While the roofing and waterproofing industries continue to be challenged by global supply constraints, GenFlex is committed to working with you to complete projects and satisfy customer expectations. This bulletin outlines the product substitutions GenFlex will approve on an individual project basis while raw material shortages continue.
For a project with a product substitution to receive a GenFlex Roofing System Warranty, an approved Technical Deviation must be applied to the Pre-Installation Notice (PIN). PINs should be submitted at least two weeks prior to project start. Please contact your GenFlex Sales Representative or Regional Technical Coordinator for assistance submitting Technical Deviation Requests. Always provide the manufacturer’s Product Data Sheet with substitution requests, as well as any other pertinent information, to help expedite approvals. Pull-out values for proposed fastener substitutions may be required depending on project specifics.
FASTENER SUBSTITUTIONS
Any FM 4470 approved roofing fastener is acceptable for use in a GenFlex-warranted system provided the fastener is of an equivalent gauge, is provided by a major manufacturer of roofing fasteners (or supplied by a major roofing manufacturer under third party agreement), is listed in RoofNav, and displays the FM diamond logo on the product label or data sheet:
- A #12 fastener with an appropriate insulation plate is an acceptable substitute for a GenFast™ #12 Insulation Fastener and GenFast 3″ Round Insulation Plate or a GenFast Pre-Assembled Screw and Plate.
- A #14 fastener is an acceptable substitute for a GenFast #14 Fastener. An appropriate insulation plate or seam plate is required (see below for restrictions on membrane attachment with #14s).
- A #15 fastener is an acceptable substitute for a GenFast #15 WH Fastener. An appropriate insulation plate or seam plate is required.
- Where equivalent, Elevate fasteners and plates are acceptable substitutes for GenFlex fasteners and plates.
- Other FM approved fastening systems may be acceptable substitutes for GenFlex Batten Strips and Metal Bar Anchors as appropriate.
- Field-tested pull-out values may be required for all fastener substitutions.
Expanded Polystyrene or Extruded Polystyrene (E/XPS)
Use of E/XPS in projects that will receive a GenFlex Roofing System Warranty is permitted when GenFlex Polyiso products are not available, subject to the following restrictions:
- A thermal barrier required between E/XPS and steel decks.
- E/XPS must have a minimum thickness of 2.0″.
- E/XPS must have a compressive strength of 25 PSI when it is directly beneath the membrane.
- An acceptable cover board is recommended over E/XPS, and required:
- For all Adhered and InvisiWeld™[1]
- When a dark colored membrane is installed over E/XPS.
- Fanfold insulation is not acceptable in warranted GenFlex roofing systems.
NOTES:
- Deviations are subject to the Terms, Conditions, and Limitations of the GenFlex warranty.
- The maximum warranted wind speed for projects incorporating fastener substitutions is 72 MPH.
- Enhancements to insulation pre-securement are not required unless an air or vapor barrier is used, or a tested assembly calls for an increase. See tested assembly or FM Approvals Loss Prevention Data Sheet 1-29, section 2.2.10, Table 6.
- Performance validation may not be available when non-GenFlex products are used. When performance validation is required by Specification, by building code, or for insurance purposes, product substitutions will not be accepted for warranted projects.
- Buildings with large openings and partially enclosed or open buildings may require system enhancements.
- Buildings in high wind, coastal, and special wind zones are not eligible for product substitutions.
[1] At this time, E/XPS with factory-applied fiberglass facers require a cover board for Adhered and InvisiWeld applications.
Please also be aware of the following:
GenFast #12 Insulation Fasteners and Plates are approved for insulation attachment in Mechanically Attached and Adhered systems up to a 20 Year GenFlex Warranty. No deviation is required. A Technical Deviation is required when using an equivalent #12 fastener and plate as described above.
GenFast #14 Fasteners with appropriate plates are approved for insulation and membrane attachment into wood decks in conventional Mechanically Attached and Adhered systems up to a 20 Year GenFlex Warranty. No deviation is required. A Technical Deviation is required when using an equivalent #14 fastener and plate as described above. Note: GenFast #14 Fasteners and equivalent #14 fasteners are never acceptable for InvisiWeld™ applications regardless of deck type or warranty term.
GenFast #14 Fasteners (and equivalent #14s) are not acceptable for membrane attachment into steel decks, either in Mechanically Attached or InvisiWeld applications.
The substitutions outlined above are the most frequently requested amid current supply constraints. GenFlex remains open to other substitutions on a case-by-case basis. Requests should be submitted via the Technical Deviation Request Form. GenFlex will assess the need for continued substitution approvals in March 2022.
Please contact your GenFlex Regional Technical Coordinator at 800-443-4272 with requests for additional information.
[1] At this time, E/XPS with factory-applied fiberglass facers require a cover board for Adhered and InvisiWeld applications.