Max Miller, Vice President, ICP Adhesives & Sealants, Roofing Products
Hurricane Irma lashed ashore in the Florida Keys and continued up the West Coast of Florida, causing havoc to all in its way. Unfortunately, roofing again received much attention with roof tiles receiving much of the negative press as metal roofing received praises for its ability to withstand hurricane force winds. The truth is, there were no real winners. As a matter of fact, there were no materials in my humble opinion that really stood out as being the go to roofing product until one really looked further. There was damage to all systems – shingles, metal, concrete and clay tiles. Yes, there were roofing systems that faired extremely well; roof tile was certainly among them.
I would hope that if the industry has learned anything over the years and the many wind events that we have experienced, it’s that we don’t jump to any conclusions, as many erroneously did again, until they have spent the proper time and energy to really evaluate the causes of failures and the reasons for the successes. Like many of you reading this article, I have spent many years (35-plus) in the construction industry with 30 years dedicated to the roof tile and adhesive segment. We have witnessed a lot more than typical wind and rain events across the country, but let’s center this discussion around how our roof tile industry is laser focused on how to improve on our ability to install a tile roof that will survive the harshest winds and rains mother nature may throw at it.
Keen industry focus may not have always been as intense as it is today.
In years past installation practices were left up to the component manufactures to specify how they wished for their products to be installed. This, over time, possibly began to be driven more from a marketing point of view than from a good roofing practice point of view. Thankfully, the roof tile industry recognized this and together with the associations, set the marketing aside and began to focus on developing good sound installation practices for the industry. And we’re talking practices that both manufacturers and roofing
contractors participated in developing. This has led to better, more sustainable, and sound tile roofing installations. One such participating association is the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association, FRSA. If you are not familiar with or taken the time to research and participate in FRSA, you owe it to yourself and company to check it out. You will find many of your peers working tirelessly, devoting countless hours and their own dollars under the umbrella and watchful eye of the FRSA to meet regularly to discuss such topics, as well as many more that face our industry, you and your company each day. This group of dedicated individuals is made up of roofing professionals, manufacturers, and industry related companies who always welcome you and your
opinion. Take it from me, it is worth your time and effort to investigate becoming a participating member.
I would like to point out one such success story, where all came together for the good of the roof tile industry, roofing professionals, building owners, insurance industry and other stakeholders. Many of you may recall August 24, 1992 when a wind and rain event named Hurricane Andrew came ashore in South Florida. Although not our last major wind and rain event, this was certainly an eye-opening catastrophe that set the stage for many changes for the better within our industry. To mention a few, roof tile attachment was addressed and improved through underlayment improvements, as well as hip and ridge attachment method improvements. Along with the above improvements, Andrew spurred development of the polyurethane roof tile adhesive application. These post
Hurricane Andrew code and product upgrades have been challenged again and again by hurricane after hurricane with very positive results. However, time and time again we are faced with a bitter truth. One can specify and purchase the upgraded products, but without proper training on installation methods, it does not always equate into a better roofing system. Training and knowledge is the key.
As polyurethane adhesives were being introduced as a viable roof tile attachment system, they were met with some skepticism and scrutiny by code bodies, builders, roofing contractors, etc., but the reality was that the industry desired and needed a superior installation system. After many meetings with industry, concerned professionals and authorities having jurisdiction, a long list of questions and concerns had been compiled. This led to hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars spent on private and independent testing, where each question and concern were addressed. It was clear to all that the adhesive-set system not only was a viable field tile attachment method that could resist winds up to Category five hurricanes, it offered many other benefits. To mention a few, in most cases there was no longer the need to penetrate through the underlayment system. There were no longer any needs to be concerned about fastener corrosion, overdriven or underdriven fasteners and costly punchouts. The system provided improved walkability for roof traffic, all the while providing undisputed labor savings, with the proper training, that the industry much needed.
The adhesive-set system, unlike many other proposed components did receive approvals, but with the caveat that each applicator be trained and must receive a Qualified Applicator Card from the roof tile adhesive manufacturer for the products being utilized. Each adhesive carries its own unique placement, quantity details and in many cases its own unique uplift values.
Training by the adhesive manufacturer’s personnel whose product is being utilized is key, not by an approved train the trainer educator or simply from any adhesive manufacturer. The training and Qualified Applicator status must be from the adhesive manufacturer of the adhesive being utilized. This is code today and the acceptance, success and growth of the adhesive-set system serves as evidence that when a manufacturer really invests in the industry through product training, it can make a difference as seen in the advancement of the adhesive-set system.
The conversation seems to always arise after each wind event as to whether roof tile products can be installed in a manner that will survive the harshest winds and rains that are experienced within our state. Evidence suggests, yes it can when education and training is not an afterthought, but a priority. Roof tile adhesive plays a large role when applications require that the roof tiles absolutely remain attached to the roof in extreme wind events. Roof tile adhesives can and will also add to your bottom line.
There is such confidence that the adhesive-set system will provide the attachment needed to prevent tiles from becoming dislodged that there are 20-year warranties available that will include hurricane force winds. Ask your adhesive manufacturer for details.
Max Miller, Vice President, ICP Adhesives & Sealants and Roofing Products and has been active in the roofing industry for over 35 years. Max is involved with FRSA’s Code and Regulatory Compliance Committee and the Roof Tile Committee and is a member of the FRSA-TRI Reformatting Committee.
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