A.

Year First Installed

B.C.: 2002

Canada: 2002

---

1 Description

GAF APP membranes consist of a polyester mat impregnated on both sides with an APP (atactic polypropylene) modified bitumen compound. The non-woven polyester fabric used in GAF’s membranes provides a highly elastic body with excellent tensile strength. The high percentage of plasticizing resins in the bitumen compound ensures heat resistance, low temperature flexibility, aging endurance, and workability. The GAF membranes are heat welded (using a propane torch) to prepared surfaces. The seams are fused, forming a single, continuous watertight membrane.

1.1 GENERAL

The roofing assembly / material information published in the RCABC 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.

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

.1 Torch applied roofing membrane consisting of a base sheet and a cap sheet, separately applied using a proprietary propane torch. Base sheet to flame sensitive substrates are mopped applied or mechanically fastened to the prepared substrate or insulation.

.2 Range of application: new construction or reroofing; flat to vertical (consult GAF for specific slope requirements)

DELIVERY, STORAGE, AND HANDLING

.1 Store GAF roofing membranes in a dry place and stacked on end to prevent damage to the selvage edge.

.2 Store rolls on a pallet, securely covered to prevent contact with moisture.

.3 When ambient temperatures are below 0°C (32°F): keep rolls in a heated area; install quickly without allowing to become cold; do not drop rolls when cold.

SITE CONDITIONS

.1 Slope limitations:

• Minimum recommended slope: 1:50 (1/4" in 12")
• Mechanical fastening required over: 1:16 (3/4" in 12")
• Consult GAF for slopes over: 1:4 (3" in 12")

.2 Application temperature:

• Minimum ambient temperature: +4°C (+40°F)
• Maximum ambient temperature: +38°C (+100°F)

.3 Chemical incompatibilities: generally those that affect roofing asphalt

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

.1 Underwriters Laboratories: Class A, B and C Flame Resistance, “Roofing Materials and Systems Directory”, 2001 Edition.

.2 Factory Mutual: Class 1 and Class I-90 (consult Factory Mutual Research Approval Guide for additional assemblies and uplift ratings)

.3 Canadian General Standards Board: CGSB 37-GB-56M

.4 Other: Metro-Dade, SWL, SBCCI, CIBC, CABO

.5 Underwriters Laboratories of Canada – Standard CAN/ULC-S107

MANUFACTURER’S SERVICES

.1 Local GAF Commercial Specialists

.2 Specifications and drawings available from application and specification manual

.3 Seminars: Conducted as scheduled or upon request.

.4 Contractor Services Department available for technical questions and documentation.

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.

	NOMINAL	APPROX.	REINFORCING
PRODUCT	THICKNESS	WEIGHT	WEIGHT	DESCRIPTION
	mm	kg/m sq	g/m sq
Ruberoid® Torch (Smooth)	4	4.08	170	Torch applied, smooth surface; both sides, membrane, for single or two ply systems
Ruberoid® Torch (Granule)	4.5	4.56	170	Torch applied, smooth bottom and mineral surfaced top membrane, for single or two ply systems
Ruberoid® Torch Plus (Granule)	5	5.57	250	Torch applied, smooth bottom and mineral surfaced top membrane, for single or two ply systems
Ruberoid® Torch FR (Granule)	5	5.51	250	Torch applied, smooth bottom and mineral surfaced top membrane, for single or two ply systems
Ruberoid® Torch Flashing (Smooth)	4	4.08	170	Torch applied, smooth surface; both sides, membrane, for use as a flashing membrane.
Ruberoid® Energy Cap 250 FR (Elastomeric Coated Granule)	4.5	4.56	170	Torch applied, elastomeric coated mineral surfaced top membrane, for single or two-ply systems.

ACCESSORIES

Gafglas^® #75 Base Sheet

Asphalt-saturated fiberglass base sheet.

Gafglas^® #80 Ultima Base Sheet

Asphalt-saturated fiberglass base sheet.

Gafglas^® Stratavent^® Eliminator™ Nailable Base Sheet

Fiberglass reinforced, bottom side granule surfaced venting base sheet

Mweld^® Standard M Vent

Pre-Flashed spun aluminum roof vent

Mweld^® Adjustable M Vent

Pre-flashed two piece unit consisting of a spun aluminum base and a flexible EPDM upper boot

Mweld^® One Way M Vent

Pre-Flashed spun aluminum one way roof vent

Mweld^® M Drain

Pre-flashed spun aluminum or copper roof drain with gravel guard, strainer cap and waterproofing plumbing seal attached.

