Since the last three SPRI columns have focused on the features and benefits of each of the three specific types of flexible membrane roofing. This last in the series will address the significant accomplishments and activities of SPRI's associate members -- the suppliers of fasteners, edge systems, insulation, and adhesives -- whose products are so integral to roof system performance.

The fastener subcommittee is pleased to announce that it has achieved approval of its ANSI/SPRI FX-1-1996, "Standard Field Test Procedure for Determining the Withdrawal Resistance of Roofing Fasteners." This new national standard, which represents the culmination of many months of canvassing, reviewing input from a number of industry sources, writing and re-writing, will be available from SPRI upon request. It represents the progress that is possible when many individual participants within the roofing industry join in a collective effort towards the accomplishments of an important goal

Like the fastener subcommittee, the roof edge system suppliers identified a need for a national standard. Their efforts have been devoted to the development of a standard for the design of edge systems with respect to their wind performance. The proposed "Wind Design Guide for Roof Edge Systems used with Low Slope Roofing Systems," has been approved at the subcommittee level within SPRI. It will next be reviewed by the full technical committee and upon approval, the canvassing process for this document will begin. As always, anyone with an interest in participating in the canvass is welcome - simply notify SPRI of your wish to be included.

Adhesives and tape supplier members have successfully completed and gained internal approval of a document entitled "Recommended Laboratory Test Methods for Liquid Bonding Adhesives Used to Bond Single-Ply Membranes." This follows on the heels of the first document, "Recommended Laboratory Test Methods for Liquid and Tape Adhesives Used to Splice Single-Ply Membranes." Both of these procedures will be prepared for submittal to ASTM for adoption, and will also be incorporated into the next printing of SPRI's Professionals Guide to Specifications.

The insulation supplier members continue to concentrate on the area of the potential reuse of roof insulation in a roof replacement situation. An initial survey of roofing professionals yielded some interesting information, and identified the need for more data. A second survey of the original respondents is now underway. It will further explore the various factors that contribute to the current decision-making regarding whether or not insulation is deemed to be reusable in a replacement roof system.

Participation in SPRI programs is possible in a number of ways. Associate membership is available to suppliers of any of the product types listed above; as well as various other accessories such as roof drains an paver systems. Affiliate membership is available to consultants, designers and specifiers. All members are able to participate in the drafting and internal review of documents developed by SPRI. Non-members are able to participate, either individually or as represented by other industry organizations, in canvasses and review of documents proposed for external publication, such as through ANSI canvassing or ASTM review. SPRI welcomes input from as many sources as possible through the canvass process, to ensure the broadest acceptance and utilization of its guidelines.

As each of these important projects point out, SPRI remains committed to undertaking programs and projects that will enhance the industry's understanding of roofing and ultimately lead to high quality, high performance roof systems. The role of SPRI's associate members, whose products are critical to the successful long term performance, is of major importance.

This column first appeared in The November 1996 issue of RSI magazine

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