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Major Building Code Requirements For Impact Resistance of Low-Slope Roofing Systems: A Review and Comparison of Test Procedures

May 15, 2008

INTRODUCTION
Building codes are intended to safeguard
the health, safety, and welfare of
occupants by regulating construction as
well as the building components and materials
used.1
In the United States, the history of
building codes dates to the earliest settlers
of the first American colonies, who brought
with them a number of building safety regulations
from Europe. These early regulations,
which are incorporated into municipal
laws, addressed such issues as the
spacing between houses, basic sanitation
requirements, construction and maintenance
of fireplaces and chimneys, and
materials used in roof coverings.1
Originally, three major model code
groups developed and maintained model
building codes in the United States. These
groups included the Building Officials and
Code Administrators International, Inc.
(BOCA), the International Conference of
Building Officials (ICBO), and the Southern
Building Code Congress International, Inc.
(SBCCI).
Of these three code groups, two listed
“impact resistance” in the roofing-related
performance requirements of “Roof Assemblies
and Rooftop Structures.” These groups
were BOCA and SBCCI. This article discusses
the evolution of “impact resistance”
in these codes and where the code performance
requirement for “impact resistance”
sits today. Outlined below is a brief history
of code origin and when the performance
requirement for “impact resistance” first
appeared in the codes.
Building Officials and Code
Administrators International, Inc.
BOCA published its first code edition in
1927.1 The “impact resistance” requirement
first appeared in the 1990 edition.
Southern Building Code Congress
International, Inc.
SBCCI published its first code edition in
1940, the same year the organization was
established.2 Its first mention
of the “impact resistance”
requirement appeared
in the 1999 edition.
International Code
Council
Established in 1994 to
develop and maintain a single
set of national buildingrelated
model codes,3 ICC
published its first edition in
2000. ICC’s codes replaced
the model codes of BOCA,
ICBO, and SBCCI, now
referred to as “Legacy
Codes.”2 Subsequent editions
of these legacy codes
were not released. The last
editions were 1997, 1999,
and 1999, respectively.
ICC’s first edition in
2000 contained 35 chapters,
with Chapter 15, “Roof Assemblies and
Rooftop Structures,” containing ten Section
Titles (Figure 1). Section Title 1504 –
Performance Requirements provides specific
performance requirements for all roof
assemblies, including requirements for
physical properties as well as impact and
wind resistances.4 The “impact resistance”
requirement mirrored that of BOCA and
SBCCI and reads as follows in the 2000 edition:
• 1504.6 Impact Resistance. Roof
coverings installed on low-slope
Figure 1 — Section titles from the International Building
Code’s Chapter 15, “Roof Assemblies and Rooftop
Structures.”
A P R I L /MA Y 2 0 0 8 I N T E R F A C E • 5
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 FM 4470.
Each of the groups listed the same four
test methods, shown below, for impact
resistance. The ICC 2000 and the SBCCI
codes limited the requirement to low-slope
roofs (roof slope < 2:12). There were no
slope requirements given in the BOCA
code.
Standard Test Methods
• ASTM D 3746, “Standard Test
Method for Impact Resistance of
Bituminous Roofing Systems” 5
• ASTM D 4272, “Standard Test
Method for Total Energy Impact of
Plastic Films by Dart Drop” 6
• CGSB 37-GP-52M, “Standard for
Roofing and Waterproofing Membrane,
Sheet-Applied, Elastomeric” 7
• FM 4470, “Test Standard for Class
1 Roof Coverings” 8
Brief descriptions of the test standards
are as follows:
ASTM D 3746,
“Standard Test
Method for Impact
Resistance
of Bituminous
Roofing Systems”
ASTM first
published this
standard in 1985,
reapproved it in
1996, and again
in 2002. The late
Carl Cash chaired
the committee
and oversaw development
of the
standard. This
test method subjects
field and laboratory
specimens
of bituminous
roofing systems to
a series of four
impacts in each
quadrant of a 12
in x 12 in sample.
A steel missile
guided through a
tube from a predetermined height impacts
each sample with impact energy of 22 ft·lb
(Figure 2). The test procedure allows for
testing at different temperatures to study
that effect on impact resistance. Following
impact, the samples are desaturated and
the mats examined for damage. A rating is
given to the membrane’s
impact damage, if any.
ASTM D 4272, “Standard
Test Method for Total
Energy Impact of Plastic
Films by Dart Drop”
First published in 1983,
reapproved in 1999, and
again in 2003, this test
method describes the determination
of the total energy
impact of plastic films by
measuring the kinetic energy
lost by a free-falling dart
that passes through the
film.6
The recommended size
of the sample is 6 in x 6 in for a single determination.
