Research + Tech

NIST director joins ASTM International board of directors

Chin

Joannie Chin, deputy director of the Engineering Laboratory at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), has joined ASTM International's board of directors. Chin assumed the position following the departure of Laurie Locascio, who resigned after taking a new professional position.

ASTM International's board of directors is composed of 25 leaders from a variety of companies, associations and government bodies worldwide. NIST is a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce that advances measurement science, standards and technology.

Chin has served NIST in her current role since 2013 and previously served as a materials research engineer, supervisory materials research engineer and program analyst. She has a background in research at Gould Inc., Eastlake, Ohio; Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg; and NIST's Materials and Structural Systems Division. She has worked on fiber-reinforced polymeric composites used in infrastructure and on polymeric material service-life prediction and durability. Chin also is a member of the American Chemical Society and previously has served on the Structural Composites Committee of the Transportation Research Board.

NRCA update

In September, NRCA Technical Services staff attended the Solar Power International trade show at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. During the event, visitors saw the latest rooftop photovoltaic offerings from national and international manufacturers. NRCA staff participated in several educational opportunities, including the Solar Energy Industries Association Solar Codes & Standards Annual Workshop Sept. 13. The 2018 Solar Power International trade show will be held Sept. 24-27 in Anaheim, Calif.

New roofing industry association focuses on underlayment

NRCA member Carlisle Construction Materials LLC, Carlisle, Pa.; Gardner-Gibson Inc., Chicago; Maryland Paper Co., Williamsport, Md.; and NRCA member Mid-States Asphalt, Tuscaloosa, Ala., have formed the Asphalt Underlayment Council (AUC) to cultivate the long-term success of underlayment products for building envelope applications for residential and commercial structures. An AUC Interim Executive Council will help support the standardization of underlayment product quality, performance and integrity.

Current AUC members include NRCA member GAF, Parsippany, N.J.; NRCA member GAP Roofing, Pryor, Okla.; GMC Roofing & Building Paper Products Inc., Shafter, Calif.; NRCA member Mule-Hide Manufacturing, Cornell, Wis.; NRCA member Owens Corning, Toledo, Ohio; NRCA member Polyglass USA, Deerfield Beach, Fla.; and Warrior Roofing Manufacturing Co. Inc., Tuscaloosa.

"With the introduction of new types of roofing underlayment products, it was felt that an industry group was needed to monitor, administer and contribute to product standards," says AUC Executive Director Michelle Miller.

Standards and requirements for roof system repair, reroofing, roof re-covering and replacement often lack clarification within the definition of underlayment. AUC's inaugural technical committee will focus on code classifications and industry regulations.

"The pathways to code compliance vary depending on the product type," says John Woestman, AUC's technical director. "The continuous influx of newly designed products and ever-evolving regulations requires a strong knowledge base with deep understanding of the codes prevalent in this industry."

AUC will actively help develop building codes to ensure the high performance of roof systems, as well as raise awareness of regulatory issues through educational initiatives and industry outreach.

"We will work directly with installers and contractors who may not be aware of the various product categories that are occurring in the underlayment industry," says Robert Almon, AUC Interim Executive Council member. "Understanding the nuances of underlayment, as well as discerning codes and comprehending code compliance are vital. With our combined historical experience, AUC is in a prime position to ensure all the issues surrounding underlayment are addressed through a range of resources from an engaged council, committees and membership to a vibrant website that will be launched soon, growing media outreach, literature development and ongoing educational opportunities."

AUC invites roof underlayment firms to join the association to help make its important initiatives viable and sustainable. To learn more about AUC, visit www.aucunderlaymentcouncil.org, email info@aucunderlaymentcouncil.org or call (847) 686-2243.