Field Fastener Withdrawal Test for flat roof systems

We begin by cutting through the existing roof system to reach the roof deck. Using a Com Ten withdrawal tester, we install the fastener type specified by the proposed roof system to be used. The installed fastener is then withdrawn and the pullout resistance is measured and recorded. After completion of the withdrawal test, the cut out area is patched and sealed. This test will verify if the proposed fasteners will provide sufficient uplift resistance to the hurricane wind withdrawal forces as required by the Florida Building Code.

Tile Uplift Test

A direct tensile load is applied by pulling up on the edge of the tile by using a tile testing scale, This test verifies the tile can withstand the uplift it is designed for. This test is done to measure the uplift resistance for adhesive (foam) or mechanically attached tile roof systems. These tests are mandatory in Miami-Dade and Broward County due to the High Velocity Florida Building Code requirements.

Bell Chamber (Mechanically Attached)
Bonded Pull test (Fully Adhered)

These tests determine if the flat roof can withstand the vacuum pressure a hurricane causes. There are two methods to determine this. A Bonded Pull Test and a Bell Chamber Test Federal Engineering & Testing, is certified by Miami-Dade to perform both types. For a Bonded Pull test a 2’x2′ panel is glued to the roof and pulled with a Com Ten to the calculated value. For a Bell Chamber test a 5’x5′ vacuum chamber is applied to the flat roof and the vacuum is raised to the calculated value. This is usually performed when a roof recovery is proposed to insure the existing roof meets the required resistance pressures of the roof system assembly. Sometimes the Bell Chamber is done to determine if the new roof was installed to specifications.

Nuclear Moisture Survey

​​​​Allows accurate mapping of moisture concentrations within a roofing structure. We use a Troxler, Model #3216 Roof Moisture Gauge for nuclear roof moisture surveys. We begin by marking a grid pattern on the entire roof surface. At each grid point a reading is taken with the nuclear gauge, and is recorded on a roof drawing marked with the same grid pattern. Roof core samples with various numeric readouts are then taken back to our lab to be dried this will determine the moisture present.