MARS Tested Roof Assemblies

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MARS Tested Roof Assemblies

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NOTICE to READER

Before you use these tables, make sure you know the wind load requirements for the roof under design or construction. You can find guidance in Part 3 SECURING the ROOF ASSEMBLY of the membrane system that is specified. Specified Wind Loads for the three principal roof zones may be calculated either by using the formulae in the British Columbia Building Code, 4.1.7 Wind Loads, or by using the National Research Council's online tool, Wind-RCI online wind calculator.

Table Structure and Organization

The tables on the adjacent tabs display data drawn from, and links to, Tested Assembly Reports listed by the membrane type shown on the tab heading. Dynamic Wind Uplift (DUR) values are shown in columns near the left side of the tables. Only the DUR and Manufacturer columns are sortable; to sort a column, click the column heading. Click on any drop-down button to try the demo table below.

Tested Assembly Report Data RoofStar
Guarantee
Primary Materials Other System Materials & Deck
Manufacturer Dynamic Uplift Resistance Roof
Assembly
Summary
Test Report Term Cap
Membrane
Base
Membrane
Plies Insulation
Overlay
Insulation Deck
Overlay
Deck
Type
kPa Psf
Manufacturer -1.9 -40 Report link 5, 10 1, 2 or 3 Deck type

Each row displays one test for a particular system of securement. That means that the DUR derived for that test is based on a particular pattern of fasteners or adhesive application. Most assemblies were tested with one system of securement, but some were tested with as many as four. When this is the case, the same report number will be displayed with test report names such as [Manufacturer X] MARS 1-A and [Manufacturer X] MARS 1-B. Read the test report details to see what was changed in the securement system that affected the DUR for the assembly.

Every table displays Tested Assembly report data in easy-to-read rows with drop-down buttons that display key information for each assembly (see the working example above). When the Tested Assembly uses a membrane with 2 or more plies, each membrane and its options is listed in separate columns.

Note that some tests were conducted without one or more of these constituent components and may list those materials as "optional". When a material category such as "insulation overlay" is absent from the test, the drop-down menu will indicate its absence with "N/A" or as "optional". Occasionally, a missing material poses a conflict with the RoofStar Guarantee Standards. When the conflict is obvious, the Roof Assembly Summary will normally flag this with a note at the bottom of the list. Notwithstanding these notes, the reader is responsible to understand and apply the RoofStar Guarantee Standards regardless of the Tested Assembly report (see below under Tested Assemblies and RoofStar Guarantee Standards).

The Roof Assembly Summary provides a quick overview of how the roof assembly is secured. This feature of the tables will be especially helpful when searching for a suitable PARS assembly, because the placement of mechanical fasteners within an assembly can vary widely. Note, however, that the summaries do not list sizes, types or spacing of specific adhesives or fasteners; these details must be obtained from a careful reading of the Tested Assembly report.

Contents

Specified Wind Loads and User Responsibility
CSA-A123.21 and Tested Assembly Reports
Tested Assemblies and RoofStar Guarantee Standards
Accepted Materials and Material Substitutions

Specified Wind Loads and User Responsibility

The tables on this page display a collection of test data and downloadable reports offered for the purpose of designing and constructing a roof capable of resisting negative wind pressures, commonly referred to as "wind uplift" loads. The data and reports are offered without endorsement by the RCABC; they are provided as a courtesy by the RoofStar Guarantee Program to assist the Design Authority with the task of designing a roof that satisfies Code requirements, that meets the designer's specific and numerous design preferences, and that will qualify for a RoofStar Guarantee.

The British Columbia Building Code (or the Code having jurisdiction) requires a roof to be capable of resisting Specified Wind Loads (see the British Columbia Building Code, Part 4 (4.1.7 Wind Loads) and Part 5 (5.2.2.2 Determination of Wind Load), inclusive of the notes in the appendices). The reader will note that there are optional pathways by which a membrane roof design can comply with the Code. One pathway is the use of a "Tested Assembly" - a roof assembly tested in controlled laboratory conditions to resist simulated wind pressures and gusts. The test must be conducted in strict conformity to CSA-A123.21 Standard test method for the dynamic wind uplift resistance of membrane roofing systems (CSA-A123.21). The results of the test are published in a report signed off by the accredited testing agency. Each report details the materials and securement methods of the assembly. Every detail in a Tested Assembly report is critical for the performance of a roof designed on the basis of the tested assembly.

