In October, NRCA published an interim update to The NRCA Roofing and Waterproofing Manual, Fifth Edition. At the same time, NRCA published stand-alone versions of certain roof system-specific sections of the manual. A brief overview of these publications follows.
2003 update
To ensure the manual's fifth edition is as current and complete as possible, NRCA published a 2003 update of interim changes to the manual before the next edition is published, which most likely will be in 2008.
The update consists of 52 new and replacement pages for insertion into the 1,474-page manual, which was published in 2001.
The update includes expanded information in the Steep-slope Roofing section regarding starter courses for asphalt shingle, slate and wood roof systems; revisions to the climatic design data table in the Moisture Control section; updated quality-control guidelines for spray polyurethane foam- (SPF-) based roof systems in the Appendix; and introductory text and general notes applicable to the manual's construction details in the Construction Details section.
Changes incorporated in the manual are denoted by vertical lines within the margins on the new and replacement pages.
The 2003 update can be downloaded for free from the Technical section of NRCA's Web site, www.nrca.net. A printed version of the update is available for purchase by contacting NRCA InfoExpress at (866) ASK-NRCA (275-6722).
Because a majority of the users of the current manual edition have the manual on CD-ROM, an updated CD-ROM version of the manual (containing the entire manual and the update) also is available. The new CD-ROM incorporates an updated on-screen interface to allow users to more easily search and navigate through the manual. The updated CD-ROM also is available for purchase from NRCA InfoExpress.
Stand-alone sections
To accommodate those who specialize in specific roof systems, NRCA published stand-alone versions of certain manual sections, including the 2003 update.
The NRCA Architectural Sheet Metal and Metal Roofing Manual includes information from the following manual sections: Architectural Sheet-metal and Metal Roofing, Moisture Control, Construction Details and Glossary.
The NRCA Steep-slope Roofing Manual includes information from the Steep-slope Roofing, Moisture Control, Construction Details and Glossary sections.
The NRCA SPF-based Roofing Manual includes information from the SPF-based Roofing, SPF Quality-control Guidelines Appendix, Moisture Control, Construction Details and Glossary sections.
These stand-alone documents are best used in consideration of all the guidelines the manual provides. For example, the stand-alone documents do not include guidelines specific to reroofing that are addressed in the Reroofing section. For this reason, I recommend the stand-alone documents be considered complementary to—and not a substitute for—the complete manual. The stand-alone documents are available from NRCA InfoExpress.
Further updates
The need to periodically update and make changes to the manual is inherent because of changes in technology and the roofing industry.
NRCA's Manual Update Committee already is working on updating, revising and expanding the manual into what will become the sixth edition. In the meantime, NRCA will issue updates to the current edition if necessary.
I encourage users of the manual who would like to propose revisions or new information for inclusion to submit them. A Proposed Revision Form is included as Appendix 2 in the manual's Appendix and in the Technical section of NRCA's Web site.
Individual manual revision proposals are considered by the Manual Update Committee, and the proponent of any revisions will be notified about the committee's decision. Whether you use the print version, CD-ROM version or stand-alone documents, I encourage you to provide your input.
Mark S. Graham is NRCA's associate executive director of technical services.
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