Cold Weather Installation Tips Part 2 - Membranes and Insulation

As discussed in the previous SpecTopic, "Cold Weather Installation Tips Part 1 - Low-VOC Bonding Adhesives and Primers", specifying and handling of building envelope products is challenging during the colder winter months. Single-ply membranes and rigid insulation boards need some extra consideration, as they can be adversely affected by outside temperatures.

For starters, all membranes will need time to "relax" after being unrolled from the original packaging; this applies to EPDM, TPO, PVC and KEE HP. It is also suggested that membrane widths be limited to a maximum of 10 feet for adhered roofing systems.

Treat flashing products and accessories as you would adhesives and primers, by utilizing heated storage enclosures or "hot boxes". This practice is strongly recommended when ambient temperatures are expected to fall below 40°F for an extended period of time.

In all applications, but especially in cold conditions, insulation and underlayments must be stored so that they are kept dry and protected from the elements. Insulations should be stored on a skid, covered with a breathable tarp, and weighted to prevent wind damage.

In winter months, ice and frost can form on the membrane. This can be difficult to see and can remain on the roof well into the day, especially on white membranes. This can be especially hazardous when working near the edge of the roof. Additionally, frost on metal edges and copings can create a very slick surface and cause ladders to slide and shift. Never step onto a metal coping when it is frost- or snow-covered.

So for your next cold weather specification for single-ply membranes and rigid board insulation, include some installation precautions as mentioned. Contact Craig Tyler at [email protected] with further questions.