ARMA Technical Bulletins
These bulletins offer concise, easy-to-understand information on common maintenance, repair, installation and weather-related topics affecting both residential and commercial roofs. Available for bulk purchase in the Publications area
Note: These documents and their related diagrams are copywritten by ARMA and are for the use of individual visitors to this site. They are not for duplication, distribution or inclusion into other texts without the express written consent of ARMA. Single copies of all ARMA technical bulletins can be downloaded directly by clicking on the title of the Technical Bulletin you need.
Built-Up Roofing
Residential Roofing
Modified Bitumen Roofing
Built-Up Roofing
Roof Drainage (pdf)
Recommends adequate slope for proper roof drainage. Recommendations Regarding
Built-Up Roofing Asphalt
Recommendations Regarding Built-Up
Roofing Asphalt (pdf)
Contains information on grade I-IV asphalt as well as suggestions for application
and storage.
Recommendations Regarding Use of
Roof Insulations as a Substrate for Built-Up Roofing (pdf)
Reviews the reasons for using insulation as a substrate for BUR systems.
Decking Recommedations for Built-Up
Roofing and Modified Bitumen Membranes (pdf)
General specification and application guidelines for various commercial
roofing decks.
Cold Weather Recommendations for
Built-Up Roofing (pdf)
Contains criteria for storage, handling, application and safety in the
BUR process.
Handling Recommendations for Coal
Tar Roofing Bitumens (pdf)
General guidelines for storage, heating and safety.
The Effects of Ponding Water (pdf)
Overview of the causes and detrimental effects ponding water may have on
asphalt roofing systems.
Residential Roofing
Field Coating of Installed Asphalt Shingles (pdf)
This document caution of the used of a field applied coating on an asphalt shingles.
Self-Adhering Underlayment Removal Prior to Steep Slope Re-Roofing (pdf)
This document discussed the best practices for removing self adhering underlayment when re-roofing a steep-sloped roof.
Water Soluble Residue Found on Asphalt Roofing Products (“Tobacco-Juicing”) (pdf)
Installation of Self-Adhering Membranes In Steep Slope Roofing (pdf)
Cold Weather Recommendations for Applications of Asphalt Roofing Shingles (pdf)
When Does a Shingle Comply with
ASTM D3462? (pdf)
Shingles that are in conformance with ASTM D3462 at the time of manufacture
have a proven track record of performance, meeting and exceeding customer
expectations.
Sampling Shingles For ASTM
Testing (pdf)
Understanding Why Proper Sampling Provides Credible Results
How to Shingle a Cone Roof (pdf)
Instructions for roofing cone-shaped roofs.
Color Shading of Asphalt Shingle
Roofs (pdf)
Outline of the primary and secondary causes of color shading. Suggests
ways to avoid this purely aesthetic problem.
Re-roofing with Metric Shingles (pdf)
Application guidelines for metric asphalt shingles using either the nesting
or bridging method.
Plain Facts About Buckled Shingles (pdf)
Reviews the causes, prevention and correction of buckled shingles.
Ventilation and Moisture Control
for Residential Roofing (pdf)
Explains why ventilation should be incorporated into roof design.
Direct Application of Asphalt Shingles Over Insulation, Insulated Decks, or Radiant Barriers (pdf)
Highlights why most manufacturers do not recommend the application of shingles over insulation, insulated decks, or radiant barriers and suggests ventilation methods necessary if this type of specification is called for.
Defines the maximum slope for normal shingle application and suggests different installation methods for slopes beyond that maximum.
Preventing Damage from Ice Dams (pdf)
Installation procedures for eaves flashing over low and steep sloped roofs.
Includes illustrations.
Algae Discoloration of Roofs (pdf)
Explains the origin and effects of algae growth on roofing. Suggests use
of cleaning techniques for temporary lightening.
Use of Asphalt Shingle Underlayment (pdf)
Gives important reasons for installing asphalt-saturated felt underlayment
over wood decks prior to shingle application.
Nail Application of Asphalt Strip
Shingles for New and Recover Roofing (pdf)
Criteria for proper placement and application of roofing nails.
Re-roofing: Tear Off vs. Re-Cover (pdf)
Tips on deciding whether or not it is necessary to tear off existing shingles
when reroofing.
Modified Bitumen Roofing
Self-Adhesive Modified Bituminous
Roofing Membranes (pdf)
Modified bituminous roof membranes continue to be popular option for
low-sloped roofs due to their proven performance. Historically these products
have been torch-applied, mop-applied using hot asphalt (SBS only), or applied
with solvent-based adhesives.
Water Soluble Residue from Asphalt
Roofing Products ("Tobacco Juicing") (pdf)
Describes origin of tobacco juicing and the effects this residue may
have on modified bitumen roofs. Provides ways to minimize/eliminate residue
runoff.
Cold Weather Application Recommendations for Modified Bitumen Roofing (pdf)
Overview of proper storage, handling and application methods in cold temperatures.
Contains information for both torch-applied and hot asphalt-applied products.
The Effects of Greases, Oils and Chemicals on Modified Bitumen Sheet
Materials (pdf)
Breaks special contaminants into three categories: oils/greases, bacteria/fungi
and other chemicals. Adverse effects are highlighted for each category.
Includes methods for preventing roof contaminants.
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