Cold Weather Installations of Membranes and Insulation
As discussed in the previous post (Cold Weather Installation Tips for Adhesives and Primers), specifying and handling building envelope products during the colder winter months of the year is challenging.
Single-ply membranes and rigid board insulation need some extra consideration as they can be adversely affected by outside temperatures.
For starters, all membranes will need additional 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 10 feet maximum 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 colder conditions, insulation and underlayments must be stored so they are kept dry and protected from the elements. Insulation 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. Frost and ice can be difficult to notice 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 the installation precautions mentioned above. Contact Craig Tyler with questions.
Single-ply membranes and rigid board insulation need some extra consideration as they can be adversely affected by outside temperatures.
For starters, all membranes will need additional 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 10 feet maximum 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 colder conditions, insulation and underlayments must be stored so they are kept dry and protected from the elements. Insulation 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. Frost and ice can be difficult to notice 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 the installation precautions mentioned above. Contact Craig Tyler with questions.
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Cold Weather Installation Tips for Adhesives and Primers
As temperatures fall and winter drags on, specifying and handling of building envelope products – especially the adhesives involved – is a top concern.
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