S06 517-23-030 Replace Roofs RFI Response.pdf

Replace Roofs Project #517-23-030

Pre-Bid RFIs

Question: Are the existing roof drains to be replaced with new or refurbished with new drain hardware and domes?

Response: Roof drains are anticipated to be replaced.

Question: The drawings and specifications do not indicate if the insulation is to be tapered or flat insulation at all the roof areas. Specifications just provide the minimum R-Value and the overall average R-Value. Is the concrete substrate sloped or flat?

Response: It is unknown if the concrete substrate is sloped or flat. It is assumed to be flat.

Question: Specifications call out for a 5/8” Type X coverboard which is used on a steel deck with the insulation overlaid over the Type X Gypsum. Is the 5/8 inch Gypsum need if all the decks are concrete?

Response: It is assumed that cover board shall be installed on all roofs.

Question: Is the owner requiring the contractor to provide independent roofing inspector (ROO) for the duration of the project?

Response: Yes

Question: What color is the EPDM membrane? No specification 09 06 00 Schedule of Finishes for the membrane color.

Response: Membrane color shall be black.

Question: What is the gauge and type of metal is to be used or the coping and counterflashing’s?

Response: Coping and counterflashing materials shall be as per Specification 07 60 00 section 2.1.

Minimum thickness/gauge shall be as per Specification 07 60 00 section 2.3. Aluminum Sheet shall be 0.040” thickness minimum and Galvanized Steel shall be 24 gauge minimum.

Question: Will the owner provide the disconnects for any mechanical and electrical work?

Response: Yes, any required disconnects will be supported by facility personnel.

Question: The spec is unclear on what the assembly will be for the project. Our current interpretation is that it will be removal of all roofing materials to decking and then a R-30 average tapered insulation package (1/4 inch taper), DensDeck coverboard and then adhered 60 mil EPDM. Is this the system that the VA is looking to install?

Response: Yes, this would be the type of roofing system the VA is looking to install.

Question: Currently there are several areas with cooper counterflashing. Is it ok to flip this up and terminate below and reuse the cooper?

Response: Reuse of copper counterflashing is acceptable with prior approval and provided the counterflashing is in acceptable condition.

Question: Currently the coping is a stainless-steel cap. If this is removed it would not be able to be reused. Are we able to keep it in place and terminate below the cap with termination bar? If new coping cap is need, would it have to be replaced in kind or could we replace with galvanized?

Response: Cap replacement is anticipated. Galvanized cap is acceptable with approval.

Question: The access to roof section #5 is difficult. Are we able to take of the screens so that we can access this roof from the lower section?

Response: Screens may be removed but will require reinstallation upon completion of the roofing.

Question: The specifications show that the roof material to be utilized on this project is EPDM. The scope of work states: Install roofing membrane with granular surface. EPDM Does not come with a granular surface. Is EPDM the material that the VAMC wants to utilize on this project?

Response: EPMD is the material expected to be utilized. The notation referencing granular surface is a typographical error and will be update in scope of work.

Question: The specifications on the EPDM state the following: EPDM Sheet: ASTM D4637/D4637M, Type I - non-reinforced, Type II -internally reinforced or Type III - fabric backed. 1. Thickness: 2.54 mm (100 mils). If EPDM material is to be utilized what thickness and is it to be Type I, II, or III?

Response: EPDM shall be Type I – non-reinforced, 60 mil thickness.

Question: According to the drawings and shown at the walk thru there are multiple roofs in multiple areas to be completed. For bidding purposes in determining means and methods, can a staging / dumpster area as well as potential crane pick areas be identified?

Response: Yes, staging/dumpster & lifting areas will be identified upon notice to proceed.

Question: Specification section 01-00-00 1.19 TEMPORARY USE OF EXISTING ELEVATORS states:

Contractor will not be allowed the use of existing elevators. Outside type hoist shall be used by Contractor for transporting materials and equipment. Will elevators be allowed to get manpower to designated work areas?

Response: Limited use of service elevator will be allowed for manpower.

Question: At the walk thru it was noticed that access entry point to some of the roofs were not easily accessible. For bidding purposes what routes are to be anticipated using to access the roofs?

Response: Access routes are to be determined and established by the contractor and approved prior to use.

Question: Specification section 07-53-23 references spec section 09 06 00, SCHEDULE FOR FINISHES:

Roof Membrane Color. However, spec section 09-06-00 Schedule for Finishes is not included. Can spec section 09-06-00 schedule for finishes be provided to include the membrane color?

Response: Membrane color shall be black.

Question: Spec section 01-35-26-1.7.A states “The Prime Contractor shall designate a minimum of one SSHO at each project site that will be identified as the SSHO to administer the Contractor's safety program and government-accepted Accident Prevention Plan.” Can the project superintendent fill the role of SSHO?

