Sarnafil PVC 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: SIKA SARNAFIL

Contact Address: See Membership List in Section 1.

Product Group: POLYVINYL CHLORIDE MEMBRANES

Country of Origin: Switzerland

Country of Manufacture: Switzerland & U.S.A.

Year First Installed

B.C.: 1978

Canada: 1976

Foreign: 1964

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1 Description

The main component of the roofing and waterproofing systems is the Sarnafil Membrane, a tough flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sheet, appropriately reinforced and modified for specific applications. The highest quality raw materials are utilized in a manufacturing process which saturates and fuses a non-woven glass fibre or polyester fibre fabric reinforcement with a PVC Plastisol into a single homogeneous sheet. The sheets are joined on the job site by a hot air welding / fusion process to adjacent sheets or flashings to form an integral roofing system. Larger than standard or different shapes may be prefabricated to suit job requirements.

1.1 GENERAL

The roofing system / 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 DESCRIPTIONS / RANGE OF APPLICATIONS

.1 Use over all types of roof decks in commercial, institutional, and industrial applications; wherever built-up roofing is presently laid.

.2 Loose-laid roofing membrane under gravel ballast and in protected membrane roof systems.

.3 Fully-adhered or mechanically-fastened roofing membrane, without ballast on flat, curved, domed roofs or unusual configurations.

.4 Waterproof membrane in ponded roofing and sub-soil applications.

.5 Roof membrane over existing roofs in reroofing applications.

DELIVERY, STORAGE, AND HANDLING

.1 Deliver and store materials undamaged in original containers with manufacturer's labels and seals intact.

.2 Store Sarnafil membrane rolls flat and dry and fully protected from moisture.

.3 Store Sarnafil adhesives and caulkings at temperature above +5°C (+40°F); store solvent based liquids away from excessive heat.

.4 Prevent contact between Sarnafil membranes and bituminous materials.

SITE CONDITIONS

.1 Slope limitations: consult Sarnafil for specific system limitations:

• minimum dead flat
• minimum recommended slope to drain
• ballasted system maximum 1:6 (2" in 12")
• fully-adhered system maximum no limit
• mechanically-fastened maximum no limit

.2 Application temperature requirements:

• minimum ambient temperature - 10°C (+ 14°F)
• maximum ambient temperature +40°C (+104°F)

Note: Minimum temperature may vary for certain applications. Contact manufacturer for further information.

.3 Chemical incompatibilities

.1 Unless otherwise indicated, Sarnafil roofing membrane must not come into contact with bituminous substances.

.2 Except in inverted roofing assemblies, Sarnafil membranes must not come in direct contact with polystyrene insulations; use a separator sheet.

.3 Sarnafil is not affected by chemicals normally found in industrial environments. Contact Sika Sarnafil for specific chemical incompatibilities.

STANDARDS AND APPROVALS

(For specific membranes or assemblies consult manufacturer)

.1 Canadian General Standards Board: CGSB 37-GP-54M.

.2 Underwriters Laboratories of Canada: Classified

.3 Underwriters Laboratories: Listed

.4 Factory Mutual: Class 1 approved

.5 Canadian Mortgage and Housing: CMHC No. 7643

.6 American Society of Testing Materials: D4434-85

.7 Other: S.I.A. 280, British Agreement Certificate No. 85 / 152 8, D.I.N.

MANUFACTURER'S SERVICES

.1 Applicator training: formal courses and field training leading to certification as a Sarnafil installer are mandatory.

.2 Field technicians: are available to advise and assist contractors in installation techniques, production and quality control.

.3 Specifications: a complete computerized specification service and design assistance program is offered.

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.

Note: All “G” materials contain a glass carrier; all “S” materials are polyester scrim reinforced.

