ICC Evaluation Shows Ventilation Excellence for Roof Saver

Roof Saver ICC Evaluation Service Test Details

Blocksom & Co. is proud to share their ICC Evaluation Service test details for Roof Saver and the overall importance of third party testing for attic ventilation products. Roof Saver is a leading rolled ventilation that has been in the market for over fifteen years and is currently distributed nationally.  It is composed of natural fibers, including coconut husk fiber that are blended and bound together with a premium adhesive to form a non-woven textile.

The combination of these recycled materials has created a unique attic ridge venting system that continues to see excellent testing results. Roof Saver holds code approvals with ICC ES ESR-1218, Miami-Dade NOA No. 11-0517.05 and Class A Fire Rating for Ridge Vents.  The ICC Evaluation compares the results of independently performed tests to AC-132, the Acceptance Criteria for attic vents.  The most recent ICC ES renewal concluded that Roof Saver ridge vent meets 2006 International Building Code and the 2006 International Residential Code.  Engineers at ICC ES reviewed the test results including measurement of Net Free Area (NFA), dust exposure, temperature cycling, wind driven rain and snow, self-ignition temperature and quality control inspection of manufacturing processes.

“Often with roof components like ridge vent, contractors are not aware of code requirements that are critical for building code inspections and long-term performance,” noted Swan. “We are focused on testing and providing the top performing product at the best value for roofing contractors.  We continue to work with the industry to insure that contractors and their customers are protected with products that meet building codes on all levels.”

“The importance of meeting building codes with all products in the roof assembly is getting attention,” continued Swan. “We are actually seeing contractors who are getting recalls due to non-conformance of roof ventilation.  We have also seen when the product does not perform to the requirements of the building code or is installed incorrectly that there can be some major issues, like mold, that can lead to lawsuits.”

The importance of ventilation cannot be overstated when it comes to the health of the attic and entire building. “We are focused on testing our product and making sure the product meets or exceeds the attic ventilation requirements of all nationally recognized building codes when properly installed with soffit or eave vents,” Swan confirmed. “We follow that up with training materials and onsite training to insure proper installation.”

Roof Saver features a non-prorated 40-year warranty and meets the requirements of all nationally recognized building codes along with a Class A Fire Rating. It has also passed 110- mph independent wind-driven rain and snow tests and does not deteriorate or corrode from wind, snow, rain or ice.  “The following test results, information and comparisons really tell the story,” noted Swan.

Roof Saver ICC ES ESR-1218 Information, results and comparisons.

1.      Net Free Area (NFA)

a.      Roof Saver NFA value is 15.2 square inches per linear foot.

b.      Compared to 12.5 for other ventilation products.

c.      Roof Saver has 26% higher NFA than noted competitor products.

2.      Dust Exposure

a.      Blow air over roof mock-up to simulate airborne dust.

b.      Wind speed 5 to 15 mph.

c.      Add dust at 46-grams/minute rate.

d.      Total time duration 150 minutes.

e.      Zero dust accumulation in Roof Saver!

3.      Temperature Cycling

a.      25 cycles –40 F to 180 F

b.      No deterioration of Roof Saver.

c.      No failure at fastener locations.

4.      Wind driven rain and snow

a.      Wind speed up to 110 mph.

b.      Rainfall up to 8 in./hr. rate.

c.      Roof Saver had no leakage.

d.      Note: Wind deflector used for wind speeds in excess of 80 mph.

5.      Self-Ignition Temperature

a.      Gradually increase temperature until material ignites.

b.      Roof Saver had 788 F actual vs. required minimum 650 F.

6.      Quality Control inspection of Manufacturing Processes

a.      Quality expert reviews manufacturing processes annually.

b.      Inspections, control of process, documentation, facility condition.

c.      Passed inspection with no changes required.

The results of independent laboratory tests performed on Roof Saver were evaluated for conformance to applicable building codes and performance requirements. “All contractors should ask for testing results that assure the product will perform and meet building code requirements,” concluded Swan. 

About Blocksom

Blocksom & Co. is a diversified manufacturer of a wide variety of natural fiber products including Roof Saver. These products are marketed throughout the continental United States and Canada to supply the demands of industries including heating and air-conditioning, furniture, U.S. government, military, construction and aquaculture.  The products are manufactured at the company owned facilities located in Michigan City, Indiana providing manufacturing and distribution of quality natural fiber products since 1919.