Response: No, the Prime Contractor’s Project Superintendent may not function as SSHO.

Question: Has the Dept of Veteran Affairs (VA) had core samples taken and tested of the roof areas outlined in the specifications? If so, will they be providing both the roof compositions and the test results to the bidders? If they have not, do they plan on doing so?

Response: Core samples have not been taken and no plans exist for the VA to take any core samples.

Potential contractors were provided the opportunity to take core samples during the walk-thru.

Question: The construction details shown in drawings A-013 and A-014 show components for roof systems other than the requested EPDM. Would the manufacturer approved details for the system EPDM be approved in their place?

Response: Yes, manufacturer details may be approved in place of existing details.

Question: On Roof Section #5 the screen wall surrounding the roof area makes for difficult access to the roof for material uploading and roof installation. Can this screen be removed for roof installation?

If the screen can be removed for roof replacement, does it have to be re-installed?

Response: Screens may be removed but will require reinstallation upon completion of the roofing.

Question: Specification section 07-22-00-3.6.H lists multiple installation methods (i.e. adhered insulation, mechanically fastened insulation, mechanically fastened and adhered insulation). Which method of attachment installation does the VAMC want for this project?

Response: Please utilize Adhered System Installation.

Question: Specification section 07-53-23-3.5.F & H lists multiple installation methods (adhered system as well as loosely laid and ballasted system). Please specify the attachment method being requested for the EPDM membrane.

Response: Please utilize Adhered System Installation.

Question: Under the insulation section in the specifications (Section 07-22-00) there are multiple R- Values requested. Also, the tapered insulation specification negates the first R-Value listed in the specification. Please clarify the desired minimum insulation thickness and the requested tapered slope.

Response: Insulation material shall provide R-Values as listed in Specification 07 22 00 Section 2.1.A.

Minimum Insulation Thickness and Minimum slope shall be as listed in Specification 07 22 00 Section 2.4.F.

Question: Please specify the type of coverboard being requested and the attachment method.

Response: Cover board shall be as listed in Specification 07 22 00 Section 2.5.E. Minimum thickness ½”, preferred thickness 5/8”.

Question: Under the EPDM section in the specifications (Section 07-53-23) the requested Solar Reflectance Index is only met by white EPDM. Is white EPDM being requested for these systems?

Response: Black EPDM is being requested. If Solar Reflectance Index, as specified, cannot be met a request for variance may be submitted for approval.

Question: Also in Section 07-53-23, the membrane thickness is listed at 100mils. The manufacturer standard membrane thicknesses are 45mils, 60mils, and 90mils; with 60mils being the standard membrane thickness installed on similar projects. Please specify which the VA is requesting.

Response: EPDM shall be Type I – non-reinforced, 60 mil thickness.

Question: Please specify if the existing coping is to remain with the termination point being below the existing coping.

Response: Existing coping is anticipated to be removed and disposed of with new coping to be installed.

Question: If this is the requested specification, please specify the type of counter flashing to be used over the termination.

Response: Coping and counterflashing materials shall be as per Specification 07 60 00 section 2.1.

Minimum thickness/gauge shall be as per Specification 07 60 00 section 2.3. Aluminum Sheet shall be 0.040” thickness minimum and Galvanized Steel shall be 24 gauge minimum.

Question: If existing coping is to be removed and replaced, please specify the type of metal and thickness being requested.

Response: Coping and counterflashing materials shall be as per Specification 07 60 00 section 2.1.

Minimum thickness/gauge shall be as per Specification 07 60 00 section 2.3. Aluminum Sheet shall be 0.040” thickness minimum and Galvanized Steel shall be 24 gauge minimum.

Question: In Section 07-53-23, the requested warranty is 10 years and the scope of work states it is to be a 20 year. The typical manufacturer’s warranty for a similar system is 15 years. Would a 15-year warranty be accepted by the VA?

Response: Warranty period of 15 years is acceptable. Scope of work adjusted to reflect this warranty period.

Question: The specified timeline for completion is 120 days upon award. This timeline is not realistic based on the size and scope of work. Can this project duration be extended?

Response: Project duration is 120 days from notice to proceed.

Question: Please verify that contractors will have clear access in rear and side parking lots for scaffolding, in an effort not to disturb indoor hospital operations.

Response: VA will make every effort to accommodate construction activities to reduce disturbance to hospital operations.

Question: The SOW states “Insulation, wood fiber board, membrane and flashing shall meet Garland Company, Firestone or equivalent as approved by the VA.” Garland Company does not make an EPDM roof. Please confirm the VA wants an EPDM roof and what manufacturers are acceptable?

Response: EPDM Roof is expected. Inclusion of “Garland Company” is a typographical error and has been removed from the scope of work.

Question: How many roof elevations are there and what are their heights?

Response: 5 Sections of varying heights. Elevations not available at this time.

