Building codes require a roof assembly to sufficiently resist
uplift forces caused by wind events that may occur during the roof
assembly's anticipated life. Mechanically attaching roof insulation
and roof membranes is one method that provides enough uplift
resistance to hold a roof system in place.
Using self-tapping screws to attach roof insulation and roof
membranes to steel roof decks has become a common attachment
method. However, problems can arise because of debris generated
when screws are replaced during reroofing projects. Our company
conducted a test using various screw types and sizes to examine the
quantities of debris produced by different screws and address how
debris can affect a building's interior, as well as whether screw
debris poses potential problems for facilities that manufacture
such items as food or electronics.
Before mechanical attachment, insulation commonly was secured to
steel roof decks using hot asphalt. However, the hot asphalt method
has flaws; when an interior fire occurs below a steel deck, the hot
steel melts the asphalt, which drips through weld holes or laps in
the deck and onto the fire below. The dripping asphalt acts as an
accelerant,...
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