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Holes In My Roof |
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The problem: A freshly applied county courthouse roof developed large voids – some several square feet in diameter –shortly after application. The county government filed a claim against the roofing contractor and the supply company seeking replacement. Because the problem roof was a part of much larger batch of membrane already applied successfully at other locations, the roofing manufacturer contacted TechDirect to identify the source of these voids and absolve them from liability. They required an answer in 48 hours.
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The approach: The shape and distribution of these voids in the foam layer suggested a solvent attack so TechDirect scientists analyzed the composition of various layers of good and bad areas of the roof, emphasizing the solvents used in the roofing materials and the construction process. The types and amounts of these materials present were analyzed using headspace gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometry detector (GC-MS), an approach that allowed TechDirect scientists to identify the root cause of the problem. The analysis was completed within 48 hours. |
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The results: The GC-MS method revealed a high level of the solvent used in the application of the elastomeric surface membrane, suggesting that this solvent leached from the membrane into the foam layer, attacking the foam and either dissolving the foam or collapsing the foam cell structure, producing these voids. Samples of the elastomeric roofing taken from the site revealed solvent levels much higher than specified by the manufacturer. Because the roof was applied in unusually cool weather, it appears likely that the roofing contractor’s team added solvent to reduce the elastomers viscosity to ease the application of the elastomer. The roofing supplier was absolved of responsibility.
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For further information on ICI TechDirect's chromatography services so that you can create your own success story, click here. |
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For further information, contact C. Michael Neag:
Voice: 440-826-5318
~ Fax: 440-826-5233
Strongsville Research Center (SRC)
16651 Sprague Road
Strongsville, Ohio 44136
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