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  1. #1
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    Default Fiberglass Resin Roof Installation

    I looked at this new construction building recently which has a roof deck that is covered with a fiberglass resin and then transitions to a rubber roof membrane. You can see from the attached pics how the fiberglass resin roof terminates at the transition. To me it doesn't look right - ragged and unfinished looking. The contractor says it is fine and that the rubber membrane extends 1' up beneath the fiberglass resin material. He also states that the current installation will allow a "shingling effect" drainage of water off the fiberglass resin down to the rubber membrane. I can't help but think of ice dams and water being able to creep back beneath this roof covering with heavy snow loads and trapped melt-off.

    I've looked up installation guidelines for this type of roof and can't find anything specifically about to terminate this roof material when transitioning to a different roof material.

    Any input or thoughts would be appreciated.







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  2. #2
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    Feb 2008
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    Default Re: Fiberglass Resin Roof Installation

    There should be a metal drip cap or starter edge up under the fibreglass, and another straight flashing installed over the fibreglass held in place metal roof screws. This metal would be easy to fabricate by anyone with a brake. Simple and low cost fix.

    Personally I would like to have had more than an inch of the modified bitumen roof up under the fibreglass. That job left as is is unsightly and non professional.

    Buy Online Direct | Royal Metal Flashing | Trim | Royal | Buy Online Direct


  3. #3
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    Orlando, FL
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    Default Re: Fiberglass Resin Roof Installation

    I don't see a rubber membrane, it looks like a torched down mod bit covering.

    A cant strip may be needed (depending on the manufacturer) along that vertical sidewall/transition.


    www.roofingcanada.com/techbull/volume52e.pdf


  4. #4
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    Mar 2012
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    Lansdale, PA
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    Default Re: Fiberglass Resin Roof Installation

    Its sloppy and could easily be damaged from impact. It is also not much of a curb for situations like snow accumulation. A Philadelphia contractor says that it is fine. What a surprise.

    Maybe its the same guy who installed this roof.

    P1135903 (512x341).jpgP1135893 (512x341).jpg


  5. #5
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    Default Re: Fiberglass Resin Roof Installation

    My first question is:
    - Is that fiberglass roof even an approved roof covering system?
    - If so, what does it's installation instructions require for that edge?

    At least one thing looks right (or close to being right) in that photo ... the height of the plumbing vent stacks.

    I've been pointing the incorrect ones for decades (and many here have laughed at it) ... and here are the right ones.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  6. #6
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    Default Re: Fiberglass Resin Roof Installation

    These fiberglass resin roofs at pretty common around here for roof decks. I looked up some installation guidelines on-line but I need to find out the actual name of the product they used so I can see what the installation calls for.

    "It takes a big man to cry. It takes an even bigger man to laugh at that man". - Jack Handey

  7. #7
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    Default Re: Fiberglass Resin Roof Installation

    Quote Originally Posted by Nick Ostrowski View Post
    These fiberglass resin roofs at pretty common around here for roof decks. I looked up some installation guidelines on-line but I need to find out the actual name of the product they used so I can see what the installation calls for.
    I've seen fiberglass roofs installed on large (huge) commercial projects, but the cost of a proper fiberglass system is kind of high for a small roof such as 'part of a house roof'.

    As long as it is an approved roof system with manufacturer's installation instructions and a fire-resistance rating (I suspect it would require a fire-resistance rating there, and fiberglass burns ... ever seen a Corvette burn to the ground, not pretty).

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYq74aMU8V0

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  8. #8
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    Default Re: Fiberglass Resin Roof Installation

    So the seller insists it is done right and isn't correcting anything. The buyer's lawyer asks the seller for the name brand of the roofing product and I can't find anything under the name provided. Then the buyer's lawyer asked the seller to forward the installation manual for the roof product and they sent a website link that does not contain any installation manuals.

    "It takes a big man to cry. It takes an even bigger man to laugh at that man". - Jack Handey

  9. #9
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    Default Re: Fiberglass Resin Roof Installation

    I have never seen a fiberglass roof…. It looks like crap….. Logic tells me that that will not meet any published guidelines…

    I think the key will be to try and get a copy of the installation guidelines.

    Scott Patterson, ACI
    Spring Hill, TN
    www.traceinspections.com

  10. #10
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    Default Re: Fiberglass Resin Roof Installation

    Do a search for GRP Roofing (Glass Reinforced Polyester)
    Used in the UK. Installation may be pretty much the same in USA.


  11. #11
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    Default Re: Fiberglass Resin Roof Installation


  12. #12
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    Default Re: Fiberglass Resin Roof Installation

    Fiberglass deck covering is one of the best ways to cover a deck or flat roof. The manufacturer might be hard to pick out. The supplies come from a marina or somebody that sells boat repair or boat building materials.

    I had a fiberglass deck cover on my last place that was 22 years old and had never been painted. The color is put in the gel coat. You can drag furniture around on it.

    That edge could or should have had a wood cant strip over the Mod Bit, with the fiberglass adhered to the wood.

    John Kogel, RHI, BC HI Lic #47455
    www.allsafehome.ca

  13. #13
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    Default Re: Fiberglass Resin Roof Installation

    Auto paint places usually stock fiberglass resins and mat, both woven glass-mat and non woven glass-mat, as well as bulk spray on glass fibers.

    But a roof covering needs to be approved with approved materials and instalation instructions.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  14. #14

    Default Re: Fiberglass Resin Roof Installation

    Fiberglass decks/roofs used a lot in shore communities here in NJ. Edge does look sloppy. My understanding that none of the "raw" fiberglass should be exposed to sun for extended time. Does not look like it was properly coated or finished.

    Of course, when installed on million + dollar homes, workmanship is usually better (notice I didn't say perfect or even right).

    Open Book Home Inspections, LLC
    www.openbokhomeinspections.com

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