The design standards that are referenced in bid documents are important for proper roof application. These acronyms, which are strategically placed throughout the bid documents, are more than simply “CYA” phrases used by designers. The standards are inserted to ensure that the installed roof system meets the requirements of the roofing industry, as well as local and national building codes and insurance requirements. When properly presented in the bid documents, the standards can be a valuable asset to the installing contractor.

The responsibility of deciphering the standards and determining how and where they apply in the design documents is the responsibility of the specifier. Simply providing a statement such as “comply with the (standard)” is inadequate if it does not provide the exact design standard requirements for the system. For instance, in the case of Factory Mutual wind uplift requirements, the specifier should go beyond the statement “apply in accordance with FM 1-90” and state the required attachment method for the specified deck and insulation components. This would include items such as providing the exact amount of fasteners required per square foot to comply with the standard. If this information is not clearly identified by the specifier, the contractor is forced to provide bids based on assumptions.