After nearly four years, the Performance Criteria for Constructed Roof Systems (PCCRS) council has released its first two roof system draft criteria documents to the industry for public comments.
The development of the documents, which address built-up and spray polyurethane foam (SPF) roof systems, is a testament to a group of volunteers who identified a need in the roofing industry and were determined to fulfill it.
How it started
In February 2003, NRCA's Technical Operations Committee (which is charged with overseeing NRCA's technical activities) broached an idea—albeit not a new one—that was intended to enhance and build on existing roofing standards. After receiving input from various industry segments, a new group was formed to create PCCRS. Governed by a council, the group planned to address specific roof systems and write performance standards for the entire systems. The standards would address design,installation, maintenance and material standards.
The PCCRS council does not intend to approve or certify individual companies, products, specifications or warranties. Its goal is to provide a standard of excellence to achieve quality roof systems.
To that end, the council established two Criteria Development Groups (CDGs), and the process of writing the performance standards for built-up and SPF roof systems began.
What they are
The system criteria are not meant to replace existing standards or specifications. Rather, they are intended to assist the design community in evaluating roof systems and provide building owners and the roofing industry with conservative, dependable criteria for constructed roof systems that achieve cost-effective, long-term performance relative to the specific roof system type being used.
When developing the system criteria, the CDGs used existing standards, such as those issued by ASTM International, FM Global and Underwriters Laboratories Inc., and provided a "performance standard" based on complete roof systems and not just products. This method allows design professionals, owners and contractors to use a performance standard for a specific roof system type.
The criteria also can assist design professionals, owners and contractors in selecting roof system types and the design, installation, maintenance and material standards that should be used.
There are many reasons built-up and SPF were chosen as the first roof system types for PCCRS. One reason for choosing built-up is the vast knowledge available about the roof system type. Conversely, SPF may be one of the least understood roof system types; therefore, introducing it into the PCCRS process could help the roofing community better understand quality SPF roof systems.
The process
Developing and implementing a concept requires effort and dedication. This was especially true with PCCRS.
The CDGs—which represent all industry sectors—never gave up even though writing the documents became more of a challenge than anticipated. The built-up roofing CDG alone produced 12 drafts before finalizing its document. Issues such as format, content, what to say, what not to say, which roof system is the best and how the PCCRS documents will be used all had to be discussed. In addition, the level of conservatism had to be established, understood and accepted by each CDG member.
Now that the draft documents are complete, the next stage in the process is public review and comment. For the documents to be fully understood, accepted and implemented by the roofing industry, they have to be properly evaluated by the people who will use them.
All roofing professionals are invited to comment on the draft documents. You can register to review the documents for free at www.pccrs.net and provide your feedback. Comments will be accepted until May 15. (For more information, see "Performance criteria update," December 2007 issue, page 26.)
Every comment received will be reviewed and evaluated by the applicable CDG. A written response will be sent to the commenter addressing his or her concerns and what action the CDG will take. Each commenter will be asked whether the resolution to his or her concern is acceptable. If the commenter accepts the change or explanation, that item is completed. If the commenter does not accept the change or explanation, the CDG will have 30 calendar days to review the objection and corresponding documentation for final resolution.
There is an appeals process that will present issues before the PCCRS council.
What's ahead
The PCCRS council is seeking to establish two new CDGs. The next two roof system types to be addressed are EPDM and PVC, which were chosen because of their popularity, track record and widespread acceptance in the industry. The council plans to appoint CDG committee members during the next few months. The new CDGs will begin the criteria writing process in July and be asked to complete their documents within about 18 months. CDGs can consist of manufacturers representatives, design professionals, owners representatives and roofing contractors.
If you have experience with and knowledge of either of these systems, consider participating as a CDG member. Applications are available at www.pccrs.net.
Future CDGs may be formed on structural and architectural metal panel, slate, tile, asphalt shingles, metal shingles and polymer-modified bitumen roof systems.
Moving foward
Acceptance of the PCCRS concept is one step toward developing new and lasting perceptions of the roofing industry. As an industry, we believe in quality, and now we have a mechanism in place to show our commitment to excellence in roofing. Will you be a part of this process?
Allen Lancaster is president of Metalcrafts Inc., Savannah, Ga., and chairman of the PCCRS council.
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