Focus on Division 07 to understand what happens when specifications terminology requires significant interpretation by the contractor or mixes up terminology, and the potential impact to prices, contracts, and project success.
2. LEARNING OBJECTIVES
• Reasons why CSI formats are needed in project
teams.
• Reasons consistent terminology is essential for
pricing, contracts, and project success.
• Importance of consistent terms from design
through facility management.
• Reasons controlled vocabularies are needed for
computers.
• Case studies of Division 07 Thermal and Moisture
Protection Terminology on projects.
3. Terminology and Drawing
Coordination
• Your desire is to work in a team environment
throughout the design and construction process……
• But if left to interpretation the final construction
documents can lead to arguments about what you
meant when you produced the drawings and
specifications….
• Resulting in additional costs to someone in performing
the work or in changes to contract documents…
• Or leading to significant time allocation to resolve.
8. The specifications called for polyethylene separation /protection sheet……a relic of the
past that seems to stay in some specifications.
9. “3.03 G Follow manufacturer’s
instructions to insure a complete
seal between cured membrane
surfaces in blind and hard to reach
locations. Ensure that all openings
and joints have been sealed.”
GC to roofing sub: “that’s your
problem. Figure it out and make
Sure it is warranted….”
10. These issues often put the manufacturer and the subcontractor in difficult situations.
11. So….let’s look at some common items
in specification terminology that cause
problems….
12. The catch-all!
• “3.02 Transition Strip Installation
C. Connect and seal exterior wall air barrier
membrane continuously to roofing membrane air
barrier, concrete below grade structures, floor to
floor construction, exterior glazing and window
systems, glazed curtain wall systems, storefront
systems, exterior louvers, exterior door framing,
and other construction used in exterior wall
openings using accessory materials as indicated.”
• We understand that Architecturally you cannot
address all conditions within the documents but
sans design this statement will lead to confusion.
13. Admit you don’t know and cannot
know….
• Certain conditions are unknown in the construction process and
require that the specification allow for that unknown and the potential
associated costs.
• For instance – a lot of bentonite clay is used for blind side
waterproofing in the DC market. There are multiple formulations of
bentonite developed to deal with different sub surface water
characteristics (is it contaminated with something, possibly
petroleum?). No one can know exactly what product will specifically
be required until the hole is dug and a water sample can be taken for
testing.
• For instance – “deck preparation: follow manufacturers requirements
for removal of existing roofing system prior to application of new roof
system.” Until that substrate is uncovered, conditions fully revealed
and ability to remove is understood no one knows what the
manufacturer may require.
14. Allow for product change in these
instances and costs associated with
that change to deal with it…
• If you can define what products may be used
if differing situations are encountered take
alternate pricing.
• If situations are unknown perhaps suggest to
the owner to provide allowances for
unforseen conditions.
15. Specification says:
2.12 CAVITY-WALL INSULATION
A. Extruded-Polystyrene Board Insulation: Rigid,
cellular, polystyrene thermal insulation with
closed cells and integral high-density skin;
formed by the expansion of polystyrene base
resin in
an extrusion process to comply with ASTM C 578,
Type IV.
B. Adhesive: Type recommended by insulation
board manufacturer for application indicated.
16. Drawings say….
“ 2” Rigid Insulation with integral drainage
material ”
• Insulation manufacturers do not recommend
or manufacture adhesives for use with rigid
insulation.
• The drawings indicate rigid insulation with
integral drainage material. The specification
does not list such an insulation product.
18. Specification says…
• Section 07425 Thermal and Air Barrier Wall System.
• B. Acceptable Products: The Dow Chemical Company
"THERMAX TM ci Exterior Insulation"
1. Panel Size: 4'-0" wide x 8'-0" [12'-0"] long, square
edge, shiplap (shiplap on thickness of 1.55" and
greater) panels.
2. Thickness and Stabilized R-Value: Nominal 0-625
inch thickness, R-4.1 (1.0 inch thickness, R-6-5]
[1.55 inch thickness, R- 10.1] [2 inch thickness, R-13.0]
[2.5 inch thickness, R-15.5] [3 inch thickness, R 19]
19. The drawings say….
• “ 1 1/2” Rigid Insulation w/integral drainage mat.”
• This system also incorporates 1 ½” Spray Foam Insulation
on the interior between the studs. The drawings state “1
½” Spray Foam Insulation w/vapor barrier.”
• There is no vapor barrier section in the specifications and
no distinct vapor barrier is required.
• Often the specification provides no thickness and drawings
do not dimension nor state desired/required R value. Scale
the drawings to try to determine what is actually needed?