Specimens are taken from new
material only. The test uses the free-falling
dart of ASTM D 1709, Test Method A (Figure
3). Depending on the dart weight selected,
the impact energies vary from 1.1 to 5.4
ft·lb. Each sample is impacted five times in
different places. The energy to rupture a
film sample is based on an average of five
energy values for the test specimen.6
The standard states, “Evaluation of the
impact toughness of film is important in
predicting the performance of a material in
applications such as packaging, construction,
and other uses.”6 The author questions
the applicability of this standard for impact
resistance of most roof coverings.
CGSB 37-GP-52M, “Standard for Roofing
and Waterproofing Membrane, Sheet-
Applied, Elastomeric”
This Canadian standard was first published
in October 1982 and applies to sheetapplied
elastomeric membranes for use in
roofing and waterproofing.7 Among others,
the standard addresses requirements for
thickness, tensile strength, breaking
strength, elongation, and water absorption
and weather resistance. The standard
states “the membrane shall withstand
impact energy of 1.8 ft·lb (2.45 Joule) without
indentation to the extent that the membrane
will not fail the watertightness test”7
listed therein.
The test procedure uses a dynamic
puncture device or a Gardner Heavy-Duty
Variable Impact Tester (Type PF-1120) with
modifications shown in Figure 4. The manufacturer
changed the part number from
IG-1120 listed in the standard to PF-1120.
Three tests are carried out on each sample,
with the results rated in accordance with
the Puncture Rating Table.
FM 4470, Test Standard
for Class 1 Roof
Coverings
The FM 4470 Test
Standard for Class 1 Roof
Coverings was first introduced
in April of 1986. A
part of this test procedure,
“Susceptibility to Hail
Damage – Moderate Hail
(MH),” was designed to
assess the potential for
damage to roof covers
when they are applied on
various roof insulations,
lightweight concrete roof
decks, gypsum decks, or fire-retardanttreated
wood roof decks. It was developed to
determine the potential for puncture from
hailstorms when a cover is applied over its
tested substrate within a Class 1 assembly.8
The MH test apparatus, Figure 5, consists
of a tube in which a steel ball drops
Figure 2 — Guide tube, test table, and centering jig.
Figure 3 — Free-falling dart.
6 • I N T E R F A C E A P R I L /MA Y 2 0 0 8
from a predetermined height, dependent on
the rating required. The current FM 4470
standard offers two hail ratings, Class 1-SH
(Severe Hail) and Class 1-MH (Moderate
Hail). The procedure tests both new and
artificially aged materials (1,000 hours following
ASTM G53).
The procedure drops a steel ball ten
times on various sections of a sample. The
impact energy for the SH determination is
14 ft·lb (19 Joule), and the MH determination
impact energy is 8 ft·lb (10.8 Joule).
Testing is performed at room temperature.
Another part of this FM 4470 standard
is the “Foot Traffic Test.” This test procedure
is designed to assess the potential for
damage to roof covers at corners of insulation.
The test apparatus consists of a
square plate with weights added. This is a
static load test, whereas the “Hail
Resistance Test” is a dynamic test.
This test method was part of the original
FM 4470 in 1986, as was the Moderate Hail
(MH) test method. The Severe Hail (SH) test
method was later added by a 1987 supplement.
BOCA published its first impactresistance
performance requirement in
1990; therefore, the “Susceptibility to Hail
Damage” test procedures were available, as
was the Foot Traffic test method. Table 1,
featuring the “Test Method Comparison,”
lists only those “dynamic impact” test procedures
available to BOCA when it first listed
the impact-resistance requirement in
1990.
The code requirement for impact resis-
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Figure 4 — Heavy-Duty Impact Tester PF-
1120. Photo courtesy of BYK – Gardner, a
member of the BYK Additives and
Instruments Business Unit of Atlanta.
Figure 5 — Simulated Hail Damage Test
Apparatus, Moderate Hail (MH).
A P R I L /MA Y 2 0 0 8 I N T E R F A C E • 7
tance provides a choice between test methods.
As summarized in Table 1, the inequality
of the test methods is clear as stated in
earlier research by the author.9 The inequalities
exist within impact energies, test temperatures,
sample age, and damage evaluation
methods as discussed below.