CSA-A123.21 classifies assembly tests by the method of securement, and these are simplified with three acronyms:

  • AARS (Adhesive Applied Roof Systems)
  • PARS (Partially Adhered Roof Systems)
  • MARS (Mechanically Attached Roof Systems).


For a fuller explanation of these three classifications, see Part 3 SECURING the ROOF ASSEMBLY of the membrane system that is specified.

CSA-A123.21 requires that the published test limits for a roof system be adjusted by dividing the final test value by a safety factor of 1.5. This factor reduces the actual test results in order to account for variables that a laboratory cannot test for, such as strong wind gusts or sudden wind shifts. The tables displayed in the tabs to the right show only the adjusted Dynamic Uplift Resistance (DUR) values and can be validated by reviewing the downloadable test reports.

It is imperative that the user of these reports become familiar with the structure and content typical in a Tested Assembly report. While you will see that each accredited testing agency publishes test results in their own preferred format, there is general consistency among the report styles in the type of data each report provides:

  • a designation of the securement system (AARS, PARS or MARS), although some reports do not do this and the classification of the test can be determined only by reading the report
  • the DUR (most reports make this explicit at or near the top of the report although there are some reports that provide the DUR within the report text)
  • a list of tested and alternate materials
  • how each material was secured, and
  • the size of fasteners or the types of adhesive used.


All of these variables, and more, affect the performance of the roof assembly. Care must therefore be taken to collect and analyze all this information in relation to the limitations of the building and the roof, and all these details (for example, the specific name of the adhesive and how it was applied) must be included in the design specifications that will ultimately guide the construction of the roof.

CSA-A123.21 and Tested Assembly Reports

The CSA-A123.21 Standard test method for the dynamic wind uplift resistance of membrane roofing systems (CSA-A123.21) is, properly speaking, a test for membrane roof systems where the membrane is exposed to the weather. Consequently, you will not find Tested Assembly reports that apply to Protected Membrane Roof Assemblies (where the membrane lies beneath the constituent components of a roof assembly). To secure PMRAs, refer to Part 3 of the membrane system that is specified.

A few roof systems were tested without insulation. Most of these were tested on a plywood deck, but some were tested on steel. Because these assemblies are listed together with reports for insulated roofs (also referred to as compact or conventional), the reader should always look beyond the DUR and read the test report in order to understand the entire assembly.

Each Tested Assembly report displays the date the assembly was tested and often will also publish the anticipated revaluation date. Some of the test reports available for download in the tables on this page have passed the revaluation date, but may still be valid; while we attempt to make available current test reports, we leave older reports available through the RPM because the assembly may have been retested but we have not been provided with a new test report. The reader is responsible to check with the manufacturer who owns the test report, to verify that the validity of the test and the published DURs.

Tested Assemblies and RoofStar Guarantee Standards

Tested Assembly reports must always be read together with the RoofStar Guarantee Standards for the membrane system that is specified. For example, a roof assembly might be tested with a particular material or in a particular way that does not conform to the Standards. To conform to our Standards, some modifications to the Tested Assembly may be required, which may then preclude its use - for example, adding an insulation overlay panel where none was tested, because the assembly design requires one in order to conform to the RoofStar Guarantee Standards.

When a conflict is apparent or obvious the Design Authority may find a way to 'yes' by examining the alternative materials listed in many Tested Assembly reports. Alternatives include membranes, insulation overlays, insulation panels and roof deck overlays (commonly listed as "thermal layers"). Some materials are listed as "optional" which means that while the assembly was tested without the constituent material (a deck overlay, for example), the Design Authority may opt to use one of the materials listed in the report. Drop-down menus of the tables displayed to the right (see the "View options" buttons) list Accepted Materials that can be used in each Tested Assembly.

If in doubt about how to use the Tested Assembly reports together with the RoofStar Guarantee Standards, contact the RoofStar Guarantee Program via email, or by calling (604) 882-9734.

