SpecTips: Enhanced Wind Warranties for Adhesiveless Systems
FleeceBACK® RapidLock PVC Roofing System Powered by VELCRO®
When it comes to single-ply membranes, fully adhered FleeceBACK membranes reign supreme. FleeceBACK membranes provide superior wind uplift resistance, even beyond that of adhered bareback membranes, while also providing a smoother, more aesthetically pleasing appearance. Because of the increased durability provided by the fleece, FleeceBACK membranes also offer additional puncture and hail resistance, which can increase roof life and provide a more resilient system. The superior performance benefits of FleeceBACK membranes mean that they are typically eligible for longer warranty durations than their non-fleece counterparts.
While there are many benefits to fully adhered membrane systems, they are not without their drawbacks. Adhesive applications can be time-consuming and costly, they generally have temperature restrictions that can limit their use in colder environments during the winter months, and they can be messy and have strong odors that can cause complaints from the building’s occupants and neighboring buildings.
Carlisle SynTec Systems has partnered with VELCRO Brand Securable Solutions to produce a revolutionary advancement in membrane securement that provides the advantages of a fully adhered roof system without the limitations associated with adhesives. RapidLock™ (RL) uses hook-and-loop technology to provide a “fully adhered” roof system without the constraints of conventional adhesives.
RapidLock works through a combination of two products: A Carlisle FleeceBACK RL membrane featuring a specialized fleece that acts as the “loop”, and either Carlisle InsulBase™ RL, SecurShield® RL, or SecurShield HD RL polyiso insulation or cover board featuring a factory-laminated “hook” facer. Insulation boards are mechanically fastened, eliminating the need for adhesives altogether.
Carlisle’s RapidLock roofing system made its debut in 2018 with a limited selection of membrane types, thicknesses, and warranty terms.
One of the most recent additions to the RapidLock line is RapidLock PVC in an even more robust 135-mil thickness. The new 135-mil RL PVC membrane provides the same field-tested assembly benefits as the existing 115-mil membrane thickness, including no temperature restrictions, VOCs, odors, or specialized adhesive equipment, reduced installation cleanup, and increased durability and warranty coverage.
The new 135-mil FleeceBACK RL PVC membrane is eligible for up to a 25-year system warranty, with wind speed coverage up to 120 mph peak gusts and 3” hail coverage. FleeceBACK RapidLock PVC roofing systems are UL Class A fire rated and Factory Mutual Approved, achieving ratings of up to FM 1-225.
SPECTIP
In 3-Part Specifications, Part 2 “Products”: Listing multiple manufacturers for acceptable fleece-backed membranes using a two-part polyurethane adhesive and creating an acceptable alternate for RapidLock OR designating RapidLock as the “Basis of Design” and creating acceptable alternates for other fleece-backed membranes using a two-part polyurethane adhesive, will allow a more open specification when more than one manufacturer is needed for a project..
- When using the Alternates method, utilize Division 1 –“Alternates” to include RapidLock in the “Schedule of Alternates” list for inclusion in the bid.
- When using the “Basis of Design” method, use RapidLock as the “Basis of Design” and add acceptable manufacturers with their appropriate membrane and adhesive as acceptable equals.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
This interactive RapidLock Map shows the project locations and details where Carlisle FleeceBACK RapidLock (RL) systems have been installed. Hover over the pinpoints for the project details and case studies where applicable.
This Case Study explains how 140 mph derecho winds were no match for RapidLock’s mechanical bond.
When it comes to single-ply membranes, fully adhered FleeceBACK membranes reign supreme. FleeceBACK membranes provide superior wind uplift resistance, even beyond that of adhered bareback membranes, while also providing a smoother, more aesthetically pleasing appearance. Because of the increased durability provided by the fleece, FleeceBACK membranes also offer additional puncture and hail resistance, which can increase roof life and provide a more resilient system. The superior performance benefits of FleeceBACK membranes mean that they are typically eligible for longer warranty durations than their non-fleece counterparts.
While there are many benefits to fully adhered membrane systems, they are not without their drawbacks. Adhesive applications can be time-consuming and costly, they generally have temperature restrictions that can limit their use in colder environments during the winter months, and they can be messy and have strong odors that can cause complaints from the building’s occupants and neighboring buildings.
Carlisle SynTec Systems has partnered with VELCRO Brand Securable Solutions to produce a revolutionary advancement in membrane securement that provides the advantages of a fully adhered roof system without the limitations associated with adhesives. RapidLock™ (RL) uses hook-and-loop technology to provide a “fully adhered” roof system without the constraints of conventional adhesives.
RapidLock works through a combination of two products: A Carlisle FleeceBACK RL membrane featuring a specialized fleece that acts as the “loop”, and either Carlisle InsulBase™ RL, SecurShield® RL, or SecurShield HD RL polyiso insulation or cover board featuring a factory-laminated “hook” facer. Insulation boards are mechanically fastened, eliminating the need for adhesives altogether.
Carlisle’s RapidLock roofing system made its debut in 2018 with a limited selection of membrane types, thicknesses, and warranty terms.
One of the most recent additions to the RapidLock line is RapidLock PVC in an even more robust 135-mil thickness. The new 135-mil RL PVC membrane provides the same field-tested assembly benefits as the existing 115-mil membrane thickness, including no temperature restrictions, VOCs, odors, or specialized adhesive equipment, reduced installation cleanup, and increased durability and warranty coverage.
The new 135-mil FleeceBACK RL PVC membrane is eligible for up to a 25-year system warranty, with wind speed coverage up to 120 mph peak gusts and 3” hail coverage. FleeceBACK RapidLock PVC roofing systems are UL Class A fire rated and Factory Mutual Approved, achieving ratings of up to FM 1-225.
SPECTIP
In 3-Part Specifications, Part 2 “Products”: Listing multiple manufacturers for acceptable fleece-backed membranes using a two-part polyurethane adhesive and creating an acceptable alternate for RapidLock OR designating RapidLock as the “Basis of Design” and creating acceptable alternates for other fleece-backed membranes using a two-part polyurethane adhesive, will allow a more open specification when more than one manufacturer is needed for a project..
- When using the Alternates method, utilize Division 1 –“Alternates” to include RapidLock in the “Schedule of Alternates” list for inclusion in the bid.
- When using the “Basis of Design” method, use RapidLock as the “Basis of Design” and add acceptable manufacturers with their appropriate membrane and adhesive as acceptable equals.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
This interactive RapidLock Map shows the project locations and details where Carlisle FleeceBACK RapidLock (RL) systems have been installed. Hover over the pinpoints for the project details and case studies where applicable.
This Case Study explains how 140 mph derecho winds were no match for RapidLock’s mechanical bond.
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