ADHESIVES AND CAULKINGS

Products	Application	Type	Minimum App. Temp	Shelf Life
Sarnacol 2170	General purpose adhesive for adhering membrane	Elastomer solvent-based	- 10°C	12 month
			+14°F	minimum
Sarnacol 2121	Adhering membrane in low slope, max. 1:6 (2" in 12"), applications to absorbent	Water-based dispersion	+ 5°C	12 month
			+41°F	minimum

SPECIALTY PRODUCTS AND ACCESSORIES

Membranes	Description
Sarnafelt 400	White polyester felt, separation for asphalt substrate and Sarnafil, separation for crushed gravel ballast / Sarnafil.
Sarnafabric	White woven polyolefin, for the separation of polystyrene and Sarnafil.
Sarnaclad	Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) membrane laminated metal, galvanized sheet steel, 0.56 mm (26 gauge), dirt-repellent acrylic top coating.
Sarnadisc	20 Gauge Steel Plate, AZ55 Galvalume Coating 50 mm (2") diameter
Sarnavap 10	Blue polyethylene LD, permeance 8.5 ng / Pa•s•meters squared (0.15 Perms). Vapour retardant sheet.
Sarnadrain - RAC	Heavy Duty Prefabricated Aluminum 75 mm to 150 mm (3" to 6") diameter
Sarnatape	Grey isobutyl, 3 mm x 25 mm (1/8" x 1").

SPECIALTY PRODUCTS AND ACCESSORIES

Membranes	Description
Sarna fastening	Galvanized sheet steel, 2.0 mm (14 gauge), pre-manufactured with slot
Bar	holes 25 mm (1") o/c.
Sarnastop	Galvanized sheet steel, 1.6 mm (16 gauge), 25 mm (1") wide, pre-punched 300 mm (12") o/c.
Sarnafastener	No. 14, Carbon Steel Climaseal Coating, lengths from 32 mm to 304 mm (1-1/4" to 12")
Sarnaplate	75 mm (3") 26 Gauge Steel with AZ55 Galvalume Coating
Sarnafastener - CD10	Carbon Steel, treated with CR-10 Coating for corrosion resistance, lengths from 51 mm to 304 mm (2" to 12")

1.3 EXECUTION

PREPARATION

.1 Apply roofing materials over clean, dry surfaces according to RGC good roofing practices.

VAPOUR RETARDER (Alternatives as follows)

.1 Loose lay Sarnavap 10; overlap edges and seal with Sarnatape.

.2 Install pre-approved alternative according to manufacturer's recommendations.

HEAT-WELDED SEAMS

.1 Lap sheets 50 mm (2") for hand-welded seams, 100 mm (4") for machine-welded seams, 150 mm (6") for Sarnafast seams.

.2 Perform welding using individuals that have successfully completed Sarnafil Ltd.'s training course.

.3 Check completed welds for continuity, after cooling, by running a screwdriver along the welded seam.;3.4 MECHANICALLY-FASTENED ROOF MEMBRANE

FASTENING

ENGINEERED SYSTEM (BAR­)

.1 Mechanically fasten insulation boards with fasteners and plates.

.2 Polystyrene insulations: loose lay Sarnafabric as a separation sheet between insulation and membrane; mechanically fasten separation sheet to substrate at overlaps, 600 mm (24") o/c with fasteners and plates.

.3 “Basecap Insulation”: loose lay Sarnafelt 400 as a separation sheet between insulation and membrane; mechanically fasten separation sheet to substrate at overlaps, 600 mm (24") o/c with fasteners and plates.

.4 Unroll membrane and draw tight without folds or wrinkles.

.5 Heat-weld seams to produce a continuous seal.

.6 Place Sarnabars over membrane and fasten through pre-drilled holes; bar and fastener spacing to be determined by Sarnafil Canada Ltd.; run bars perpendicular to deck, except at perimeters.

.7 Weld a Sarnafil cover strip over each bar.

.8 Install a continuous fastening bar at the base of perimeter and vertical flashings.

.9 Weld PVC cord where roofing membrane terminates at perimeter and flashings.

.10 Extend Sarnafil flashing membrane at least 75 mm (3") beyond perimeter bars and weld to roof membrane.

RHINOBOND SYSTEM

.1 Sarnafil S327 membrane is welded directly to 75mm (3”) diameter, polymer coated metal plates for a non-penetrating system.

.2 Membrane is lapped and overlaps are heat welded and the membrane is induction welded to Rhinobond polymer coated plates.