Accepted Materials and Material Substitutions

We have selected Tested Assembly reports based on the membranes that will qualify for a RoofStar Guarantee Program, but there are tested assemblies that include one or more Secondary Materials that are not Accepted by the RoofStar Guarantee Program. Drop-down lists clearly show this by indicating when a material is "not accepted". To ensure that the entire roof system complies with the Accepted Material requirements of the RoofStar Guarantee Program, follow the requirements in 3.2.1 Material Substitutions in Tested Assemblies:

"When a manufacturer's Tested Assembly incorporates materials (and listed alternates) that are not part of the RoofStar Guarantee Program, the Design Authority must identify appropriate substitutions for those materials from the list of RoofStar-accepted Materials and consult the manufacturer concerning compatibility with the Tested Assembly. and direct the user to consult the membrane manufacturer in order to determine which Accepted materials will qualify as alternates."
Tested Assembly Report Data Primary Materials Other System Materials & Deck
Manufacturer Dynamic Uplift Resistance Roof
Assembly
Summary
Test Report Cap
Membrane
Base
Membrane
Plies Insulation
Overlay
Insulation Deck
Overlay
Deck
Type
kPa Psf
Click arrows to sort
IKO Industries Ltd. -1.9 -40 IKO MARS 1-A
2
Steel
IKO Industries Ltd. -4.8 -100 IKO MARS 1-B
2
Steel
IKO Industries Ltd. -2.4 -50 IKO MARS 2-A
2
Steel
IKO Industries Ltd. -3.4 -70 IKO MARS 2-B
2
Steel
IKO Industries Ltd. -5.1 -106 IKO MARS 2-C
2
Steel
IKO Industries Ltd. -2.9 -60 IKO MARS 3-A 2
Steel
IKO Industries Ltd. -3.4 -70 IKO MARS 3-B 2
Steel
IKO Industries Ltd. -6.6 -138 IKO MARS 3-C 2
Steel
IKO Industries Ltd. -4.8 -100 IKO MARS 3-D 2
Steel
IKO Industries Ltd. -5.4 -112 IKO MARS 4-A
2
Steel
Soprema Inc. -1.8 -37 SOP MARS 1-A 2 Steel
Soprema Inc. -2.3 -47 SOP MARS 1-B 2 Steel
Soprema Inc. -3.4 -70 SOP MARS 1-C 2 Steel
Soprema Inc. -2.4 -50 SOP MARS 2-A 2 Steel
Soprema Inc. -3.4 -70 SOP MARS 2-B 2 Steel
Soprema Inc. -5.2 -108 SOP MARS 2-C 2 Steel
Soprema Inc. -2 -42 SOP MARS 3-A
2 Steel
Soprema Inc. -2.4 -50 SOP MARS 3-B
2 Steel
Soprema Inc. -3.4 -70 SOP MARS 3-C
2 Steel
Soprema Inc. -6.2 -130 SOP MARS 3-D
2 Steel
Soprema Inc. -2.4 -50 SOP MARS 4-A
2 Plywood
16mm (5/8")
Soprema Inc. -1.6 -33 SOP MARS 5-A
2 Plywood
16mm (5/8")
Soprema Inc. -1.9 -40 SOP MARS 5-B
2 Plywood
16mm (5/8")
Soprema Inc. -3.2 -67 SOP MARS 5-C
2 Plywood
16mm (5/8")
Soprema Inc. -2.4 -50 SOP MARS 6-A 2 Steel
Soprema Inc. -3.4 -70 SOP MARS 6-B 2 Steel
Soprema Inc. -5.2 -108 SOP MARS 6-C 2 Steel
Soprema Inc. -2 -41 SOP MARS 7-A 1 Steel
Soprema Inc. -2.9 -60 SOP MARS 7-B 1 Steel
Soprema Inc. -4 -84 SOP MARS 7-C 1 Steel
Soprema Inc. -5.2 -108 SOP MARS 7-D 1 Steel
Soprema Inc. -1.9 -40 SOP MARS 8-A 2 Steel
