The GAF Tri-Ply APP Granule Cap Sheet is a high-performance roofing material designed for low-slope applications. It is engineered to provide durability and protection against weathering, making it suitable for both new construction and re-roofing projects. This product is particularly notable for its resilient polyester core, granule surfacing, and compatibility with a range of installation conditions. Below is a detailed overview of its specifications, features, and application context, based on the provided source data.
Overview of Product Specifications
The GAF Tri-Ply APP Granule Cap Sheet is a 100-square-foot (1,000 sq. ft.) roll roofing material with dimensions of 3.3 feet in width and 32.25 feet in length. Each roll weighs approximately 95.65 pounds. The product is designed for use in low-slope roofing systems, typically in built-up or modified bitumen roof systems. The granule surfacing serves as a protective layer against environmental factors such as UV radiation and physical wear. The resilient polyester core enhances the material’s ability to resist splits and tears, even under challenging installation conditions.
The product is suitable for use in cold, damp weather, which expands the range of possible installation conditions. Additionally, the material is compatible with torch-applied applications, offering versatility in roofing techniques. The cap sheet meets the ASTM D6222, Type I, Grade G standard, and is both FM Approved and UL Listed, indicating compliance with industry safety and quality benchmarks. A 10-year limited warranty is included with the product.
Key Features and Functional Advantages
The GAF Tri-Ply APP Granule Cap Sheet is engineered with several key features that enhance its performance and usability. The following are the primary functional attributes:
- Granule Surfacing: The cap sheet is coated with granules that protect the roofing material from weathering. This layer helps to reduce heat absorption and provides UV resistance, contributing to the longevity of the roofing system.
- Resilient Polyester Core: The core of the cap sheet is composed of polyester, which provides enhanced tensile strength and resistance to tearing. This is especially important in applications where the roofing material may be exposed to mechanical stress.
- Compatibility with Cold and Damp Weather Installation: The material is designed to be installed in a wide range of weather conditions, including cold and damp environments. This makes it a versatile option for contractors working in diverse climates.
- Torch-Apply Compatibility: The product is suitable for torch-applied applications, a method that involves using a flame to melt the adhesive layer of the roofing material to bond it to the underlying surface. This method is commonly used for its efficiency and strong bond formation.
- Compliance with Industry Standards: The cap sheet meets the ASTM D6222, Type I, Grade G standard, which specifies requirements for roofing materials in terms of strength, durability, and performance under various environmental conditions. It is also FM Approved and UL Listed, ensuring that it meets rigorous safety and quality criteria.
- Underlayment Requirement: The product requires an underlayment to be installed beneath it. This is a standard practice in roofing systems to provide an additional layer of protection against water intrusion and to improve the overall performance of the roofing assembly.
Application and Installation Context
The GAF Tri-Ply APP Granule Cap Sheet is intended for use in low-slope roofing systems, which are typically defined as having a slope of less than 2:12 (approximately 9 degrees). These systems are commonly used in commercial and industrial buildings, as well as in residential applications where a flat or nearly flat roof is desired. The cap sheet is suitable for both new construction and re-roofing projects involving built-up or modified bitumen roof systems.
The product is designed to be used as a protective cap layer in these systems. It is typically applied over an existing roofing membrane or as a component of a multi-layer roofing system. The granule surfacing serves to protect the underlying layers from direct exposure to the elements, while the polyester core provides structural integrity and resistance to mechanical stress.
The ability to install the product in cold and damp weather is a significant advantage, particularly in regions where weather conditions can limit the availability of installation windows. This feature reduces the dependency on favorable weather conditions and allows for greater flexibility in project scheduling.
Additionally, the compatibility with torch-applied applications provides contractors with an efficient method of installation. Torch application is a widely used technique in roofing that involves using a propane torch to heat the adhesive layer of the roofing material, allowing it to bond to the underlying surface. This method is known for its speed and the strength of the resulting bond. However, it requires skilled labor and adherence to safety protocols to prevent fire hazards and ensure proper application.