Mweld^® Pre-Flashed Lead Jack

Pre-flashed plumbing vent (lead jack)

Mweld^® M Scupper

Pre-flashed 24 ga. Galvanized steel through-wall roof drain. Also available upon request, made from aluminum, copper, or Stainless steel

Mweld^®M-Curb System

A structural urethane outer shell curb with a pourable urethane sealant that is used in place of conventional metal pitch pans

ANCILLARY PRODUCTS

The selection or omission of roof insulations, vapor retarder, expansion/control joints, etc. are design matters which remain the responsibility of the architect, engineer, or owner and are in no way the responsibility of GAF.

.1 Insulation: the following are approved for use with the specified membrane

• Polyisocyanurate CAN/CGSB-51.26-M86
• Perlite: ASTM C-728

.2 Primer: Matrix™ 307 Asphalt Primer conforming to CGSB 37-GP-9Ma

.3 Coatings:

• Matrix™ 301 System Pro Fibered Aluminum Roof Coating
• Matrix™ 302 System Pro Aluminum Roof Coating
• Matrix™ 303 Select Fibered Aluminum Roof Coating
• Matrix™ 304 Select Aluminum Roof Coating
• Matrix™ 305 Select Asphalt Emulsion
• Matrix™ 322 White Elastomeric Roof Coating
• Matrix™ 531 Weathercote™ Elastomeric
• Matrix™ 602 SB Coating
• Matrix™ 715 MB Coating

.4 Mechanical Fasteners: Drill Tec™ fasteners

.5 Gravel Ballast: conforming to ASTM D-1863-80; commercial grade, clean, dry, 6mm to 19mm (1/4" to 3/4") in size, opaque to ultra violet light, crushed rock, gravel or stone.

.6 Roofing asphalt conforming to CSA A123.4-M, Type 3 for slopes up to 1:16 (3/4" in 12"); conform to ASTM D-312, Type IV for slopes 1:16 (3/4" in 12") to 1:4 (3" in 12").

.7 Cants: Asphalt impregnated perlite, fiberboard, or wood.

1.3 EXECUTION

PREPARATION

.1 Ensure surfaces are clean, smooth, dry, and free of depressions or sharp projections.

.2 Ensure that roof projections are firmly affixed and cant strips, reglets, and nailing strips are in place; CANT STRIPS ARE REQUIRED where two surfaces meet at a 90° angle.

.3 The design and construction of roof decks and proper drainage is the responsibility of the architect / specifier.

PRIMER

.1 Prime all concrete, masonry, and metal surfaces to be directly bonded with bituminous membranes.

INSULATION

.1 Mechanically fasten insulation over nailable decks and steel decks in accordance with RGC Guarantee Standards.

.2 Embed insulation in a full, uniform mopping of hot steep roofing asphalt at a rate of 1.5 kg / m² (30 pounds per 100 square feet) over structural concrete decks.

.3 Install 11mm (1/2") asphalt impregnated fiberboard or perlite as insulation overlay where required by RGC Guarantee Standards.

.4 Install wood nailers at the perimeter of non-nailable decks and on slopes of 1:16 (3/4" in 12") or greater.

BASE SHEET (where required)

.1 Start at the low point of the roof and perpendicular to the slope.

.2 Mechanically fasten base sheet to the deck in accordance with GAF application and specification requirements.

TORCH APPLIED ROOF MEMBRANE

.1 Start at the low point of the roof and perpendicular to the slope.

.2 Unroll 1.2 m to 2.0 m (4’ to 6’) and align membrane.

.3 Torch to suitable substrate with propane torch, directing the flame to the exposed surface of the roll as well as to the substrate or membrane underneath.

.4 Lap sides 75 mm (3") and ends 150 mm (6"); staggering end laps a minimum of 450 mm (18").

.5 Maintain approximately 10 mm (3/8") flow out of bitumen at overlapping seams.

.6 Roll seam to ensure complete bond.

.7 Carry membrane to the top of the cant. DO NOT BOND TO THE CANT.

.8 Reroll opposite end of the roll not torched and install in the same manner.

