Firestone TPO 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: FIRESTONE BUILDING PRODUCTS CANADA

Contact Address: See Membership List in Section 1.

Product Group: THERMOPLASTIC POLYOLEFIN (TPO) SINGLE PLY MEMBRANE

Country of Origin: USA

Country of Manufacture: USA

Year First Installed

USA: 1999

---

1 Description

The main component of the roofing system is the Firestone Ultra-Ply TPO Membrane, a tough flexible membrane based on Polypropylene and Ethylene Propylene Rubber compounding. The sheet is constructed with a weft(woven)-inserted scrim that provides for superior tear propagation resistance. Dimensional stability and increased puncture resistance over similar thermo-fusible membranes make UltraPly TPO ideally suited for many commercial/industrial roofing applications. Subsequent Ultra-Ply TPO panels are heat welded together to form a continuous sheet.

1.1 GENERAL

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

RANGE OF APPLICATIONS

Firestone UltraPly TPO Systems are for use over all types of roof decks in commercial, institutional, industrial, low sloped roofing applications. System requirements may vary by deck.

.1 As a loose-laid system, UltraPly TPO is laid over a free-floating insulation or separation layer, and held in place by gravel ballast.

.2 A Fully Adhered System uses a mechanically attached substrate (insulation, separation layer, or pre-approved deck type) and adhesive to bond the membrane to it. The system is used on facilities where loose-laid systems would be considered inappropriate because of building height, location, or loading requirements.

.3 A Mechanically Attached System uses a mechanically attached substrate (insulation, separation layer, or pre-approved deck type) and barbed disc and screws to secure the membrane at pre-determined rates. The system is used on facilities where loose-laid systems would be considered inappropriate because of building height, location, or loading requirements and where fully adhered systems would be considered inappropriate because of climatic conditions (cold weather application).

.4 An Inductive Welded Mechanically Attached System uses TPO coated insulation fastener plates that the TPO membrane is welded to with an inductive process from the top side of the membrane.

DELIVERY, STORAGE AND HANDLING

.1 Deliver and store materials in undamaged, original containers with manufacturer’s label and seals intact. Follow manufacturer’s recommendations for site storage of materials.

.2 Store membrane rolls flat. Take precautions so as not to overload any area of the roof deck.

.3 Protect adhesives from freezing weather conditions. Protect insulation materials from rain.

SITE CONDITIONS

.1 Slope Limitations:

Minimum slope: Dead flat

Maximum sloped (Adhered): Vertical

Maximum slope (Ballasted): 2:12

Maximum slope (Mechanically Fastened): 6:12

.2 Application temperatures: (temperatures limited by handling of materials, particularly adhesives; special application techniques are need outside this range:

• Minimum ambient temperature 4.4°C (40°F)
• Maximum ambient temperature 40°C (104°F)

.3 Chemical incompatibilities

.1 Asphalt, coal tar base, oil based or plastic roof cement resaturated roof products are not to be used in direct contact with the UltraPly TPO System.

.2 Protect all components of the UltraPly TPO System from discharges, such as petroleum products, greases, oils and animal fats.

.3 Protect UltraPly TPO System from steam and heat sources in excess of 60°C (140°F).

STANDARDS AND APPROVALS

.1 Underwriters Laboratories of Canada

.2 Underwriters Laboratories

.3 Factory Mutual

MANUFACTURER’S SERVICES

.1 Technical Service: provided to the roofing contractor through on-the-roof training and through a video training program. Technical personnel are also available by phone to answer questions that arise throughout the job.

.2 Specification / Details: available to provide complete information on system and installation.

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.

ACCESSORIES

.1 TPO Unsupported Flashing: An unsupported flashing material for use in details where standard membrane and/or pre-molded flashings are considered inappropriate.

.2 TPO Premolded Pipe Flashings: specifically designed to be used in roofing applications for flashing round penetrations.

.3 TPO Joint Covers: used to cover step-offs created by seam intersections.

.4 TPO Molded Inside / Outside Corners: designed for use in roofing applications for flashing inside and outside corners of roof curbs and wall flashings.

.5 TPO Coated Metal Flashing: coated metal designed to function as flashing component.

.6 TPO 2 3/8" Barbed Seam Plate: designed to secure TPO membrane to a variety of substrates.

