BETHESDA, Md.—The EPDM Roofing Association praised the International Code Council for its actions taken during its hearings on roofing issues in May.
The association said the hearings were designed to allow interested parties offer expertise on the formulation of the 2015 International Green Construction Code.
ERA offered testimony on nine proposed changes. Both proposed changes it sponsored were approved. It submitted comments on the following proposed code changes:
• GG 77 (ERA sponsored): allow reflective roofs in climate zones 1-3 to be a jurisdictional option (approved);
• GG 162 (ERA sponsored): ballasted roof exception (approved as modified);
• GG 163: require reflective roofs in climate zones 4a and 4b (disapproved, with a pending electronic vote);
• GG 164: move the roofing reflectance requirement to Chapter 6 (disapproved);
• GG 165: require reflective roofs in climate zones 4 and 5 (disapproved);
• GG 168: clarify testing for reflective roofs (disapproved);
• GEW82: increased reflectivity for cool roof surfaces (disapproved);
• GEW83: cool roofs in climate zone 4 (approved);
• GG 302: replacement roofs in climate zones 1-3 must comply with IECC reflectance requirements (disapproved).
“We applaud the ICC for promoting a science-based approach to code setting and for making decisions based on sound science,” said Ellen Thorp, associate executive director of the ERA. “We also believe their actions reflect and understanding of the importance of allowing the roofing decision to rest with the building owner and roof designer, the architect and the roofing contractor.”