Terminology for Products

Jim Stamer Jeff Thomas

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.

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.

Sub contractor

Little Ignatz and Krazy Kat

Inaccurate terminology and drawing coordination can lead to some

interesting results….

The specifications called for polyethylene separation /protection sheet……a relic of the past that seems to stay in some specifications.

“3.03 G Follow manufacturer’s instructions to insure a complete seal between cured membrane surfaces in blind and hard to reachlocations. Ensure that all openings

and joints have been sealed.”

GC to roofing sub: “that’s yourproblem. Figure it out and makeSure it is warranted….”

These issues often put the manufacturer and the subcontractor in difficult situations.

So….let’s look at some common items in specification terminology that cause

problems….

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.

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.

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.

Specification says:

2.12 CAVITY-WALL INSULATIONA. Extruded-Polystyrene Board Insulation: Rigid,

cellular, polystyrene thermal insulation withclosed cells and integral high-density skin; formed by the expansion of polystyrene base resin inan extrusion process to comply with ASTM C 578, Type IV.

B. Adhesive: Type recommended by insulation board manufacturer for application indicated.

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.

Most contracts state:

Whichever is more stringent applies.

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" andgreater) 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]

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.

Subject to compliance with requirements…..

PART 2- PRODUCTSA- Extruded-Polystyrene Board Insulation: ASTM C 578, of type and minimum

compressivestrength indicated below, with maximum flame-spread and smoke-developed indexes of 75 and450, respectively, per ASTM E 841. 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 Productsb. Dow Chemical Company (The)-c. Owens Corningd. Pactiv Building Products-

2. Type IV, 25 psi (173 kPa)• Ahhhhhh…..very simple, interchangeable parts. No problem!

Subject to compliance with requirements…..

2.1 ROOFING MEMBRANEA. 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.

• 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.

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:

• 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.

• 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!

Ballast Design

• 1.5 Performance RequirementsC. 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?

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.

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…

Match Existing

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…..

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.

Here is the interpretation your contractor found in their search :

concrete

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.

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.

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 asrepairs 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.

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 …

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.

Great job team!