Pilot Study on Wind Uplift Resistance of Adhesive Applied Low Slope Roofing Systems

Abstract

A new generation of built-up roofs, known as Adhesive Applied Roofing Systems (AARS), is gaining popularity in North America for low slope application. AARS use no fasteners for components' attachment and all components (e.g., insulation board, cover board, and membranes) are integrated by application of adhesives. Since there are no metal fasteners, AARS can offer advantages of reduction in moisture migration and thermal bridging. Moisture in the roof envelope can lead generally to material deterioration, structural integrity problems, and the growth of mould. Even though AARS are in commercial use, there is no existing test standard to quantify their wind uplift performance. A new project, “Development of Wind Uplift Standard for Adhesive Applied Low Slope Roofing Systems,” has been initiated in collaboration with industries, university, and the Canadian Government. The project has three major tasks: experimental investigation, formulation of a numerical model, and development of wind design guide and standard. Task 1 completes preliminary investigations by constructing eight mock-ups. All mock-ups had steel deck and polyisocyanurate insulation and varied in adhesives (type, quantity, and application method), cover boards, and membranes. Mock-ups were subjected to both static and dynamic wind loading conditions. Experimental data showed similarity in failure modes and variations in wind uplift ratings. Data show that among the mockups, the weakest link varied depending on the type of adhesives used and component arrangements. This paper presents and discusses the data from this ongoing experimental investigation.