.3 Specification and Detail Drawings must be submitted to Sika Sarnafil,s Technical Department for review and comment regarding projects specific needs.

SARNAFAST SYSTEM (INSEAM)

.1 Mechanically fasten insulation boards with fasteners and plates.

.2 Polystyrene insulations: loose lay Sarnafabric as a separation sheet between insulation and membrane; mechanically fasten separation sheet to substrate at overlaps, 600 mm (24") o/c with fasteners and plates.

.3 “Basecap Insulation”: loose lay Sarnafelt 400 as a separation sheet between insulation and membrane; mechanically fasten separation sheet to substrate at overlaps, 600 mm (24") o/c with fasteners and plates.

.4 Unroll membrane and draw tight without folds or wrinkles. Placement of rolls to be determined by manufacturer.

.5 Placement of proprietary fastening plates and fasteners to be determined by manufacturer. Fasten through bottom sheet into structural deck.

.6 Overlap top sheet [(150) mm (6")] onto bottom sheet.

.7 Heat-weld seams to produce a continuous seal.

.8 Extend Sarnafil flashing membrane at least 75 mm (3") beyond perimeter fastening plates and weld to roof membrane.

LOOSE-LAID AND BALLASTED MEMBRANE

.1 Loose lay insulation boards. Loose lay separation sheet where required.

.2 Unroll Sarnafil membrane and draw tight without folds or wrinkles.

.3 Heat-weld seams to produce a continuous seal.

.4 Install Sarnastop fastening bar around perimeter and penetrations greater than 600 mm (24") in width, and where specified by Sarnafil Ltd.

.5 Extend Sarnafil flashing material 75 mm (3") beyond the fastening bar and weld to roof membrane.

.6 Apply gravel ballast at a rate of 60 kg / m² (1200 lb / square) as the membrane is installed and seams checked; for high wind exposure areas, adhere gravel at building corners and 1 m (39") around perimeter with Sarnacol 2116; if rounded stone is not available, and crushed stone must be used, an approved separator must be placed between the membrane and the ballast.

FULLY-ADHERED MEMBRANE

.1 Mechanically fasten insulation boards with fasteners and plates; use Sarnatherm or approved insulation.

.2 Prime the area to receive membrane with Sarnacol 2170; use a solvent-resistant roller; allow to dry to the touch.

.3 Unroll the membrane.

.4 Turn back one-third of the membrane length and coat the underside with adhesive; allow adhesive to become tacky.

.5 Turn down the membrane onto the primed surface and press it solidly into position.

.6 Fold back the other two-thirds of the sheet and repeat.

.7 Roll the membrane solidly down to ensure adhesion; use a weighted roller.

.8 Heat-weld seams to produce a continuous seam.

.9 Install Sarnastop around the perimeter, vertical flashings, penetrations, and where specified by Sarnafil Ltd.

.10 Extend Sarnafil flashing material 75 mm (3") beyond the fastening bar and heat-weld to roof membrane.

PROTECTED MEMBRANE AND MODIFIED PROTECTED MEMBRANE ROOF ASSEMBLIES

.1 Loose lay insulation under membrane; polystyrene insulations will require a Sarnafabric separation sheet between insulation and membrane; “Base Cap” insulations will require a Sarnafelt 400 separation sheet between insulation and membrane.

.2 Unroll Sarnafil membrane and draw tight without folds or wrinkles.

.3 Heat weld-seams to produce a continuous seal.

.4 Install Sarnastop fastening bar around perimeter and around penetrations greater than 600 mm (24") in width, and where specified by Sarnafil Ltd.

.5 Extend Sarnafil flashing material 75 mm (3") beyond the fastening bar and heat-weld to roof membrane.

.6 Loose lay extruded polystyrene insulation boards (conforming to CGSB 51-GP-20M, Type 4) in parallel courses, butted together without gaps, joints staggered.

.7 Install filter fabric loosely over insulation; lap edges 300 mm (12").

.8 Distribute stone ballast at a rate of 50 kg / m² (1000 lb / square); spread additional ballast around the roof perimeter according to insulation manufacturer's requirements.

PROTECTION

.1 Protect completed Sarnafil membranes from mechanical damage during and after construction.

