Roofing Code: Section 1504

Roof Assemblies

Section 1504.7 Impact Resistance. Roof coverings installed on low-slope roofs (roof slope <2:12) in accordance with Section 1507 shall resist impact damage based on the results of tests conducted in accordance with ASTM D 3746, ASTM D 4272, CGSB 37-GP-52M or the "Resistance to Foot Traffic Test" in Section 5.5 of FM 4470.

Code Interpretation

The code implies that all roof covering materials installed on low-slope roof systems shall be tested to determine impact resistance. The impact resistance tests shall be completed in accordance with ASTM D 3746 and/or ASTM D 4272.

ASTM D 3746 is titled "Standard Test Method for Impact Resistance of Bituminous Roofing Systems." This test is completed by placing a steel cylinder (2 inches by 6 inches in length) in a vertical guide tube (4 feet long with 2 3/8 inch diameter). The guide tube is placed a minimum of 53 inches above the test surface. The missile is released to fall and strike the test specimen. A total of four tests - one in each quadrant - are required for each test specimen. At the conclusion of the tests the impact areas are examined for damage. The specimen is rated for impact damage per component. The rating system is as follows:

¥ 0 = no damage

¥ 2 = dents, indentations only

¥ 4 = any cracks or splits

The ratings are applied to each component (all of the plies) in each quadrant, added up and then divided by four times the number of plies to obtain the average for the membrane. ASTM D 4272, ÒStandard Test Method for Total Energy Impact of Plastic Films By Dart Drop,Ó uses the same premise. However, a dart is used as the missile to test pinhole impact.


Waterproofing Code: Section 1807

Dampproofing and Waterproofing

1807.3.1 Walls. Walls required to be waterproofed shall be of concrete or masonry and shall be designed and constructed to withstand the hydrostatic pressures and other lateral loads to which the walls will be subjected.

Interpretation of the Code

This section implies that all walls that require waterproofing shall be constructed of concrete or masonry and shall be of structural integrity to withstand hydrostatic pressure and lateral loads.

The waterproofing applied at the walls shall consist of one of the following membranes:

¥ Two-ply hot mopped felts

¥ 6-mil (or greater) polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

¥ 40-mil polymer modified asphalt

¥ 6-mil polyethylene

The waterproofing should be applied a minimum of 12 inches above the highest point of the ground water table. The membrane joints shall be lapped in accordance with the membrane manufacturers latest printed requirements.