Should I specify IB Single Ply or IB ChemGuard?

IB Roof System's Standard Single Ply Membrane is commonly specified on Warehouses, Shopping Centers, Schools and Residences that do not require unusual chemical resistance properties.

IB ChemGuard is specified when chemical contaminants could be of concern. IB ChemGuard is resistant to many common chemicals found on roofs today. Chemicals ranging from Fats and Greases on restaurants to industrial and manufactures waste exhausted on or near the roof. For a list of commonly found chemicals previously tested please click here.

Note: If a particular chemical is not listed in the chart please consult IB Tech Services for chemical compatibility.

Should I Specify Mechanically Attached or Fully Adhered?

Mechanically Attached is the most commonly specified method over roof decks that are easy to fasten to such as steel and wood.  Wind load test results are primarily deck specific. These systems provide sufficient wind uplift resistance for the majority of applications throughout North America. However, some areas or projects may require uplift resistance greater then those achievable with a mechanically attached system.  Please refer to local building codes for specific uplift requirements.

For those seeking a sustainable roofing solution mechanically attached systems are ideal because they are easily recycled at the end of their service life.

Fully Adhered systems are commonly specified over roof decks requiring resistance to sever wind loads and over decks where mechanically attached systems are not practical such as Structural Concrete and Light Weight Insulating Concrete. Wind Load test results are primarily deck specific, IB has published listings achieving negative pressures as high as -512.5. Please refer to local building codes for specific uplift requirements.

Should I specify Standard Membrane or Fleeceback?

In most cases IB Roof Systems' Standard, (non fleeceback), Single Ply Membrane can be used in both Mechanically Attached and fully adhered applications and is commonly installed over a separation sheet, recover board or ridged insulation.

IB Fleeceback should be specified for 3 primary reasons:

1. If the surface of the membrane to be adhered to will have contaminates that could prove harmful to the membrane, such as asphalt or other materials not compatible with the membrane.  Fleece attached to the membrane during manufacturing will act as barrier providing adequate protection from a specific contaminate(s).
2. If the surface area is very rough such as a small pebble surface.  Fleece will contour to the irregular surface allowing for greater fleece to roof deck surface contact ultimately improving wind uplift performance.
3. If the surface area contains moisture during the installation of the membrane, such as light weight concrete or if the roof deck may contain a high level of vapor drive during the service life of the roof systems.  The fleece allows some moisture to dissipate across the underside of the sheet reducing the risk of blistering or delaminating from the deck surface.  For addition project specific information please contact IB Roof Systems Technical Services Department for further clarification.

Should I specify IB 80 mil, 60 mil, or 50 mil?

It has been proven that the lifespan of any membrane system is directly related to its thickness.  Many considerations may need to be evaluated depending upon the application requirements.  One consideration is the desired warranty length.  IB Roof Systems provides a 25 year warranty on 80 mil, 20 year warranty on 60 mil and a 15 year warranty on 50 mil. For assistance with selecting project specific membrane thickness or custom thickness options please contact the IB Technical Services Department.

For addition clarification please review the approvals and rating section of the IB website or consult the IB Technical Services Department at 800-426-1626.