Over the past 10 years, there has been a shift in minimum required R-values. The 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) is the driving force behind this movement. More than 20 states have adopted the 2015 IECC, or a portion of its provisions, as their statewide energy code. See the chart below for minimum R-values per climate zone. Since 2009, the roofing industry has seen an R-10 increase in the majority of the states. The total minimum insulation thickness has increased from 3.5" (R-20) to 5.2" (R-30) in parts of over 40 states. The map below can help you identify climate zones within your state. Climate zones 4 through 8 have experienced an R-10 increase. Additional resources are provided below to help you determine the applicable energy code and its associated minimum R-value requirements in a given state or local jurisdiction.    1. Minimum Insulation R-value Requirements: Non-Residential, Above Roof Deck    2. The Building Codes Assistance Project For more information on R-value requirements, please contact Brandon Reynolds at brandon.reynolds@carlisleccm.com

It is well known that moisture is detrimental to roof system performance. Wet insulation can lead to several issues including mold, reduced membrane adhesion, and ultimately roof system failure during wind events. Because wet polyiso must be removed and replaced, watertight tie-ins are essential every night. But let's take a step backwards and look at overall polyiso storage before and during installation. An appropriate understanding of storage, handling, and application will result in a properly constructed roof system. Material delivery should be carefully coordinated with the roof installation schedule to minimize outdoor storage. However, short-term outdoor storage can be necessary at times. When storing polyiso outdoors, bundles should not be stored directly on the ground. If possible, they should be stored over a finished surface rather than dirt or grass. Bundles should be covered with a waterproof cover and secured to prevent wind displacement. Exercise care when handling polyiso to prevent breaking or crushing the edges and surfaces. Polyiso should always be installed on dry roof decks and in dry conditions. Apply only as much polyiso as can be covered by completed roofing the same day. Roof surface protection (plywood) should be used in areas where storage and staging are planned to reduce direct, excessive traffic. Tips: Place bundles on pallets or included feet over a finished surface such as gravel, pavement, or concrete. Remove polyiso bundles from trucks with proper equipment. Do not push bundles off the edge of a truck or "roll" a pallet across the roof deck. Follow Versico's requirements regarding product application to ensure adequate performance of the roofing system. For more information, please contact your sales representative.

STORAGE: Heat exposure is what causes Quick-Applied (QA) Uncured Flashing to cure on the roof after installation, so storing all your QA Uncured Flashing in a cool place will maximize its shelf life. Versico performed an experiment where Peel and Stick (P&S) White EPDM Corners were refrigerated for 18 months and they were still uncured and usable. Pretty "cool" for a product with a 6-month shelf life! HEAT: Want to make your QA Uncured Flashing easier to work with? Use a heat gun to warm the flashing prior to installation in colder weather. Always heat P&S White Uncured EPDM Flashing, even in the warmer months. Rule of thumb; store cool and install warm! INSTALLATION: Speaking of forming corners, the QA Uncured Flashing stretches and forms better when the elongated diamond pattern is installed parallel to the deck membrane. Additionally, it helps to use the poly film as a separator when folding the corner in half to prevent the exposed tape edges from sticking to each other. POURABLE SEALER POCKETS: One of the biggest mistakes Versico encounters with Pourable Sealer Pockets is improperly applied or missing primer. It is very important to prime the flashing that is turned down into the pocket, as well as the flashing on the top rim of the pocket. Primer is necessary to achieve a long-term bond between Pourable Sealer and the pocket. If separation is present, it's likely that primer application was missed. It is also important and necessary to thoroughly clean and prime penetrations prior to filling pockets with pourable sealer. OUTSIDE CORNERS: Double-wrapping outside corners is a great idea on ballasted systems, especially if the base membrane isn't cut perfectly tight to the curb. QA Uncured Flashing needs to have a solid surface beneath it for long-term performance. If an additional layer of QA Uncured Flashing is installed to eliminate voids at outside corners, the corner flashing will be better able to withstand movement from expansion/contraction forces and will be less likely to develop a hole than if a single layer is used. LAP SEALANT: All QA Uncured Flashing requires Lap Sealant to be applied and feathered over the entire splice edge. Versico has all your flashing needs covered. For more information, please contact your Regional Technical Manager.     Ron Goodman     EPDM Product Manager     Product Marketing     ron.goodman@carlisleccm.com