Impact Energies
Each of the methods use hemispherical,
spherical, or flat-head-shaped steel projectiles
of various diameters. The projectiles
are dropped from predetermined heights,
producing an impact energy, which can be
compared to the impact energy produced by
different diameters of hail.
Depending on the test method, the
impact energy varies from 1.8 ft·lb to 22
ft·lb. With this wide range, one can determine
the ineffectiveness of the impact resistance
requirement of the IBC and the
Legacy (BOCA and SBCCI) codes.
Prior research by Crenshaw and Koontz
indicates roof coverings such as slate, concrete
tile, or clay tile are fairly hail-resistant
when impacted with ice spheres. When
impacting these same materials with steel
projectiles as outlined in the code, failure
ratings are produced at low-impact energy
levels.9
Test Temperature
Another variable that can affect test
results is test temperature. A review of the
test methods indicates two of the four test
methods, ASTM D4272 and FM4470, are
performed at room temperature. Crenshaw
and Koontz’s prior simulated hail research
indicated some roof covering materials,
such as tempered, aged thermoplastics, are
temperature-sensitive.9
Recall that Nick Lavato’s article, presented
at the RCI 19th International
Convention and Trade Show, focused on a
case study of the replacement of an eightyear-
old hail-damaged thermoplastic roof at
the Denver International Airport as a result
of a moderate hailstorm that occurred in
June 2001.10
It is a well-known fact that most thermoplastics
are temperature-sensitive when
it comes to impact; however, with some
materials, such as composition shingles
and modified roof materials, impact resistances
can actually increase as test temperatures
decrease.9
Aging
Two of the four test methods also test
artificially aged materials or materials from
the field in addition to new roof coverings
and material. FM 4470 tests new roof coverings
and similar materials that have aged
for 1,000 hours using ASTM G53. The late
Carl Cash also recognized the importance of
exposure with the inclusion of testing specimens
from actual roofs in ASTM D3746. A
paragraph from this standard reads as follows:
• “Paragraph 8.1 Test Specimens –
Test specimens may be taken directly
from an actual roof or cut from a
laboratory-prepared sample using a
305 by 305-mm (12 by 12-in.) metal
template as described in Practice
D2829 and shall include all of the
aggregate and insulation in the area
of the specimen.”
Great minds thought alike, with the late
William Cullen noting the importance of
testing aged materials in 1992, stating, “The
results of testing new materials may not be
valid since the hail-impact resistance of
many roofing materials changes upon exposure
to weather.” 11
Test Impact Impactor Impactor Missile Drop Impact Impacts, Substrate Test Sample Damage
Standard Diameter, End Shape Type Mass, Distance, Energy, # Type Temperature Conditioning Evaluation
in (mm) lbs (kg) ft (cm) ft·lbs (Joule) °F (°C) Method
ASTM D 2.0 Hemis- Weighted 5.0 4.42 22.0 4 Optional Optional 8 min. Visual
3746 (50.8) pherical Steel (2.27) (135.0) (30.0) and after
Dart extraction;
numerous
ratings.
ASTM D 1.5 Hemis- Stainless 0.5-2.5 2.17 1.1-5.4 5 per None 73.4 (23) 40 min. Type of
4272 (38.1) pherical Steel (0.23- (66.0) (1.49-7.32) specimen failure to
1.13) rupture.
CGSB37- 0.44 Round & Steel 2.2 0.82 1.8 3 Rubber 73+7 24 Visual
GP-52M (11.3) flat, Rod (1.00) (25.0) (2.45) Stopper (23+10) examination,
polished puncture
to 1 cm2 rating
water test.
FM 4470 2.0 Spherical Steel 1.63 5.0 8.0 10 Optional Room Up to 28 Visual
Class 1- (50.8) Ball (0.74) (152.4) (10.8) Temperature days or Examination
MH weathered (10X).
FM 4470 1.75 Spherical Steel 0.79 17.79 14.0 10 Optional Room Up to 28 Visual
Class 1 – (44.5) Ball (0.36) (542.3) (19.0) Temperature days or Examination
SH weathered (10X).
TEST METHOD COMPARISON
Table 1
8 • I N T E R F A C E A P R I L /MA Y 2 0 0 8
Damage Evaluation
The damage evaluation methods used
by the four test methods vary. ASTM D3746
requires separation and desaturation of the
plies of bituminous roof systems. The standard
for plastic films, ASTM D4272,
requires visual examination to determine
the type of failure. The examples given were
holes, tears, shatter, etc. The Canadian
standard, CGSB 37-GP-52M, outlines a
visual examination and a water-tightness
test (if required). The FMRC standard does
not require separation, with a visual examination
of top and bottom surfaces considered
sufficient. Damage to interply, felts, or
reinforcements may not be visible without
separation and desaturation.