Clearly define thickness or R value in documents.
• Average vs. Minimum? Tapered insulation.
20. Subject to compliance with
requirements…..
PART 2- PRODUCTS
A- Extruded-Polystyrene Board Insulation: ASTM C 578, of type and minimum
compressive
strength indicated below, with maximum flame-spread and smoke-
developed indexes of 75 and
450, respectively, per ASTM E 84
1. Manufacturers: Subject to compliance with requirements, available
manufacturers offering products that may be incorporated into the Work
include, but are not limited to, the following:
a. DiversiFoam Products
b. Dow Chemical Company (The)-
c. Owens Corning
d. Pactiv Building Products-
2. Type IV, 25 psi (173 kPa)
• Ahhhhhh…..very simple, interchangeable parts. No problem!
21. Subject to compliance with
requirements…..
2.1 ROOFING MEMBRANE
A. Hot FIuid-Applied Rubberized-Asphalt Roofing Membrane:
Single component; 100 percent solids; hot fluid-applied, rubberized
asphalt.
1. basis of design Product: Subject to compliance with
requirements, provide American Hydrotech Inc.; Monolithic
Membrane 6125EV-FR, or comparable product of one of the
following:
• Barrett Company.
• Carlisle Coatings & Waterproofing Inc.
• Henry Company.
• Tremco Incorporated.
22. • The same specification goes on to list these other elements that fall under “subject to
compliance”:
A. Air Layer: Spacing mat installed over insulation; crush proof core with non-woven
filter fabric.
1. basis-of-Design Product: American Hydrotech, Inc.; Hydrodrain AL
B. Moisture Mat: non-woven synthetic fiber mat capable of retaining moisture for use
by vegetation.
1. Basis-of-Design Product: American Hydrotech, lnc.; Moisture Mat.
C. Drainage/Water Retention Component: Three-dimensional molded panels of
recycled polyethylene with drainage channels on top bottom and sides and water
retention resevoirs top side.
1. basis-of-Design Product (Extensive Planting): American Hydrotech, lnc.;
Garden Drain GR30.
2. Basis-of~Design Product (Intensive, Semi-Intensive Planting): American
Hydrotech. Inc.; Gardendrain GR50.
23. Subject to compliance with
requirements…..
• How does the specifier interpret? How does
the Architect Project Manager interpret? How
does the owner interpret? How does the
subcontractor interpret? How does the GC
interpret – especially as they are buying out
the package and are looking at prices?
• In this particular case there are other
elements of the specification that impact
interpretation:
24. • D. FM Approvals Listing: Provide roofing, base
flashings, and component materials that
comply with requirements in FM Approvals
4450 and FM Approvals 4470 as part of a
roofing system, and that are listed in FM
Approvals' "RoofNav" for Class 1 or
noncombustible construction, as applicable.
Identify materials with FM Approvals markings.
1. Fire/Windstorm Classification: Class 1A-90.
2. Hail Resistance: MH.
25. • Is the intent to require a hot fluid applied rubberized
asphalt system that is listed in FM Global Roof Nav? Is the
owner insured by an FM company and this listing is
required as a condition of insuring the structure? If so, 4 of
the manufacturers listed do not comply. But they have bid
and they may be low! What does that do to “subject to
compliance”?
• On the garden roof items – does “subject to compliance”
mean that they are the same thickness, same recycle
content, same drainage or retention capacity, same
physical strength? Or, does it mean that they are roughly
similar?
• Who decides? The decision maker chooses a much lower
bid on one of the listed 4? On what basis are they going to
decide?
• A lot has been left up to interpretation by many. What
does this mean to your intent and project?
• Choose what you want during the specification process,
otherwise others will make that choice for you!
26. Ballast Design
• 1.5 Performance Requirements
C. Wind-Uplift Resistance: Provide roofing assemblies,
including membrane, base flashings, ballast and
component materials that comply with indicated wind-
uplift resistance.
1. Provide roofing systems that comply with more
stringent of FM Approvals listing or ANSI/SPRI RP-4.
• Performance requirements do not always mirror products
listed or execution installation instructions.
• Do you know what all this means? What it entails and who
is ultimately responsible for what?
• Does FM even have approvals for ballast design? How do
they go about approving ballast design?
27. Ballast Design
• 1.5 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
A. Wind Uplift Requirements: Design,
fabricate and install roofing system to comply
with Factory Mutual Global (FMG) Class 1A/I-
90 requirements.
• It is the responsibility of the designer to
design the ballast system.
28. Match Existing
• As the Ludowici Roof Tile representative I run
into this frequently on historic restoration
projects:
• From St. Elizabeth’s specification: “B. Color,
size, profile to match existing.”
