Roof Fastener Withdrawal Resistance -TAS 105

This test method determines if the roof system can provide sufficient resistance to static uplift force, to meet the wind-load requirements for a specific building.
This Testing Application Standard (TAS) covers procedures for withdrawal resistance testing of fastener used for attachment of various components to various substrate materials.
The test procedure outlined in this TAS provide a means of determining whether a particular mechanical fastener, when used to attach any Roofing Component to a specific substrate, provides sufficient resistance to static uplift force to meet the wind-load requirements of this code for a specific building.
This test many times helps determine 1) if the deck is good and 2) the type of fastener that must be used to meet the pressure needed for the roofing system installation.

Roof Tile Uplift Test - TAS 106

This test method determines the mechanical uplift resistance of concrete and clay roof tiles and confirms tile adhesion to the underlayment of the roof tile system.
This field test is performed on installed roof tiles. The Testing Application Standard calls for a quality control test to confirm1) sufficient bonding by the mortar or adhesive to the tile and the underlayment in a mortar or adhesive set tile system; or 2) effective mechanical attachment of components within a rigid discontinuous roof system.
The entire roof is examined for loose tiles by lifting the tiles by hand or with a gripping device. Next, the tiles are tested using a load cell until the indicator registers 35 lbf. Tested tiles are then marked with a permanent marker. The code requires that 97% of the tested tiles pass this test before a final inspection can be awarded.
The amount of tests performed may vary depending on the reason for the test. We have found that many customers have asked for a detailed report indicating the percentage of loose, broken and missing tiles. They have used this report to 1) submit to their insurance companies as part of an existing claim 2) aid in determining if the roof can be repaired or re-roofed.

Bonded Pull Test - TAS 124

This test method determines whether there is sufficient bonding between the roof assemblies and effective mechanical attachment of components within a roof system.

Performing this test requires our Field Tech to go to the job site on two separate days. The 2’x2’ area must be prepared and ready for us to adhere the plate. After 24 hours, once the adhesive has properly bonded to the tile and plate, the Field Tech will attach the load cell and perform the pull test. Pictures of the job are taken and a detailed report is created as per the TAS 124-95 protocol. This protocol covers the determination of the resistance to uplift pressure of newly installed, adhered, built-up, bituminous roofing systems over mechanically attached or adhered rigid board insulation over various deck types.
The test procedures outlined herein are intended to determine the performance of a new roof system assembly when installed over an existing roof system assembly or directly over a roofing substrate.
The test procedures outlined herein are intended to determine whether the uplift resistance performance of a newly installed Roof System Assembly meets the design pressure requirements of ASCE 7, as required in Section 1606 of the Florida Building Code.

Roofing Moisture Survey - TAS 126

This test method determines the presence of moisture trapped within roof assemblies, and the percentage of moisture in specific areas and components of the roof.
We utilize a specialized device, the Dec Scanner, to perform electrical capacitance moisture surveys. As its name suggests, the test is effectively performed on large roof areas by rolling a continuous scanner.

The moisture survey requires a completely dry surface. In fact the code requires that there be no rainfall in the 3 days preceding the test, as surface moisture acts as a "short-circuit". In this method, a change in capacitance suggests areas of differing moisture content.
Core cuts (generally cylindrical holes 2-3"dia.) will be taken from low, medium and high capacitance readings. All samples will be clearly bagged and labeled. The cores will serve to validate the capacitance readings.
Once at the lab, the samples will be heated and weighed, according to the protocols, in an effort to determine the gravimetric level of humidity. The final report will include a scaled roof plan. On it, you will be able to observe the moisture readings at each given intersection.

Asbestos & Lead Survey

Asbestos is a mineral fiber that has been used commonly in a variety of building construction materials for roofing, insulation and as a fire-retardant. These very fine fibers are separable, are a hundreds of times thinner than hairs, and too small to be seen with the naked eye. They are actually crystals.
Elevated concentrations of airborne asbestos can occur after asbestos-containing materials are disturbed by cutting, sanding or other demolition activities.
Improper attempts to remove these materials can release asbestos fibers into the air, increasing asbestos levels and endangering lives. Loose in the air, these are inhaled without causing as much as a cough. Miami-Dade County building Code requires that all commercial reroofing projects be analyzed prior to a permit being issued. If non-friable asbestos is found, the wet-method can be used when tearing off the roof.

However, friable asbestos materials are more dangerous and require more care. Failure to identify and safely remove this hazardous material may present you with potential future liabilities. It is your obligation to protect your interest(s), the health and safety of workers, and the natural environment.
Each assessment includes sampling of all suspected hazardous materials, confirmatory laboratory analysis and a complete reporting of all findings. We can also complete specifications and tender packages for any required remedial activities and perform project management services.

Rebar Scanning (X-ray/ Pachometer Test)

This test method locates and determines the size and depth of rebars in concrete column, tie beam& foundation, using a low frequency electromagnetic field.

 Illumination Test (Light intensity/ Photometric)

This test method determines the light intensity in open parking lots, alleys, parking under or within buildings & structures, measured in units of lumens (or) foot-candles.

Drainage Calculations

Some buildings were improperly designed to meet the required Florida Building Code drainage requirements. This can be a serious structural issue if the amount of water accumulated on the roof exceeds five inches per square foot. To avoid this, the amount and size of the drains and scuppers is critical. We will check the building’s existing drainage system, such as main roof drains, overflow scuppers, etc. and calculate the required drains and emergency overflows required for that particular building.

Fastener Spacing Calculations

These calculations provide a means of determining proper spacing of mechanical fasteners to anchor/base sheet and/or insulation panels to a mechanically attached roof system assembly. These calculations are required as part of roofing permit application.