Discussion
Interestingly enough, the wording of the
impact-resistance requirement of the IBC
2006 edition changed. It now reads as follows:
“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 D3746, ASTM D4272,
CGSB 37-GP-52M, or the ‘Resistance
to Foot Traffic Test’ in Section
5.5 of FM 4470.”
The revision left the three previous test
methods – ASTM D3746, ASTM D4272, and
CGSB 37-GP-52M – the same and expounded
on FM 4470 by inserting the “Resistance
to Foot Traffic Test” in Section 5.5 of FM
4470.12. Recall that earlier code versions
listed only FM 4470 and did not state a specific
test procedure of the standard.
Investigating the reason for this change
with the ICC, excerpts from proponent
Robert J. Willis, PE, American Iron & Steel
Institute, stated, “Currently, the IBC is not
specific [about] which of these tests are
intend[ed] by this section, leaving the selection
of which test is appropriate up to the
code user.” 13 Later, Willis states, “In summary,
this proposal would clarify that the
Foot Traffic test is appropriate to demonstrate
the durability criteria that were
intended by the code and not the hail damage
test criteria.” The author disagrees with
this, since BOCA published the impactresistance
test methods when FM 4470 contained
the “Susceptibility to Hail Damage”
Moderate and Severe Hail Test Standard for
Class 1 Roof Covers, both dynamic impact
tests, as well as the “Resistance to Foot
Traffic Test,” a static load-type test. The
other three test methods listed – ASTM
D3746, ASTM D4272, and CGSB 37-GP-
52M – are dynamic impact test methods as
well.
Table 2 documents differences in the
IBC 2006 edition’s impact-resistance performance
requirements.
The most recent editions of IBC 2003
and 2006 still list the same four test standards
that appeared in the ICC’s first 2000
edition, which mirrored that of BOCA and
SBCCI. The Canadian General Standards
Board Web site shows the cancellation of
CGS 37-GP-52M as of January 2005.14 This
eliminates one of the four test methods listed
in the 2006 IBC edition available for
impact resistance, and it also eliminates the
FM hail tests by specifically noting the “Foot
Traffic Test” of FM 4470.
As the impact-resistance code requirement
now stands, bituminous roof membranes
are the only roof types subject to
impact loads of 22 ft·lb under ASTM D3746,
while nonbituminous roof system types fall
to FM’s “Foot Traffic Test.”
Dynamic Impact Impact or Impact Missile Drop Impact Impacts, Substrate Test Sample Damage
Test Diameter, End Shape Tester Mass, Distance, Energy, # Type Temperature Conditioning Evaluation
Standard in (mm) Type lbs (kg) ft (cm) ft·lbs (Joule) °F (°C) Method
ASTM 2.0 Hemis- Weighted 5.0 4.42 22.0 4 Optional Optional 8 min. Visual
D3746 (50.8) pherical Steel (2.27) (135.0) (30.0) and after
Dart extraction;
numerous
ratings.
ASTM D 1.5 Hemis- Stainless 0.5-2.5 2.17 1.1-5.4 5 per None 73.4 (23) 40 min. Type of
4272 (38.1) pherical Steel (0.23- (66.0) (1.49- specimen failure to
1.13) 7.32) rupture.
CGSB37- 0.44 Round Flat, Steel 2.2 0.82 1.8 3 Rubber 73+7 24 Visual
GP-52M (11.3) polished Rod (1.00) (25.0) (2.45) Stopper (23+10) examination
to 1 cm2 puncture
rating
water test.
Static Plate Plate Plate Mass, – – Repe- Substrate Test Sample Damage
Test Size in2 Shape Type lbs (kg) titions, Type Temperature Conditioning Evaluation
Standard # °F (°C) Method
FM 4470 3.0 Flat with Steel 200 – – 5 Insulation Unspecified Unspecified Visual
Class 1-FT (76) rounded Plate (90.7) Board Examination
corners
2006 TEST METHOD COMPARISON
Table 2
W I T H D R A W N 2 0 0 5
1 0 • I N T E R F A C E A P R I L /MA Y 2 0 0 8
How is that possible when the code lists
four test standards? With the 2005 withdrawal
of CGSB 37-GP-52M, ASTM D4272
for film type materials only, the elimination
of FM 4470 Hail Resistance tests, and the
Foot Traffic test specifically called out, only
these two test methods are left. Are results
obtained from the two remaining test methods
comparable? Koontz authored “A
Comparative Study of Dynamic Impact and
Static Loading of One-Ply Roofing
Assemblies,”15 which studied common test
methods utilized by various organizations,
including ASTM, CGSB, and others. This is
an area that merits further study.