Question: What is the accessibility of each roof for loading and unloading?

Response: Accessibility varies from roof to roof. Access points for loading and unloading shall be established upon notice to proceed.

Question: Will a Crane be on site?

Response: It is the contractor’s responsibility to provide materials and equipment necessary to complete the project.

Question: Need side views of Building #1, North, South, East and West.

Response: Side views not available.

Question: Need Parapet Wall heights.

Response: Parapet wall dimensions are not available. Contractors were afforded the opportunity to obtain measurements needed during the walk-thru.

Question: What is the membrane Termination height on walls?

Response: As required by manufacturer and approved by VA.

Question: Is any equipment being demolished or new being added?

Response: Some abandoned in place I-Beams are to be removed and disposed of, but no other equipment is planned to be installed or removed.

Question: Has the Dept of Veteran Affairs (VA) had core samples taken and tested of the roof areas outlined in the specifications? If so, will they be providing both the roof compositions and the test results to the bidders? If they have not, do they plan on doing so?

Response: Core samples have not been taken and no plans exist for the VA to take any core samples.

Potential contractors were provided the opportunity to take core samples during the walk-thru.

Question: The construction details shown in drawings A-013 and A-014 show components for roof systems other than the requested EPDM. Would the manufacturer-approved details be approved in their place?

Response: Yes, manufacturer details may be approved in place of existing details.

Question: On Roof Section #5 the screen wall surrounding the roof area makes for difficult access to the roof for material uploading and roof installation. Will the VA allow for this screen wall to be disassembled? If reinstallation is required, please specify.

Response: Screens may be removed but will require reinstallation upon completion of the roofing.

Question: Please specify the insulation attachment method being requested for this specification.

Response: Please utilize Adhered System Installation.

Question: Please specify the attachment method being requested for the EPDM membrane.

Response: Please utilize Adhered System Installation.

Question: Under the insulation section in the specifications (Section 07-22-00) there are multiple R- Values requested. Also, the tapered insulation specification negates the first R-Value listed in the specification. Please clarify the desired minimum insulation thickness and the requested tapered slope.

Response: Insulation material shall provide R-Values as listed in Specification 07 22 00 Section 2.1.A.

Minimum Insulation Thickness and Minimum slope shall be as listed in Specification 07 22 00 Section 2.4.F.

Question: Please specify the type of coverboard being requested and the attachment method.

Response: Cover board shall be as listed in Specification 07 22 00 Section 2.5.E. Minimum thickness ½”, preferred thickness 5/8”.

Question: Under the EPDM section in the specifications (Section 07-53-23) the requested Solar Reflectance Index is only met by white EPDM. Is white EPDM being requested for these systems?

Response: Black EPDM is being requested. If Solar Reflectance Index, as specified, cannot be met a request for variance may be submitted for approval.

Question: Also in Section 07-53-23, the membrane thickness is listed at 100mils. The manufacturer standard membrane thicknesses are 45mils, 60mils, and 90mils; with 60mils being the standard membrane thickness installed on similar projects. Please specify which the VA is requesting.

Response: EPDM shall be Type I – non-reinforced, 60 mil thickness.

Question: Please specify if the existing coping is to remain with the termination point being below the existing coping. If this is the requested specification, please specify the type of counter flashing to be used over the termination. If existing coping is to be removed and replaced, please specify the type of metal and thickness being requested.

Response: Existing coping is anticipated to be removed and disposed of with new coping to be installed. Coping and counterflashing materials shall be as per Specification 07 60 00 section 2.1.

Minimum thickness/gauge shall be as per Specification 07 60 00 section 2.3. Aluminum Sheet shall be 0.040” thickness minimum and Galvanized Steel shall be 24 gauge minimum.

Question: In Section 07-53-23, the requested warranty is 10 years. The typical manufacturer’s warranty for a similar system is 15 years. Would a 15-year warranty be accepted by the VA?

Response: Warranty period of 15 years is acceptable. Scope of work adjusted to reflect this warranty period.

Question: The specified timeline for completion is 120 days upon award. This timeline is not realistic based on the size and scope of work. Would this timeline be extended to accommodate 200-day schedule?

Response: Project duration is 120 days from notice to proceed.

Question: Please verify that contractors will have clear access in rear and side parking lots for scaffolding, in an effort not to disturb indoor hospital operations.

Response: VA will make every effort to accommodate construction activities to reduce disturbance to hospital operations.

Question: Please verify that contractors will have clear access for dumpsters so that debris and other materials can be safely staged and removed from the roof areas.

Response: Staging/dumpster & lifting areas shall be identified upon notice to proceed.

Question: Do you have specific size and dimensions for the cooping, we need to follow the existing sizes.

Response: Utilize existing cooping sizes.

Question: I would like to request for extension of the proposal submission deadline to 20th of January.

Response: Proposal submission deadline has been extended.