.2 Protect Sarnafil membranes from contact with bituminous materials.

.3 Seal exposed edges of Sarnafil membrane to prevent water infiltration into the system at end of each day's work.

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2 Membrane Assemblies

2.1 Mechanically Fastened Membrane Roof Systems - Insulated and Un-insulated

Slope Limitation: No limit

In-Service Performance Min.

-30°C (- 25°F)

Temperature of the Max.

+50°C (+122°F)

For use over flat and sloped roof deck construction in lightweight designs where deck is subjected to excessive movements due to cyclic stresses from fluctuating wind pressures and snow loads.

ROOF ASSEMBLY
Components	Options	Comments or Cautions
Roof Deck	Wood / Plywood	Uninsulated steel decks will require an underlay for the roof membrane.
	Concrete
	Steel
Underlay	G.P. Dens Deck	Minimum 12.7 mm (1/2") required over uninsulated steel decks, mechanically-fastened. Gypsum board may be required as a thermal barrier between steel decks and systems utilizing combustible insulations (see Building Code).
	Plywood
Vapour Retarder	Sarnavap 10	A vapour retarder is mandatory for insulated mechanically-fastened applications.
	Pre-approved alternative
Insulation	Polyisocyanurate	Mechanical fastening of insulations required.
	Extruded polystyrene	Polystyrene and “Base Cap” insulations require a separation sheet
	(Type 2 or 4)
	Expanded polystyrene
	(Type 2)
	Plain fibreboard (non-impregnated)	Consult Sarnafil for approval and recommendations.
Separation Sheet	Sarnafabric	Use over polystyrene.
	Sarnafelt 400
Membrane	Sarnafil S327-12	Consult Sarnafil for design and location of fastening elements.
Fastening Elements	Sarnabar	Fastening bar.
	Sarnafasteners	Steel, wood, or concrete decks.
	Sarnafastener - CD10	Concrete deck.
	Sarnafil cover strips	Use cover strips for waterproofing bars.
	PVC cord	Perimeter fixation.
	Sarnadisc	Membrane fastening plate.
Flashing Membrane	G410-12

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2.2 Loose-Laid and Ballasted Membrane Roof Systems - Insulated and Un-insulated

Slope Limitation: 1:6 (2" IN 12")

In-Service Performance Min.

-30°C (- 25°F)

Temperature of the Max.

+50°C

(+122°F)

For use in commercial, institutional, industrial roofing and waterproofing applications over most types of roof deck construction.

Note: For limited foot traffic.

ROOF ASSEMBLY
Components	Options	Comments or Cautions
Roof Deck	Wood / Plywood	Deck must be capable of supporting structural loads.
	Concrete	Uninsulated steel decks will require an underlay for the roof membrane. Concrete decks require steel trowel finish if uninsulated.
	Steel
Underlay	G.P. Dens Deck	Minimum 12.7 mm (1/2") required over uninsulated steel decks, mechanically-fastened. Gypsum board may be required as a thermal barrier between steel decks and systems utilizing combustible insulations (see Building Code).
	Plywood
Vapour Retarder	Sarnavap 10	Insulated systems may require a vapour retarder.
	Pre-approved alternative	The requirement for a vapour retarder is determined by the design authority.
Insulation	Polyisocyanurate	Loose lay insulation. Polystyrene and “Base Cap” insulations require a separation sheet overlay.
	Extruded polystyrene (Type 2 or 4)
	Expanded polystyrene (Type 2)
	Plain fibreboard (non-impregnated)	Consult Sarnafil for approval and recommendations.
Separation Sheet	Sarnafabric	Use over polystyrene.
	Sarnafelt 400
Membrane	Sarnafil G442-12	For use with crushed gravel.
	Sarnafil G442-24
Ballast	Gravel	12 mm to 34 mm (1/2" to 1-1/2"), rounded, washed.
	Concrete Pavers	On pedestals.
Ballast Adhesive	Sarnacol 2116	For high wind areas.
Flashing Membrane	G442-12
	G410-12
Perimeter Fixing	Sarnastop
Fasteners	Sarnafasteners	Use on wood, steel, or concrete decks.
	Sarnafastener - CD10	Use on concrete deck.

