Who's Fooling Who here?
If any of you have noticed, some manufacturers and in particular Garland list "tight" or "restrictive"proprietary performance specifications.
Here's the latest "boo-boo" noted:
When the base ply or other ply lists a test these manufacturers meet, check to make sure whether or not the test they say they meet is a test that lists values to be met, or the test methodology on which the actual tests should be based.
Did you get that? It's tricky.
Here's the example.
Often seen in Garland Specs is the following tests listed for the values they say their Base Ply meets:
"A. Base Ply: Fiberglass Scrim with the following minimum performance requirements according to ASTM D5147. Properties (Finished Membrane):
1. Tensile Strength (ASTM D5147) a. 2 in/min. @ 73.4 +/- 3.6 degrees F MD 225 lbf/in CMD 225 lbf/in b. 50 mm/min. @ 23 +/- 3 degrees C MD 39.0 kN/m CMD 39.0 kN/m
2. Tear Strength (ASTM D5147) a. 2 in/min. @ 73.4 +/- 3.6 degrees F MD 300 lbf/in CMD 300 lbf/in b. 50 mm/min. @ 23 +/- 3 degrees C MD 1335 N CMD 1335 N
3. Elongation at Maximum Tensile (ASTM D5147) a. 2 in/min. @ 73.4 +/- 3.6 degrees F MD 4.7% CMD 5.0% b. 50 mm/min. @ 23 +/- 3 degrees C MD 4.7% CMD 5.0%
4. Low Temperature Flexibility (ASTM D5147); Passes -30 degrees F (-34 degrees C)"
So let's go over that one more time. What's wrong with listing "ASTM D5147"?
ASTM D5147 describes the test methodology to be used by various tests that lists values to meet.
For SBS modifieds, those test numbers start with ASTM D6162.
For the product above, glass-reinforced SBS Modifieds should be tested with ASTM D6163. ASTM D6163 is based upon the methodology listed in ASTM D5147. And ASTM D6163 is the apparently the only test that describes the values to be met for the product described.
So the proper ASTM Test Number to be used is ASTM D6163 in the specifications.
What does that mean during the bidding process?
Since Garland does not list the tests upon which the values are based, ensure your specs do - and point that out to those letting the contracts.
Get a copy of the ASTM Roofing Tests and show the difference to them.
You can take it from there, consultants, reps, auditors, contractors - everyone involved attempting to teach the facilities managers what they are really looking at. Use it well - and good luck!
Update Dec. 15, 2013:
I also break apart specs and use this analysis as part of it - contact me to do so for you! It's been successful for one whole state already!
If any of you have noticed, some manufacturers and in particular Garland list "tight" or "restrictive"proprietary performance specifications.
Here's the latest "boo-boo" noted:
When the base ply or other ply lists a test these manufacturers meet, check to make sure whether or not the test they say they meet is a test that lists values to be met, or the test methodology on which the actual tests should be based.
Did you get that? It's tricky.
Here's the example.
Often seen in Garland Specs is the following tests listed for the values they say their Base Ply meets:
"A. Base Ply: Fiberglass Scrim with the following minimum performance requirements according to ASTM D5147. Properties (Finished Membrane):
1. Tensile Strength (ASTM D5147) a. 2 in/min. @ 73.4 +/- 3.6 degrees F MD 225 lbf/in CMD 225 lbf/in b. 50 mm/min. @ 23 +/- 3 degrees C MD 39.0 kN/m CMD 39.0 kN/m
2. Tear Strength (ASTM D5147) a. 2 in/min. @ 73.4 +/- 3.6 degrees F MD 300 lbf/in CMD 300 lbf/in b. 50 mm/min. @ 23 +/- 3 degrees C MD 1335 N CMD 1335 N
3. Elongation at Maximum Tensile (ASTM D5147) a. 2 in/min. @ 73.4 +/- 3.6 degrees F MD 4.7% CMD 5.0% b. 50 mm/min. @ 23 +/- 3 degrees C MD 4.7% CMD 5.0%
4. Low Temperature Flexibility (ASTM D5147); Passes -30 degrees F (-34 degrees C)"
So let's go over that one more time. What's wrong with listing "ASTM D5147"?
ASTM D5147 describes the test methodology to be used by various tests that lists values to meet.
For SBS modifieds, those test numbers start with ASTM D6162.
For the product above, glass-reinforced SBS Modifieds should be tested with ASTM D6163. ASTM D6163 is based upon the methodology listed in ASTM D5147. And ASTM D6163 is the apparently the only test that describes the values to be met for the product described.
So the proper ASTM Test Number to be used is ASTM D6163 in the specifications.
What does that mean during the bidding process?
Since Garland does not list the tests upon which the values are based, ensure your specs do - and point that out to those letting the contracts.
Get a copy of the ASTM Roofing Tests and show the difference to them.
You can take it from there, consultants, reps, auditors, contractors - everyone involved attempting to teach the facilities managers what they are really looking at. Use it well - and good luck!
Update Dec. 15, 2013:
I also break apart specs and use this analysis as part of it - contact me to do so for you! It's been successful for one whole state already!
