b'Installa TipsHighly Reflective Membrantionfores The installation of highlym bitumen roofpresents unique reflectiveodifiedmembranes challenges compared with standard membranes. During the session, Rick Birkman, president of Texas Roofing Company, Austin, TX, offered several installation tips for reflective membranes, having installed dozens of them in thearea. Austin Before installingmembranes, it\'s important to unroll the membranes, reflective allowing them to relax, and inspect the reflective surface of the cap sh tdefects, ee for said Birkman. He also stressed the importance of trimming all four comers to improve lap integrity. Although some manufacturers suggest "shocking" the membranes by swabbing them with water before installation, Birkman opts not to do this. Finally, keep the membranes warm in cold weather, because they are sensitive to weather conditions. According to Birkman, the installation process is relativelyHe suggests these tips: easy.Contact the material manufacturer to getinstallation methods for its up-to-date specific materials, including recommendations on removing and preparing the reflective surface for end lap and flashing installation. This may take acall phone to the technicalbecause the information may not be available online. departmentBe aware that ponding water greatly accelerates degradations of the reflective surface.Pay attention to aesthetics. "Be aware that specifiers of these systems want to see a clean roof and may require any bleed outcoated,"said.Rick Birkman, Texas Roofing Company to beheBe mindful of warranty issues. Manufacturers\' standard NDL warranties don\'t cover reflexivity. Birkman stressed that this issue needs addressing.Inspect the membranes carefully for problems before installing them. Problems may include coating irregularities, granule loss, cracked coatings, and discoloration. "Iflook right, don\'t install it," he said. "Setaside and call the manufacturer." it doesn\'tit Matt Dupuis, PE, ofResearch Inc., Middleton,W1, can be reachedmdupuis@sri-engineering.com. Structuralat r- - - u n in Featured Roofing Contractor\'s MARCH ISSUE! Young Guns profiles up-and-coming roofing professionals who are doing great things for the industry. These contractors in their 20s and 30s will share their insights on new technologies, marketing strategies and ways of doing business that keep their companies on the cutting edge. Look for this featureinour March 2013 issue. L_ ___ ___ _ Midwest Roofer- www.mrca.org17'