Safety and Compliance Considerations
The GAF Tri-Ply APP Granule Cap Sheet is certified to meet several important industry standards and certifications. It complies with the ASTM D6222, Type I, Grade G standard, which defines the performance requirements for roofing materials used in low-slope applications. This standard includes criteria for tensile strength, tear resistance, and dimensional stability, ensuring that the product performs reliably under various environmental conditions.
The product is also FM Approved and UL Listed, which are additional indicators of its compliance with safety and quality benchmarks. FM Approval is a certification issued by FM Global, a global insurance and risk management company, that verifies a product’s ability to perform under fire and other hazardous conditions. UL Listing is a certification from Underwriters Laboratories, a safety certification organization, that confirms the product has been tested and found to meet specific safety standards.
The product is labeled as not requiring a California Proposition 65 warning, which is a significant consideration for contractors and building owners in California. Proposition 65 is a law that requires businesses to provide warnings about potential exposure to chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. The absence of a warning indicates that the product does not contain chemicals that are subject to this requirement, which can be a factor in procurement decisions.
Physical and Logistical Attributes
The GAF Tri-Ply APP Granule Cap Sheet is packaged in a roll format that is 3.3 feet in width and 32.25 feet in length. Each roll covers an area of 100 square feet, making it a standard unit for roofing applications. The roll weight is approximately 95.65 pounds, which is a relevant consideration for transportation and handling. Contractors need to ensure that they have appropriate equipment and procedures in place for moving and unrolling the product on-site.
The product is available in a white color finish, which is specified as the manufacturer color/finish. The white coloration contributes to the product’s ability to reflect solar radiation, which can help reduce heat absorption and improve the energy efficiency of the building. The color is part of the White finish family, indicating that it is consistent with other white roofing materials in terms of appearance and performance.
Warranty and Long-Term Performance
The GAF Tri-Ply APP Granule Cap Sheet comes with a 10-year limited warranty. This warranty provides assurance to building owners and contractors that the product will perform as intended for a specified period. The terms of the warranty typically cover defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and installation conditions. However, it is important to note that the warranty may not cover damage caused by improper installation, misuse, or exposure to conditions beyond the product’s intended use.
The warranty is an important factor in evaluating the long-term performance and value of the product. A 10-year warranty is relatively standard in the roofing industry for products of this type, but it also reflects the manufacturer’s confidence in the product’s durability and reliability. Contractors and building owners should review the warranty terms in detail to understand what is covered and what exclusions may apply.
Environmental and Safety Considerations
The absence of a California Proposition 65 warning is a notable feature of the GAF Tri-Ply APP Granule Cap Sheet. This means that the product does not contain chemicals that are listed under Proposition 65 as causing cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. This can be an important consideration for building owners and contractors in California, where Proposition 65 warnings are required for products that contain such chemicals. The absence of a warning indicates that the product is compliant with the requirements of Proposition 65 and does not pose a risk of exposure to harmful substances.
In addition to chemical safety, the product is designed to be installed using methods that are safe and effective. The compatibility with torch-applied applications requires that contractors follow appropriate safety protocols to prevent fire hazards. This includes ensuring that the work area is free of flammable materials, using appropriate personal protective equipment, and having fire suppression equipment available. The manufacturer’s documentation may provide additional guidance on safe installation practices, and it is important for contractors to follow these recommendations to ensure the safety of workers and the success of the installation.
Conclusion
The GAF Tri-Ply APP Granule Cap Sheet is a high-performance roofing material designed for low-slope applications. It is engineered with features such as a resilient polyester core, granule surfacing, and compatibility with a range of installation conditions, including cold and damp weather. The product meets industry standards such as ASTM D6222, Type I, Grade G, and is FM Approved and UL Listed, indicating its compliance with safety and quality benchmarks. It is available in a white finish, which contributes to its energy efficiency, and comes with a 10-year limited warranty. The product is suitable for use in new construction and re-roofing projects and requires an underlayment for optimal performance. Its compatibility with torch-applied applications provides flexibility in installation methods. The absence of a California Proposition 65 warning is an additional benefit for contractors and building owners in California. The product’s specifications, including its dimensions, weight, and coverage area, make it a practical choice for a wide range of roofing projects.