.9 For slopes exceeding 1:16 (3/4" in 12"), install membranes vertical to the slope and mechanically fasten in the head laps.

BASE FLASHING

.1 Torch apply one layer of Ruberoid^® Torch Smooth a minimum on 100 mm (4") onto the field of the roof and a minimum 200 mm (8") above the cant onto the wall.

.2 Torch apply membrane flashing over the smooth membrane a minimum of 200 mm (8") onto the field of the roof and a minimum 200 mm (8") above the roof surface. Maximum flashing height is 600 mm (24") above the roof surface.

.3 Lap sides a minimum of 75 mm (3").

.4 Ensure a bitumen floe out of approximately 10 mm (3/8").

.5 Consult GAF application and specification manual for specific flashing substrate requirements or additional flashing details.

---

2 Membrane Assemblies

2.1 Exposed Membrane - Un-insulated

Slope Limitation: 1:4 (3" in 12") Consult membrane manufacturer for installation at higher slopes

In-Service Performance: Min.: -10°C (+ 14°F)

Temperature of the Min.: -18°C ( 0°F)

Membrane

Min.: <-18°C ( 0°F)

Max.: +50°C (+122°F)

ROOF ASSEMBLY
Components	Options	Comments or Cautions
Roof Deck	Wood / plywood	Wood decks require a separation layer / base sheet. Prime concrete surfaces to be directly adhered with bituminous materials. Steel decks require overlay board sufficient to span the flutes.
	Concrete
	Steel
Separation Sheet	Gafglas® #75	Mechanically fasten over wood and nailable decks.
	Gafglas® #80 Ultima™
	Stratavent® Eliminator™ Nailable
SINGLE-PLY MEMBRANE
Roof Membrane	Ruberoid® Torch Smooth	Torch applied, single ply membranes, over concrete decks or over mechanically fastened separation sheet on steel or wood decks.
	Ruberoid® Torch Granule
	Ruberoid® Torch Plus
	Ruberoid® Torch FR
	Ruberoid® Energycap APP 250 FR
TWO-PLY MEMBRANE
Base Sheet	Ruberoid® Torch Smooth	Torch applied
Cap Sheet	Ruberoid® Torch Granule	Torch applied, installed parallel to the base sheet.
	Ruberoid® Torch Plus
	Ruberoid® Torch FR
	Ruberoid® Energycap APP 250 FR
Flashing Membrane	Ruberoid® Torch Smooth	Torch applied
	Ruberoid® Torch Granule
	Ruberoid® Torch Plus
	Ruberoid® Torch FR

2.2 Exposed Membrane - Insulated

Slope Limitation: 1:4 (3" in 12") Consult membrane manufacturer for installation at higher slopes

In-Service Performance: Min.: -10°C (+ 14°F)

Temperature of the Min.: -18°C ( 0°F)

Membrane: Min.: <-18°C ( 0°F)

Max.: +50°C (+122°F)

ROOF ASSEMBLY
Components	Options	Comments or Cautions
Roof Deck	Wood / plywood	Wood decks require a separation layer / base sheet. Prime concrete surfaces to be directly adhered with bituminous materials. Steel decks require overlay board sufficient to span the flutes.
	Concrete
	Steel
Separation Sheet	Gafglas® #75	Mechanically fasten over wood and nailable decks.
	Gafglas® #80 Ultima™
	Stratavent® Eliminator™ Nailable
Vapor Retarder	Requirement and placement determined by the design authority
Insulation	Polyisocyanurate	A fiberboard or perlite overlay is required over heat sensitive foam insulations. A mechanically fastened base sheet may be required for torched membranes.
	Perlite
	High Density Fiberboard
Insulation Overlay	Perlite	Where required, install according to RGC Guarantee Standards.
	High Density Fiberboard
	Gafglas® #75
	Gafglas® #80 Ultima™
	Stratavent® Eliminator™ Nailable
SINGLE-PLY MEMBRANE:
Roof Membrane	Ruberoid® Torch Smooth	Torch applied, single ply membranes, over concrete decks or over mechanically fastened separation sheet on steel or wood decks.
	Ruberoid® Torch Granule
	Ruberoid® Torch Plus
	Ruberoid® Torch FR
	Ruberoid® Energycap
	APP 250 FR
TWO-PLY MEMBRANE:
Base Sheet	Gafglas® #75	Asphalt applied or mechanically attached, single ply membranes, over prepared substrate or over mechanically fastened separation sheet on steel or wood decks.
	Gafglas® #80 Ultima™
	Stratavent® Eliminator™
	Nailable
Ply Sheet	Gafglas® Ply IV	Asphalt or torch applied, single ply membranes, over prepared substrate or over mechanically fastened separation sheet on steel or wood decks.
(where required)	Gafglas® FlexPly™ VI
	Ruberoid® Torch Smooth
Cap Sheet	Ruberoid® Torch Granule	Torch applied, installed parallel to the base sheet.
	Ruberoid® Torch Plus
	Ruberoid® Torch FR
	Ruberoid® Energycap APP 250 FR
Flashing Membrane	Ruberoid® Torch Smooth	Torch applied
	Ruberoid® Torch Granule
	Ruberoid® Torch Plus
	Ruberoid® Torch FR

