TecTopics: VacuSeal Job Startups and FAQs
Carlisle’s VacuSeal™ vent secured roofing systems are quick and easy to install and save you money and labor by substantially reducing the amount of glue, ballast, or fasteners your project needs. Additionally, Carlisle offers on-site startup training and assistance on every VacuSeal job. This system is intended to provide optimal performance while opening opportunities for retrofit and monolithic deck applications.
How does it work?
VacuSeal Vent Secured Roofing Systems use specialized vents to create negative air pressure that removes excess air beneath the roof membrane and creates a suction effect which holds the newly installed system securely in place. Click here for a video overview of how this system works.
What kind of job startup assistance is available?
Carlisle offers on-site startup training and assistance for every VacuSeal job. In 2021, John Hepp, a Field Service Representative for Carlisle SynTec Systems, attended a job startup for a VacuSeal system installation in Virginia and provided his perspective on the installation and system overall. John said, “Jeremy, a representative of VacuSeal from Carlisle, assisted the roofers in ensuring all of the penetrations and walls were airtight. He then helped them place the distribution strips and mark the vent locations. My main takeaway was that with a little guidance, it’s an easy system to install.”
Where can it be used?
VacuSeal is a perfect solution for decks that can be difficult to attach to with traditional systems, specifically on monolithic decks like concrete, gypsum, or tectum. They are particularly beneficial on retrofit projects directly over a secure, existing roof system. For more information about how VacuSeal is a great option for re-roofing projects, click here.
What are the most common types of roof decks for VacuSeal systems?
Monolithic decks and roof decks with unique conditions that make mechanical attachment undesirable are the most common, although not exclusively. We consider monolithic decks to be all types of concrete, gypsum, cementitious wood fiber, etc.
What materials are used?
The system utilizes vents, sealant tape, and distribution strips in lieu of traditional fasteners and adhesives to hold the newly installed roof system securely in place.
Where do the vents go?
The ideal locations for vents on a given roof are primarily outlined in our Technical Evaluation Report, and each roof is laid out according to the design recommendations. Each roof is evaluated separately to determine the location at which the vent will perform as effectively as possible. Interior vents are required on all roofs over 250' x 250'. At our discretion, we may include some interior vents on smaller areas.
Is jobsite assistance provided?
Carlisle provides on-site startup training and assistance for every VacuSeal job, as well as phone calls and access to their technicians before, during, and after the installation to cover any questions or concerns that come up during the process. For more information about the steps involved in a VacuSeal project, check out this case study about a project in New Mexico.
What kind of warranties are available?
Carlisle offers full system warranties up to 20 years for VacuSeal roofs. Please reference specifications for system requirements pertaining to warranty length.
What is the best practice for installing a VacuSeal system? Do you install the outer edges first and get all the vents in place, or do you go in one direction?
Typically, you start in a corner or somewhere along the edge of a roof and work across; it is not recommended to install the perimeter first. Best practices include installing air seals daily and installing all vents for an area daily.
What is best practice for keeping the system in place during the roofing process, before the system is complete?
Installing vents and air seals daily will ensure the roof is working and stays in place. Standard nighttime tie-in methods are required for overnight seals.
Does this system work as part of a metal roof overlay system with flute fill and insulation?
Yes, it is possible to do a retrofit system with VacuSeal. Existing metal panels are required to be sealed and airtight.
How does it work?
VacuSeal Vent Secured Roofing Systems use specialized vents to create negative air pressure that removes excess air beneath the roof membrane and creates a suction effect which holds the newly installed system securely in place. Click here for a video overview of how this system works.
What kind of job startup assistance is available?
Carlisle offers on-site startup training and assistance for every VacuSeal job. In 2021, John Hepp, a Field Service Representative for Carlisle SynTec Systems, attended a job startup for a VacuSeal system installation in Virginia and provided his perspective on the installation and system overall. John said, “Jeremy, a representative of VacuSeal from Carlisle, assisted the roofers in ensuring all of the penetrations and walls were airtight. He then helped them place the distribution strips and mark the vent locations. My main takeaway was that with a little guidance, it’s an easy system to install.”
Where can it be used?
VacuSeal is a perfect solution for decks that can be difficult to attach to with traditional systems, specifically on monolithic decks like concrete, gypsum, or tectum. They are particularly beneficial on retrofit projects directly over a secure, existing roof system. For more information about how VacuSeal is a great option for re-roofing projects, click here.
What are the most common types of roof decks for VacuSeal systems?
Monolithic decks and roof decks with unique conditions that make mechanical attachment undesirable are the most common, although not exclusively. We consider monolithic decks to be all types of concrete, gypsum, cementitious wood fiber, etc.
What materials are used?
The system utilizes vents, sealant tape, and distribution strips in lieu of traditional fasteners and adhesives to hold the newly installed roof system securely in place.
Where do the vents go?
The ideal locations for vents on a given roof are primarily outlined in our Technical Evaluation Report, and each roof is laid out according to the design recommendations. Each roof is evaluated separately to determine the location at which the vent will perform as effectively as possible. Interior vents are required on all roofs over 250' x 250'. At our discretion, we may include some interior vents on smaller areas.
Is jobsite assistance provided?
Carlisle provides on-site startup training and assistance for every VacuSeal job, as well as phone calls and access to their technicians before, during, and after the installation to cover any questions or concerns that come up during the process. For more information about the steps involved in a VacuSeal project, check out this case study about a project in New Mexico.
What kind of warranties are available?
Carlisle offers full system warranties up to 20 years for VacuSeal roofs. Please reference specifications for system requirements pertaining to warranty length.
What is the best practice for installing a VacuSeal system? Do you install the outer edges first and get all the vents in place, or do you go in one direction?
Typically, you start in a corner or somewhere along the edge of a roof and work across; it is not recommended to install the perimeter first. Best practices include installing air seals daily and installing all vents for an area daily.
What is best practice for keeping the system in place during the roofing process, before the system is complete?
Installing vents and air seals daily will ensure the roof is working and stays in place. Standard nighttime tie-in methods are required for overnight seals.
Does this system work as part of a metal roof overlay system with flute fill and insulation?
Yes, it is possible to do a retrofit system with VacuSeal. Existing metal panels are required to be sealed and airtight.
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