Home› About PermaRoofing: Our Team, Methodology & Data Sources

About PermaRoofing: Our Team, Methodology & Data Sources

Who We Are

PermaRoofing is an independent, data-driven technical library built by Michael Chen, ICC-Certified Commercial Roofing Inspector (#CR-78241) and former senior estimator with 17 years of field experience in commercial low-slope and steep-slope roofing systems. Michael has prepared over 1,200 bid packages for projects ranging from 5,000 sq ft retail re-roofs to 200,000+ sq ft warehouse installations across 14 states. He has also served as a technical reviewer for insurance carriers on complex wind/hail claim disputes, and has testified as a subject-matter expert in 11 arbitration proceedings involving roofing specification compliance.

Our data contributors include licensed structural engineers (PE), manufacturer-certified installers for Carlisle, Firestone, GAF, and Owens Corning systems, and former claims adjusters with CPCU and AIC designations. Every specification sheet on PermaRoofing is cross-checked against current manufacturer published datasheets and applicable ASTM/UL/FM testing standards.

Our Methodology

Each specification entry in our database follows a rigorous three-stage verification process:

  1. Manufacturer Datasheet Extraction: Raw specifications (thickness, tensile strength, wind uplift ratings, fire classifications) are extracted from the latest published manufacturer product datasheets and technical bulletins.
  2. Standards Cross-Reference: Extracted specifications are validated against the applicable ASTM standard (e.g., ASTM D6878 for TPO membranes, ASTM D3462 for asphalt shingles), FM Global Approval Guide listings, and UL certification directories.
  3. Field Verification: For high-volume products, specifications are validated against contractor submittal packages and actual material test reports from completed projects — ensuring the published spec matches real-world delivered product performance.

Insurance claim guidance on each specification sheet is authored by a licensed adjuster with CPCU certification and reviewed for consistency with Xactimate pricing methodology and the most recent IBHS (Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety) hail and wind research findings.

Credentials & Industry Affiliations

  • ICC Commercial Roofing Inspector Certification — #CR-78241
  • NRCA (National Roofing Contractors Association) — Active Member
  • RCI, Inc. (Roof Consultants Institute) — Registered Roof Observer (RRO)
  • IIBEC (International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants) — Affiliate Member
  • Haag Certified Inspector — Commercial Roofs (HCI-CR)
  • Data contributors hold: PE (Structural), CPCU, AIC, LEED AP BD+C

Our Data Sources

All specifications are sourced from publicly available manufacturer documentation and industry standards, including:

  • Manufacturer Datasheets: Carlisle SynTec, Firestone Building Products, GAF, Owens Corning, CertainTeed, Johns Manville — current published product data sheets and technical bulletins
  • ASTM International: D6878 (TPO Sheet), D751 (Coated Fabrics), D3462 (Asphalt Shingles), D7158 (Wind Resistance), E108 (Fire Tests)
  • FM Approvals: FM Global 4470 (Class 1 Roof Covers), FM 1-29 (Wind Uplift), FM 4450/4470 Assembly Ratings
  • UL LLC: UL 2218 (Impact Resistance), UL 790 (Fire Classification), UL 1897 (Uplift Resistance)
  • Insurance Industry: Xactimate pricing data, IBHS hail threshold research, ASCE 7 wind speed maps, state-level matching statute summaries

Disclaimer: PermaRoofing is an independent technical reference and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any roofing material manufacturer. Product names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification and cross-reference purposes only. Specifications should always be verified against current manufacturer datasheets before use in bid preparation or claim adjustment.