Hail is a common occurrence “impacting”
roofs. Current hail research reviewed
by this author typically utilizes test procedures
featuring ice, steel, or polyamide
balls. Most researchers employing the iceball
method use either an air cannon or a
slingshot apparatus for ice-ball delivery
(Figure 6). Figure 7 depicts molds for the ice
balls. FM subjects manufacturers’ systems
to steel balls for hail ratings. Recall that
Peter Flueler presented his hail research on
inflatable structures utilizing polyamide
balls at RCI’s 2006 Convention.16
Roofing failures related to wind damage
or collapse center litigiously around codes
and whether the roof system met the minimum
requirements outlined in the code
regarding uplift resistance or drainage. One
would believe the intent of the code is to set
minimum performance criteria for wind,
drainage, and impact. Impact, however,
receives little recognition as a challenged
performance characteristic.
Test your knowledge of building envelope
consulting with the following questions
developed by Donald E. Bush Sr., RRC, FRCI,
PE, chairman of RCI’s RRC Examination
Development Subcommittee.
1. For commercial buildings,
International
Energy Conservation
Code (IECC) compliance
can be shown using a
prescriptive approach, a
trade-off approach, or a
performance approach.
What is a prescriptive
approach?
2. What is a trade-off
approach?
3. What is a performance
approach?
4. What is the maximum
vertical fenestration-towall-
area ratio allowed
when using the IECC
requirements for
compliance?
5. What compliance tools
and materials are
available for these
approaches?
Answers on page 12
Figure 6: Ice-ball launcher. Photo courtesy of Milton Smith, Texas Tech University.
A P R I L /MA Y 2 0 0 8 I N T E R F A C E • 1 1
The impact provisions of the current
codes are plainly in need of reform. The ICC
should clearly define a test procedure for
impact resistance applicable to all roof coverings,
taking into consideration the effects
of temperature, aging, and examination
methods.
References
1. “Introduction to Building Codes: A
Guide to Understanding the Codes
and How They Work,” Proceedings of
the National Conference of States on
Building Codes and Standards Inc.,
1999.
2. The NRCA Building Codes Manual,
First Edition, National Roofing Contractors
Association, October 2001.
3. Graham, Mark S., “New Building
Code Offers Unified Standards,”
Professional Roofing, National Roofing
Contractors Association, March
2000, Pages 42-49.
4. “New ICC Model Code Completed,”
Professional Roofing, National Roofing
Contractors Association, December
1999, Page 22.
5. ASTM D3746, 1985 (2002),
“Standard Test Method for Impact
Resistance of Bituminous Roofing
Systems,” ASTM International, West
Conshohocken, PA, www.astm.org.
6. ASTM D4272, 1983 (2003), “Standard
Test Method for Total Energy
Impact of Plastic Films by Dart
Drop,” ASTM International, West
Conshohocken, PA, www.astm.org.
7. “Standard for Roofing and
Waterproofing Membrane, Sheet
Applied, Elastomeric,” CSGB 37-GP-
52M, August 1984.
8. “Susceptibility to Hail Damage, Test
Standard for Class 1 Roof Covers,”
Factory Mutual Research Corporation
Class 4470, Class 1 Roof
Covers, revised August 29, 1992.
9. Crenshaw, Vickie, and Jim D.
Koontz, “Simulated Hail Damage
and Impact Resistance Test Procedures,”
Interface, Roof Consultants
Institute, May 2001, Page 4.
10. Lovato, Nick A., “EPDM – Solution to
Airport Roof Problems,” Interface,
Roof Consultants Institute, September
2005, Page 16.
11. Cullen, William C., “Hail Damage to
Roofing: Assessment and Classification,”
Proceedings of the Fourth
International Symposium on Roofing
Technology, NRCS/NIST, 1992.
12. “Resistance to Foot Traffic, Test
Standard for Class 1 Roof Covers,”
Factory Mutual Research Corporation
Class 4470, Class 1 Roof
Covers, Revised August 29, 1992.
13. ICC Public Hearing, FS144-03/04,
Answers to questions from page 11:
1. For the building envelope, a
prescriptive approach would
list the minimum R-value or
maximum U-factor
requirements for each
building component, such as
windows, walls, and roofs.
