In Bulletin No. 1-15, SPRI points out that research reports are not mandatory for single-ply roofing membranes that comply with standards referenced in the codes. Research reports from approved sources are intended to assist in the approval of materials or assemblies not specifically provided for in the code. Therefore, the AHJ shouldn’t insist on a research report for a membrane roofing system if the manufacturer has data available for the AHJ to review.

“Code officials are increasingly asking for a research report from single-ply roofing manufacturers to demonstrate code compliance,” said SPRI member Michael Beaton of Intertek, a global provider of product certification and performance testing services. “And while a research report shouldn’t be mandated since these products and systems are described in the code with specific requirements and referenced standards, a research report is an easy way for the manufacturer to provide the necessary information to the code official.

“SPRI’s ultimate goal in publishing Bulletin 1-15 is two-fold,” Beaton continued. “First, that code officials understand that a research report is a ‘convenience’ for single-ply roofing and shouldn’t be required if other relevant data is available. Second, that when the roofing manufacturer does choose to document compliance in a research report, code officials should be willing to accept a research report from an agency other than ICC Evaluation Service, provided the agency is accredited for this activity.”

SPRI Bulletin 1-15 is two pages long and available for free viewing and download at www.spri.org/publications/policy.htm.
For more information, visit www.spri.org.