Soprema Inc. -3.2 -67 SOP MARS 8-B 2 Steel
Soprema Inc. -4.8 -100 SOP MARS 8-C 2 Steel
Soprema Inc. -1.8 -37 SOP MARS 9-A 2
Steel
Soprema Inc. -2.4 -50 SOP MARS 9-B 2
Steel
Soprema Inc. -2 -42 SOP MARS 10-A
2
Steel
Soprema Inc. -2.4 -50 SOP MARS 10-B
2
Steel
Soprema Inc. -3.3 -70 SOP MARS 10-C
2
Steel
Soprema Inc. -6.2 -130 SOP MARS 10-D
2
Steel
Soprema Inc. -1.9 -40 SOP MARS 11-A 2 Steel
Soprema Inc. -3.2 -67 SOP MARS 11-B 2 Steel
Soprema Inc. -4.8 -100 SOP MARS 11-C 2 Steel
Soprema Inc. -2.4 -50 SOP MARS 12-A 2 Steel
Soprema Inc. -3.4 -70 SOP MARS 12-B 2 Steel
Soprema Inc. -5.2 -108 SOP MARS 12-C 2 Steel
Soprema Inc. -1.8 -37 SOP MARS 13-A 2 Steel
Soprema Inc. -2.4 -50 SOP MARS 13-B 2 Steel
Soprema Inc. -2 -41 SOP MARS 14-A 1 Steel
Soprema Inc. -2.9 -60 SOP MARS 14-B 1 Steel
Soprema Inc. -4 -84 SOP MARS 14-C 1 Steel
Soprema Inc. -5.2 -108 SOP MARS 14-D 1 Steel
Soprema Inc. -1.6 -33 SOP MARS 15-A
2
Plywood
16mm (5/8")
Soprema Inc. -1.9 -40 SOP MARS 15-B
2
Plywood
16mm (5/8")
Soprema Inc. -3.2 -67 SOP MARS 15-C
2
Plywood
16mm (5/8")
Tested Assembly Report Data Primary Materials Other System Materials & Deck
Manufacturer Dynamic Uplift Resistance Roof
Assembly
Summary
Test Report Membrane Plies Insulation
Overlay
Insulation Deck
Overlay
Deck
Type
kPa Psf
Carlisle Syntec Systems Canada -3.4 -70 CAR MARS 3-A 1 Steel
Carlisle Syntec Systems Canada -3.4 -71 CAR MARS 4-A 1 Steel
Elevate (formerly Firestone) -3.2 -67 FIR MARS 3-A 1
Steel
Elevate (formerly Firestone) -3.8 -80 FIR MARS 4-A 1
Steel
Elevate (formerly Firestone) -4.2 -87 FIR MARS 4-B 1
Steel
Elevate (formerly Firestone) -3.8 -80 FIR MARS 5-A 1
Steel
Elevate (formerly Firestone) -3 -63 FIR MARS 6-A 1
Steel
IKO Industries Ltd. -7.2 -150 IKO-MARS 5-A 1
Steel
IKO Industries Ltd. -5 -105 IKO-MARS 6-A 1
Steel
IKO Industries Ltd. -3.6 -75 IKO-MARS 7-A 1
Steel
IKO Industries Ltd. -5.7 -120 IKO-MARS 8-A 1
Steel
IKO Industries Ltd. -4.2 -87.5 IKO-MARS 9-A 1
Steel
IKO Industries Ltd. -4.8 -100 IKO-MARS 10-A 1
Steel
IKO Industries Ltd. -1.91 -40 IKO-MARS 11-A
1
Steel
IKO Industries Ltd. -2.9 -61 IKO-MARS 12-A
1
Steel
IKO Industries Ltd. -3.45 -72 IKO-MARS 13-A 1
Steel
IKO Industries Ltd. -2.7 -56.6 IKO-MARS 14-A
1
Steel
IKO Industries Ltd. -2.28 -47.5 IKO-MARS 15-A 1
Steel
Johns Manville Corp. -3.6 -75 JM MARS 3-A 1
Steel
Johns Manville Corp. -5 -105 JM MARS 4-A 1
Steel
Tested Assembly Report Data Primary Materials Other System Materials & Deck
Manufacturer Dynamic Uplift Resistance Roof
Assembly
Summary
Test Report Membrane Plies Insulation
Overlay
Insulation Deck
Overlay
Deck
Type
kPa Psf
Carlisle Syntec Systems Canada -3.4 -70 CAR MARS 1-A 1 Steel
Carlisle Syntec Systems Canada -2.3 -47 CAR MARS 2-A 1 Steel
Johns Manville Corp. -3.6 -75 JM AARS 1-A 1
Steel
Johns Manville Corp. -3.6 -75 JM AARS 2-A 1
Steel

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