SpecTips - The Fully Adhered Roof System That Doesn’t Use Adhesives
RapidLock™ Roofing System Powered by VELCRO®
When it comes to single-ply roofing, fully adhering the membrane is considered to be the best securement method. This is because 100% of the roof membrane is secured to the substrate below, providing unmatched wind uplift resistance and a smoother, more aesthetically pleasing appearance. Due to the superior wind uplift resistance, fully adhered membrane systems are generally eligible for longer warranty durations than their mechanically fastened counterparts. And because there are no fasteners that penetrate through it, a fully adhered membrane qualifies as an air barrier in the energy code, eliminating the need for an additional air barrier in the assembly.
While there are many benefits to fully adhered membrane systems, they are not without their drawbacks. Adhesive applications can be time-consuming and costly. Adhesives generally have temperature restrictions that can limit their use in colder environments during the winter months. And adhesives can be messy and have strong odors that can bother the building’s occupants.
Carlisle SynTec Systems has partnered with VELCRO Brand Securable Solutions to produce a revolutionary advancement in membrane securement that provides the advantages of a fully adhered roof system without the limitations associated with adhesives. RapidLock (RL) is the industry’s first system that uses hook-and-loop technology to provide a “fully adhered” roof without conventional adhesives.
RapidLock works through a combination of two products: a Carlisle FleeceBACK® RL membrane (available in EPDM, TPO, and PVC), featuring a specialized fleece acting as the “loop” and either Carlisle InsulBase RL, SecurShield® RL, or SecurShield HD RL polyiso insulation or cover board featuring a factory-laminated “hook” facer. Insulation boards are mechanically fastened, so no adhesives are needed.
Because RapidLock systems are installed without adhesives, there are no temperature restrictions, VOCs, odors, or messes to clean up. Because RapidLock is a FleeceBACK membrane, the roof will have better hail, puncture, and wind uplift resistance than conventional assemblies. RapidLock is UL Class A fire rated and Factory Mutual approved, achieving ratings of up to FM 1-225.
Although RapidLock does not utilize a liquid adhesive, it should be written in competition with fully adhered systems, specifically fleeced-back systems. Language can be added to a fleeced-back specification using low-rise polyurethane foam adhesive to include the RL membrane and RL insulation (InsulBase RL or SecurShield RL) or RL cover board (SecurShield HD RL) as an alternate product or as the basis of design.
In 3-Part Specifications – Part 2 “Products” – Listing multiple manufacturers for acceptable fleece-backed membranes using a two-part polyurethane adhesive and creating an acceptable alternate for RapidLock OR designating RapidLock as the basis of design and creating acceptable alternates for other fleece-backed membranes using a two-part polyurethane adhesive will allow a more open specification when more than one manufacturer is needed for a project.
When using the Alternates method, utilize Division 1 –“Alternates” to include RapidLock to the “Schedule of Alternates” list for inclusion in the bid.
When using Basis of Design method, use RapidLock as the “Basis of Design” and add acceptable manufacturers with their appropriate membrane and adhesive as acceptable equals.
View a RapidLock case study here.
View a RapidLock Report From the Field video here.
When it comes to single-ply roofing, fully adhering the membrane is considered to be the best securement method. This is because 100% of the roof membrane is secured to the substrate below, providing unmatched wind uplift resistance and a smoother, more aesthetically pleasing appearance. Due to the superior wind uplift resistance, fully adhered membrane systems are generally eligible for longer warranty durations than their mechanically fastened counterparts. And because there are no fasteners that penetrate through it, a fully adhered membrane qualifies as an air barrier in the energy code, eliminating the need for an additional air barrier in the assembly.
While there are many benefits to fully adhered membrane systems, they are not without their drawbacks. Adhesive applications can be time-consuming and costly. Adhesives generally have temperature restrictions that can limit their use in colder environments during the winter months. And adhesives can be messy and have strong odors that can bother the building’s occupants.
Carlisle SynTec Systems has partnered with VELCRO Brand Securable Solutions to produce a revolutionary advancement in membrane securement that provides the advantages of a fully adhered roof system without the limitations associated with adhesives. RapidLock (RL) is the industry’s first system that uses hook-and-loop technology to provide a “fully adhered” roof without conventional adhesives.
RapidLock works through a combination of two products: a Carlisle FleeceBACK® RL membrane (available in EPDM, TPO, and PVC), featuring a specialized fleece acting as the “loop” and either Carlisle InsulBase RL, SecurShield® RL, or SecurShield HD RL polyiso insulation or cover board featuring a factory-laminated “hook” facer. Insulation boards are mechanically fastened, so no adhesives are needed.
Because RapidLock systems are installed without adhesives, there are no temperature restrictions, VOCs, odors, or messes to clean up. Because RapidLock is a FleeceBACK membrane, the roof will have better hail, puncture, and wind uplift resistance than conventional assemblies. RapidLock is UL Class A fire rated and Factory Mutual approved, achieving ratings of up to FM 1-225.
Although RapidLock does not utilize a liquid adhesive, it should be written in competition with fully adhered systems, specifically fleeced-back systems. Language can be added to a fleeced-back specification using low-rise polyurethane foam adhesive to include the RL membrane and RL insulation (InsulBase RL or SecurShield RL) or RL cover board (SecurShield HD RL) as an alternate product or as the basis of design.
In 3-Part Specifications – Part 2 “Products” – Listing multiple manufacturers for acceptable fleece-backed membranes using a two-part polyurethane adhesive and creating an acceptable alternate for RapidLock OR designating RapidLock as the basis of design and creating acceptable alternates for other fleece-backed membranes using a two-part polyurethane adhesive will allow a more open specification when more than one manufacturer is needed for a project.
When using the Alternates method, utilize Division 1 –“Alternates” to include RapidLock to the “Schedule of Alternates” list for inclusion in the bid.
When using Basis of Design method, use RapidLock as the “Basis of Design” and add acceptable manufacturers with their appropriate membrane and adhesive as acceptable equals.
View a RapidLock case study here.
View a RapidLock Report From the Field video here.
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