.7 TPO Cut Edge Sealant: a white polymer bases sealant used to seal cut edges of the TPO membrane where the reinforcing scrim is exposed.

.8 TPO Bonding Adhesive: a butyl based bonding adhesive designed specifically for adhering TPO membrane to insulation products and a variety of other substrates.

.9 TPO Walkway: low-profile, non-skid, thermoplastic material designed to protect the membrane from damages associated with roof top activities

1.3 EXECUTION

PREPARATION

.1 Ensure surfaces are clean, dry, smooth, free of sharp edges, fins, loose materials, oil, grease, and other materials which may cause damage the membrane.

.2 Install nailers where required. Ensure nailers meet insulation height.

.3 Install insulation product. Do not install more insulation than can be covered in a single day. Fill all voids greater than ¼". Fasten in accordance with specific system requirements.

MEMBRANE APPLICATION

Starting at the high point of the roof, position membrane and allow to relax for approximately 30 minutes. Position membrane so seams do not impede water flow to drains. Overlap subsequent panel 3 inches for Adhered and Ballasted Systems and 5 inches for Mechanically Attached Systems.

Fully-adhered:

.1 Ensure position of membrane to achieve required lap. Fold membrane evenly onto itself to expose underside. Avoid wrinkles and / or folds.

.2. Apply bonding adhesive to underside of membrane and to substrate, simultaneously, using a standard nine inch solvent resistant paint roller. Avoid globs and puddles. DO NOT CONTAMINATE SPLICE AREA.

.3 Allow bonding adhesive to dry until tacky but not stringy to the touch.

.4 Roll coated membrane onto coated substrate avoiding wrinkles. Broom membrane with stiff push broom to ensure proper contact.

.5 Repeat procedure for the remaining half of the sheet and subsequent sheets.

.6 Follow procedures outlined in 3.3 for seaming and 3.4 for flashings.

Ballasted:

.1 Ensure position of membrane to achieve required lap.

.2 Follow procedures outlined in 3.3 for seaming and 3.4 for flashing. .3 Install river washed stone (ASTM#4) at a rate adequate to provide sufficient resistance to wind uplift, however, no less than 50 kg / m².

Mechanically Attached:

.1 Ensure position of membrane to achieve required lap.

.2 Fasten membrane with Barbed 2 3/8" Seam Plates with the appropriate Firestone fastener, at the prescribed rate as defined more specifically in the Firestone Technical Specifications Manual. Take necessary precautions to avoid overdriving fastener/plate assembly.

.3 Follow procedures outlined in 3.3 for seaming and 3.4 for flashing.

SEAMING

.1 Ensure the lap splice area is clean. If it has become contaminated, clean membrane with SW-100 and clean cotton cloths. Clean an area at least six inches wide. Membrane left exposed for more than 12 hours must be cleaned prior to welding.

.2 Field and horizontal flashing seams should be completed using an automatic welder designed for thermoplastic membranes. Vertical flashing seams can be completed with hand held welders designed specifically for thermoplastic membranes.

.3 Seams made with automatic welders shall be a minimum of 38.1 mm (1.5") wide. Seams made with hand held welders shall be a minimum of 50.8 mm (2") wide. Use silicone rollers to mate surfaces as hand welding progresses.

.4 Allow completed seam to cool for 30 minutes and probe edge with a slotted screwdriver or dulled scratch awl to expose any deficient welds. Repair as necessary.

.5 Apply T-Joint patches at all seam intersections.

.6 Apply Cut edge sealant where membrane may be cut and reinforcement scrim exposed.

FLASHING

.1 Install flashing membrane in accordance with specific system requirements using longest pieces practical. Flashing shall extend vertically a minimum of 8 inches, where practical, and be terminated in accordance with Firestone recommendations.

.2 Position flashing piece and bond to vertical substrate. Allow for a six-inch base lap. Complete seam to field sheet using automatic welder.

.3 Apply T-Joint patches at all seam intersections.

.4 Apply Cut edge sealant where membrane may be cut and reinforcement scrim exposed.

