Advisory Bulletins

CRCA Advisory Bulletins provide information on technical issues that affect the roofing industry immediately, or for a particular time period.

June 2023
Radiofrequency Radiation and Electromagnetic Fields

This bulletin will focus on radiation types, safety limits and mitigating exposure.

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November 2020
Torch Application – Guideline to mitigate rooftop fires

The purpose of this guideline is to promote awareness as it relates to the possible risk of rooftop fires during the application of roof systems involving open flames.

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November 2020
Review and Acceptance of Roof Deck prior to roof installation

In new construction and re-roofing, it is the responsibility of the design authority (structural engineer, architect, consultant) to inspect the roof deck and ensure that the roof deck meets the design and construction requirements for a particular project.

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June 2018
Re-roofing design considerations

There are several design aspects to be considered during re-roofing that may affect the serviceability of a newly installed roof system including structural loading, roof deck condition, roof drainage and hazardous materials.

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June 2018
Roofing Contractors and Designers Responsibility

Roofing contractors are responsible for the installation of roofing systems. The responsibility for design and specifications of a roof falls to the designer of record.

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June 2017
Uncommon Rooftop Hazards

There are many hazards that workers are exposed to when working on a rooftop.

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June 2017
Electrical Conduit Hazards

Roofing workers may encounter electrical conduit that is embedded within a roofing system or mounted directly to the underside of the roof deck, when completing roofing removals or mechanically fastening insulation or roofing membranes.

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June 2014
Roof Loading

Roof collapses are catastrophic in nature when they occur. Structural roof collapse can also lead to serious injuries for both workers on the roof and occupants of the building.

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June 2014
Roofing Preventative Maintenance

Roofing professionals generally agree that a good roofing system requires proper design, quality materials and quality installation to perform well.

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April 2014
Selecting a Roofing Contractor1 (steep-slope residential)

Buying a new roof system is an important investment. Before you spend your money, spend some time learning how to evaluate the roofing contractor who may do the work.

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April 2014
Selecting a Roofing Contractor1 (low-slope commercial)

Buying a new roof system is an important investment for building owners. Before money is spent, some time should be invested to evaluate potential roofing contractors.

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November 2012
Waterborne Adhesives and Coatings

Stringent federal regulations limiting the concentration of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in bituminous and non-bituminous roof coatings recently came into place.

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November 2012
Moisture Contamination of Polyisocyanurate Insulation

Reports have been received of moisture contamination, or signs of moisture contamination of polyisocyanurate insulation on some construction job sites.

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November 2012
Safety in Roof Design

Work related injuries (WRI) for which workers received compensation have decreased significantly since the late 1980’s.

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November 2009
Flood Testing

Upon completion of a roof installation, many owners wish to verify the integrity of construction prior to “taking possession”. Some designers and consultants specify that a flood test of the roof be carried out as a means of assuring that the roof has been properly built.

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May 2008
Blistering and Off-Gassing of Urethane Foam Insulations

In a previous Technical Bulletin (Volume 46 in July 1996), CRCA addressed the phenomenon of blistering vs. built-up roofs.

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June 2007
Changes to FM Global Loss Prevention Data Sheets

There are few organizations that have attained as much prominence and influence in the roofing industry as FM Global.

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June 2007
Perimeter Edge Flashing and Wind Resistance

According to the insurance industry’s Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction, damage due to hurricanes and other windstorm events has increased dramatically in recent years, incurring losses of life and property around the world.

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June 2007
Asphalt Durability

Canada’s standard for roofing asphalt, CSA 123.4, categorizes asphalt into three distinct types based on their softening points and penetration (hardness).

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December 2005
Wood Preservatives In Roofing

Wood elements often form part of the roof assembly. They may be limited to minor components of the system, such as cant strips and wood blocking, or substantial components as in the case of wood decking and joists.

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June 2004
Metric Steel Decks

Gypsum board and other panel type materials are widely used over steel decks in compact roof systems to provide a level base for the other components or to serve as thermal barriers.

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June 2003
Equiviscuous Temperatures (EVT)

Since its introduction in late 1977, the concept of EVT has been widely accepted throughout the North American roofing industry as a means of providing an application temperature window and in-the- field quality control.

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January 1998
Ice on Roofs

In the wake of the recent ice storm that ravaged Eastern Canada, a great deal of concern has been raised regarding the condition of low slope roofs.

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February 1997
Faced Polyisocyanurate Roof Insulation

There has been extensive debate regarding the long-term or “in-service” Thermal Resistance value of polyisocyanurate insulations.

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