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2.3 Fully Adhered Membrane Roof Systems - Insulated and Un-insulated

Slope Limitation: Vertical

In-Service Performance Min.

-30°C (- 25°F)

Temperature of the Max.

+50°C (+122°F)

For use over flat roof deck construction in lightweight designs and unusual roof deck configurations, e.g. domes, hyperbolic paraboloids. A variety of colours are available.

ROOF ASSEMBLY
Components	Options	Comments or Cautions
Roof Deck	Wood / Plywood	Membrane may be adhered directly to plywood (good one-side, exterior grade) or concrete (steel trowel finish). Uninsulated steel decks will require an underlay for the roof membrane.
	Concrete
	Steel
Underlay	G.P. Dens Deck	Minimum 12.7 mm (1/2") required over uninsulated steel decks, mechanically-fastened. Gypsum board may be required as a thermal barrier between steel decks and systems utilizing combustible insulations (see Building Code).
	Plywood
Vapour Retarder	Sarnavap 10	A vapour retarder is mandatory for insulated, fully-adhered applications.
	Pre-approved alternative
Insulation	Polyisocyanurate	Requires full mechanical fastening. Use with Sarnacol 2170. Use 1.2 m x 1.2 m (4' x 4') insulation boards.
Fasteners & Plates	Sarnafasteners	Wood, steel, or concrete decks.
	Sarnafasteners - CD10	Concrete decks.
	Sarnaplates
Membrane	Sarnafil G410-12	Fully adhere membrane to acceptable substrates.
	Saranfil G442-24

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2.4 Protected Membrane Roof Systems - Insulated and Un-insulated

Slope Limitation

1:6 (2" in 12")

In-Service Performance Min.

-30°C (- 25°F)

Temperature of the Max.

+50°C (+122°F)

For use in commercial, institutional, industrial roofing and waterproofing applications over most types of roof deck construction. For excessive foot traffic and for protection of membrane against mechanical damage.

ROOF ASSEMBLY
Components	Options	Comments or Cautions
Roof Deck	Wood / Plywood	Deck must be capable of supporting structural loads.
	Concrete	For PMR: concrete decks require steel trowel finish; steel decks require underlay for membrane; for fully-adhered application plywood must be good-one-side exterior grade.
	Steel
Underlay	G.P. Dens Deck	Minimum 12.7 mm (1/2") required over uninsulated steel decks, mechanically-fastened. Gypsum board may be required as a thermal barrier between steel decks and systems utilizing combustible insulations (see Building Code).
	Plywood
Vapour Retarder	Sarnavap 10	MPMR assemblies may require a vapour retarder.
	Pre-approved alternative	The requirement for a vapour retarder is determined by the design authority.
Insulation	Polyisocyanurate	Under membrane in a MPMR assembly. Polystyrene and “Base Cap” insulations require a separation sheet overlay.
	Extruded polystyrene (Type 2 or 4)
	Expanded polystyrene (Type 2)
	Plain fibreboard (non-impregnated)	Consult Sarnafil for approval and recommendations.
Separation Sheet	Sarnafabric	Use over polystyrene.
	Sarnafelt 400	Use over either Fibreglass Base Cap.
Membrane	Sarnafil G476-12	Loose-laid or fully adhered.
	Sarnafil G476-15	For more severe service.
	Sarnafil G476-20	For more severe service.
Perimeter Fixation	Sarnastop
Fasteners	Sarnafasteners	Use on wood, steel or concrete.
	Sarnafasteners CD10	Use on concrete
Flashing Membrane	G410-12
	G442-12
	G476-12	Must be covered with counter flashing.
Insulation	Dow “Roofmate”	Loose-laid over roof membrane.
	Dow “Roofmate CT”	Refer to Dow for fixation requirements.
Filter Fabric	Fabrene V.I.E.	Loose-laid over insulation.
Ballast	Gravel	12 mm to 34 mm (1/2" to 1-1/2"), free of fines. Consult insulation manufacturer for specific recommendations.
	Pavers	On pedestals.

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