---

2 Membrane Assemblies

2.1 Adhered Roofing System

Slope Limitations

Min.: Dead Flat

Max.: Vertical

In-Service Performance Temperature of the Membrane

Min.: -40°C (- 40°F)

Max.: +60°C (+140°F)

Max. Roof Height : As Allowed by Local Building Codes

ROOF ASSEMBLY
Components	Options	Comments or Cautions
Roof Deck	Steel	Minimum fastener pullout of 136 kg (300 lb) of pullout. Where the roof deck system will not provide the required resistance, refer to the Firestone TPO Design Guide in the Firestone Technical Specifications Manual for appropriate Fastener spacing.
	Wood
	Concrete
Vapour Retarder	Various, as accepted by manufacturer	Need, type, and placement must be determine by design authority
Insulation	ISO 95+	25.4 mm (1") minimum
	Extruded polystyrene	Requires overlay of Fibreboard, 12.7 mm, min.
	Expanded polystyrene	Requires overlay of Fibreboard, 12.7 mm, min.
Insulation Attachment	Firestone All-Purpose	Refer to the Firestone Technical Specification
	Firestone Heavy Duty	Manual for appropriate layout and spacing
Membrane	1.2 mm UltraPly TPO
	1.6 mm UltraPly TPO
Attachment	Firestone UltraPly TPO Bonding Adhesive	Do Not Use RubberGard Bonding Adhesive
Flashing and Detail	UltraPly TPO Membrane	Refer to Firestone Technical Specification Manual for complete details
	UltraPly Pre-Molded Flashings

2.2 Ballasted Roofing System

Slope Limitations

Min.: Dead Flat

Max.: 2:12

In-Service Performance Temperature of the Membrane

Min.: -40°C (- 40°F)

Max.: +60°C (+140°F)

Max. Roof Height : 75’

ROOF ASSEMBLY
Components	Options	Comments or Cautions
Roof Deck	Steel	Structure must be able to support the dead load of the completed system
	Wood
	Concrete
Vapour Retarder	Various, as accepted by manufacturer	Need, type, and placement must be determine by design authority
Insulation	ISO 95+	25.4 mm (1") minimum
	Extruded polystyrene	38.1 mm (1.5") minimum
	Expanded polystyrene	38.1 mm (1.5") minimum, type II
Insulation Attachment	None required	Mechanical attachment of insulation is not permitted
Membrane	1.2 mm UltraPly TPO
	1.6 mm UltraPly TPO
Attachment	50 kg / m2 (1000 lb / square)	19 mm to 40 mm (3/4" to 1 ½") round, washed stone. An alternative is to use Firestone Protection Mat and crushed stone of same size.
Flashing and Detail	UltraPly TPO Membrane	Refer to Firestone Technical Specification Manual for complete details
	UltraPly Pre- Molded Flashings

2.3 Mechanically Attached Roofing System

Slope Limitations

Min.: Dead Flat

Max.: 6:12

In-Service Performance Temperature of the Membrane

Min.: -40°C (- 40°F)

Max.: +60°C (+140°F)

Max. Roof Height : 120’

ROOF ASSEMBLY
Components	Options	Comments or Cautions
Roof Deck	Steel	Minimum fastener pullout of 180 kg (400 lbs) of pullout per fastener. Where the roof deck system will not provide the required resistance , refer to the Firestone TPO Design Guide in the Firestone Technical Specifications Manual, for appropriate fastener spacing.
	Wood
	Concrete
Vapour Retarder	Various, as accepted by manufacturer	Need, type, and placement must be determine by design authority
Insulation	ISO 95+	25.4 mm (1") minimum
	Extruded polystyrene	38.1 mm (1.5") Nominal 25 psi, or overlay required
	Expanded polystyrene	38.1 mm (1.5") Fibreboard overlay required
Insulation Attachment	Firestone All-Purpose	Refer to the Firestone Technical Specification
	Firestone Heavy Duty	Manual for appropriate layout and spacing
Membrane	1.2 mm UltraPly TPO
	1.6 mm UltraPly TPO
Attachment	Firestone All-Purpose	Fastener spacing of 12" o.c. for 78" & 120" panels.
	Firestone Heavy Duty	Fastener spacing of 18" o.c. for 78" panel for pullout value of 180 kg (400 lb.) or greater (HD’s Only).
Flashing and Detail	UltraPly TPO Membrane	Refer to Firestone Technical Specification Manual for complete details
	UltraPly Pre-Molded Flashings

---