2. A trade-off approach allows a
specifier to trade enhanced
energy efficiency in one
component against decreased
energy efficiency in another
component.
3. A performance approach
allows comparison of a
proposed design with a
baseline or reference design
and demonstrates that the
proposed design is at least as
energy efficient as the
baseline in terms of annual
energy use.
4. Anything greater than 40%
requires compliance using the
ASHRAE 90.1 requirements.
5. Comcheck compliance
materials can be downloaded
free from the U.S. Department
of Energy Web site at
www.energy.gov.
Reference: IECC – 2006,
ASHRAE 90.1 – 2004,
DOE Web site
1 2 • I N T E R F A C E A P R I L /MA Y 2 0 0 8
Figure 7: Ice-ball molds. Photo courtesy of Milton Smith, Texas Tech University.
1504.7, September 2003.
14. http://www.pwgsc.gc.ca/cgsb
/ pub s / c a t a l o gue /wi thd r awn
/cumulative_06-41-e.html#37.
15. Koontz, J.D., “A Comparative Study
of Dynamic Impact and Static
Loading of One-Ply Roofing
Assemblies,” Roofing Research and
Standards Development, ASTM STP
959. R. A. Critchell, Ed., American
Society for Testing and Materials,
Philadelphia, 1987, pp. 23-52.
16. Flueler, Peter, “Hail Impact Resistance
of Ethylene Tetrafluoro Ethylene
(ETFE) Membrane Structures,”
Proceedings of the 22nd International
Convention and Trade Show, RCI,
Inc., 2006.
A P R I L /MA Y 2 0 0 8 I N T E R F A C E • 1 3
Vickie A Crenshaw, PE, RRC, RRO, is president of Crenshaw
Consulting Group, LP, a roof consulting firm with offices in
Albuquerque, Hobbs, and Las Cruces, NM, as well as
Amarillo, TX. She is a registered professional engineer in
Texas and a member of the National Roofing Contractors
Association, RICOWI, RCI, and SPRI. She earned a bachelor’s
degree from Northern Arizona University. Crenshaw’s company
will celebrate its fifth anniversary in 2008 with 24 employees
in four locations.
Vickie Crenshaw, PE, RRC, RRO
With an understanding that the built environment faces
long-term, irreversible market trends that demand a focus on
environmental stewardship, the National Roofing Contractors
Association (NRCA) has established the Center for
Environmental Innovation in Roofing (CEIR), a separate
501(c)(6) organization, to promote the development and use of
environmentally responsible, high-performance roof systems.
Bill Good, NRCA’s executive vice president, believes that
as the “green building movement takes hold, the important
role of the roofing industry in providing durability, energy
efficiencies, and environmental stewardship is not only significant,
but potentially transformational.”
Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the center’s core
purpose is to establish a forum that will draw together the
entire roofing industry in the common cause of promoting
and increasing the knowledge base of environmentally friendly
roof systems. Although still in its early stages, the center
has received substantial support from across the industry. To
date, “Founding Member” financial commitments to the center
include: Firestone Building Products, Carlisle SynTec
Inc., Tremco, GAF Materials Corp., Sika Sarnafil, D.C. Taylor
Co., Nations Roof, Advanced Green Technologies, DRI Cos.,
Tecta America Corp., and William Wallace Collins, LLC.
The organization’s objectives include:
• Serving as a repository for information pertaining to
energy, the environment, and roofing
• Coordinating and encouraging objective research
• Serving as a research link between academia and
industry and providing a forum for ongoing peer
review of such research
• Safeguarding jurisdiction to ensure new roofing products,
systems, and services remain within the sphere
of the roofing industry
• Expanding market opportunities
• Advocating scientifically on behalf of the industry
• Coordinating standards and codes, both in the U.S.
and abroad
Driving the center’s philosophy are three beliefs. First, the
building industry will increasingly use “green” building materials
– those that contribute to energy efficiencies and environmental
stewardship. Second, this undertaking will succeed
only if the entire industry acts in concert. And finally,
the center aims to advance the dialogue of possibility. Rather
than succumb to the instincts of command-and-control solutions
that emphasize limits in the face of environmental and
energy challenges, the center endeavors to advance innovative
solutions and proceeds with the belief that the spirit of
collaboration is a critical ingredient of innovation.
The center commenced operations on March 4. For more
information about the center, contact Craig Silvertooth, the
center’s executive director, at (866) 928-CEIR or
info@RoofingCenter.org.
CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
LAUNCHED BY NRCA