• Oh my…..the fun starts two days prior to bid!
Let me help you understand the impact of
these simple words…
30. Color Match Specifications
• “Match concrete”
• “Match architects sample”
• “Match existing”
• So, you need to match the color of concrete
with your metal coping. Here is one
interpretation…..
31. Just what is the color of concrete?
I found this on a web site:
Roadware 10 Minute Concrete
Mender™ may be color matched by
the applicator to an unlimited
number of concrete colors and
textures by varying the colors,
grades, and types of sand used
within the mix.
32. Here is the interpretation your
contractor found in their search :
concrete
33. Warranties
• 1.10 WARRANTY
• A. Special Warranty: Prepare and submit in accordance with Section 01 78 00.
• 1. Warranty for full replacement value (no dollar limit) of completed installation signed by
• manufacturer, applicator and Contractor warranting against water infiltration and defects of
• materials and workmanship for period of 20 years. If manufacturer will not allow installer
• and Contractor to sign manufacturer's warranty, append Installer and Contractor's warranty
• to manufacturer's warranty to create warranty that is complete in covering labor and
• workmanship, including labor for access to roof membrane and replacement, for watertight
• warranty.
• a. Segmented warranties or warranties requiring periodic renewal to achieve specified
• time period not permitted.
• b. Warranties requiring periodic inspections or non-covered repairs by manufacturer not
• permitted.
• c. If more than one warranty is required, Contractor shall define and identify
• responsibility of each warrantor so Owner receives complete warranty for labor,
• materials, repair of defects, and other items necessary to obtain watertight roofing
• system for full specified time period. Contractor shall warrant responsibility for items
• not included in manufacturer's or Installer's warranties.
• a. Warranty: Cover responsibility of parties to repair membrane, supply materials, and
• also include procedures for repair and payment to Owner. Contractor: Responsible
• for compliance with terms and limitations of manufacturer's warranty.
• b. Warrant penetrations, terminations, flashings, sealants, expansion joints, membrane,
• insulation and filter fabrics, ballast, pavers, and protection board. Defects include (but
• are not limited to) blisters, fishmouths, wrinkles, ballast bare spots, ridges, splits,
• punctures, and loose flashings.
• c. Warranty: Include removing and reinstalling pavers superimposed on roofing.
• d. Warranty: Include removing and reinstalling superimposed work covering roofing.
34. Warranties
• The manufacturer’s warranty is their warranty.
They are not going to change it simply because of
what is written in the specification.
• Know what the warranty is that a manufacturer
will provide and specify that.
• Warranties are simply a limit to the
manufacturers liability, not a statement about
quality or longevity.
• If you do not have it in writing from the
manufacturer it does not exist.
35. Here is a popular 30 year warranty
that some folks get excited about….
• "Inspection Requirements
• Owner must request in writing an inspection of the roof at any time
between the sixth and tenth month of each fifth-year starting with
year 15 (15, 20, 25) of this warranty's duration. Upon receipt of
such request, xxxxxx will provide an inspection of the roofing
system by a xxxxx representative to determine whether any repairs
are required to make the system eligible for the continuation of this
warranty, submitting a detailed inspection report to owner
outlining the nature and extent of such required repairs such as
repairs to physical damage, debris removal, drainage clearance,
pitch box, coping metal edge and reglet seals and flashing
reflectivity."
• Did you get that? It's not a warranty past 15 years if you don't pay
for the expense of any "repairs" the manufacturer determines need
to be done.
36. Inspections
• “1.11 Roof Inspections
• A. Obtain written agreement from the roofing manufacturer’s
representative (who is a full time employee of the same roofing
manufacturer) so they provide an initial inspection, minimum of
three weekly inspections and a final inspection of the job covered
in this contract. Conduct an in progress inspection to ensure proper
protection procedures are being followed to prevent damage to the
membrane during installation of the garden roof components. All of
these inspections shall be at no additional cost to the owner.
• B. Subcontractors, their employees, distributors, independent
consultant and persons who are non full time employees of the
manufacturer are not qualified to provide such inspections.”
• These things simply have a tendency to show up in specifications …
37. Final thoughts….
• Develop drawings and specifications that are clear as
to intent and that you want or minimally what you can
live with.
• Reach out to use resources that are available to define
what you want before it goes to bid.
• Often those resources may be manufacturers
representatives, who are not consultants but often a
wealth of knowledge and free resource. They may also
be a knowledgeable roofing contractor.
• Added cost to someone, time consumption, strained
relationships, contentious construction process are
some of the end results.