2.3 Protected and Modified Protected Membrane Assemblies

Slope Limitation: 1:4 (3" in 12") Consult membrane manufacturer for installation at higher slopes

In-Service Performance: Min.: -10°C (+ 14°F)

Temperature of the Min.: -18°C ( 0°F)

Membrane: Min.: <-18°C ( 0°F)

Max.: +50°C (+122°F)

ROOF ASSEMBLY
Components	Options	Comments or Cautions
Roof Deck	Wood / plywood	Wood decks require a separation layer/base sheet. Prime concrete surfaces to be directly adhered with bituminous materials. Steel decks require overlay board sufficient to span the flutes.
	Concrete
	Steel
Separation Sheet	Gafglas® #75	Mechanically fasten over wood decks.
	Gafglas® #80 Ultima™
	Stratavent® Eliminator™ Nailable
Vapor Retarder	Requirement and placement determined by the design authority
Insulation	Polyisocyanurate	Under membrane in MPMR. A fiberboard or perlite overlay is required over heat sensitive foam insulations. A mechanically fastened base sheet may be required for torched membranes.
	Perlite
	High Density Fiberboard
Insulation Overlay	Perlite	Where required, install according to RGC Guarantee Standards.
	High Density Fiberboard
	Gafglas® #75
	Gafglas® #80 Ultima™
	Stratavent® Eliminator™ Nailable
SINGLE-PLY MEMBRANE:
Roof Membrane	Ruberoid® Torch Smooth	Torch applied, single ply membranes, over concrete decks or over mechanically fastened separation sheet on steel or wood decks.
	Ruberoid® Torch Granule
	Ruberoid® Torch Plus
	Ruberoid® Torch FR
TWO-PLY MEMBRANE:
Base Sheet	Gafglas® #75	Asphalt applied or mechanically attached, single ply membranes, over prepared substrate or over mechanically fastened separation sheet on steel or wood decks.
	Gafglas® #80 Ultima™
	Stratavent® Eliminator™ Nailable
Ply Sheet	Gafglas® Ply IV	Asphalt or torch applied, single ply membranes, over prepared substrate or over mechanically fastened separation sheet on steel or wood decks.
(where required)	Gafglas® FlexPly™ VI
	Ruberoid® Torch Smooth
Flashing Membrane	Ruberoid® Torch Smooth	Torch applied
	Ruberoid® Torch Granule
	Ruberoid® Torch Plus
	Ruberoid® Torch FR
Insulation	Extruded polystyrene	Loose laid, requires filter fabric and ballast. Only extruded polystyrene insulation (XPS) with a minimum compressive strength of 276 kPa (40 psi) is acceptable. The insulation boards must be a minimum of 5.1 cm (2") thick and must have channels on the bottom to provide for the flow of water beneath the panels toward drainage. The XPS boards can be plain or come with a factory applied cementitious top layer. This cementitious top layer must be weather resistant and soundly bonded to the XPS.
	Concrete topped extruded polystyrene
Filter Fabric	1 g / m² (3 oz / yd²) black polyester or polypropylene	Loose laid
Ballast	Gravel	In accordance with GAF application and specification requirements. Must comply with ASTM D-1863.
	Pavers
	Where pavers are to be used, they must be a minimum of 61 cm x 61 cm (2' x 2'). For a 1.22 m (4') perimeter of the roof, pavers must weigh a minimum of 1 kg / m2 (20 lb / ft2) and as determined by the building owner or its consultant.

---