Description
Hail Impact Testing of Modified Bitumen Roof Membranes
(Mase H., Koziol R.)
Course Overview
This session was originally presented at the 2026 IIBEC Convention & Trade Show in Sacramento, CA.
This course includes the following required components.
- recording of the live session
- summative assessment consisting of 10 multiple-choice questions
- course evaluation survey
Description
Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) and the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA) have a history of collaborating to develop research and testing programs that focus on expanding industry knowledge of commonly used roofing materials. One such focus was on granule-surfaced, modified bitumen roofing membranes. WJE, in collaboration with the MRCA Technical & Research Committee, developed a testing program to evaluate the influence of hail impact on granule-surfaced modified bitumen roof membranes installed in low-slope roof assemblies. The objective was to determine the extent of damage to various aged membranes from a single manufacturer through physical testing and laboratory review and analysis. Testing was conducted in accordance with ASTM D3746, Standard Test Method for Impact Resistance of Bituminous Roofing Systems. Samples were impacted by a 5-pound, 2-inch diameter steel missile released from a height of 53 inches. Sample weights, granule counts, and exposed bitumen measurements were taken both before and after the impact. Desaturation of the membrane samples was conducted to remove the bitumen and make visual observations of the reinforcement. Additionally, microscopy of the impacted cross sections was performed. This presentation will describe the testing program procedures and corresponding results. Those who are interested in hail assessment would benefit from this presentation.
Authors/Speakers
Heidi Mase, Licensed Architect
Senior Associate
Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates Inc.
Richard Koziol, Licensed Architect, AIA, NCARB
Principal
Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates Inc.
Course Access
Courses are accessible in LearnUpon for one year from the date of purchase.
Course Recommended Prerequisite(s)
Attendees should have a basic understanding of exterior wall assemblies and building enclosure principles. Familiarity with moisture management strategies, thermal performance considerations, and typical construction detailing practices—particularly at transitions such as eaves and soffits—is recommended. Experience with reviewing or developing construction details is beneficial but not necessary.
IIBEC Core Competencies: Roofing
Knowledge Level: Introductory
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in the session content at the 2026 IIBEC Convention & Trade Show are those of the content author(s)/speaker(s) and do not necessarily reflect the policies or positions of the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC). IIBEC makes no warranty, whether express or implied, as to the completeness, accuracy or validity of the information provided.
Credit Start Date 1/23/26
Credit Expiration Date 1/23/29
Continuing Education Credit Statement
This course is approved for 1.0 IIBEC CEH
This course is approved for 1.0 AIA LU/HSW
AIA Course Number: CONV26_19_OD
AIA Provider Number: G024
Continuing Education Credit Claim Information
To claim IIBEC CEHs and download a Certificate of Completion, learners are required to complete all components of the course, including a passing score of 70% or higher on the summative assessment. Participants are provided unlimited attempts to complete the summative assessment with a passing score of 70% or higher.
- After completing the course requirements download a Certificate of Completion.
- Participants are responsible for self-reporting IIBEC CEH credit by uploading their Certificate of Completion to their IIBEC Portal. For assistance in self-reporting CEHs, please reach out to: cehs@iibec.org
- If you are a member of AIA and would like IIBEC to report your participation in the course to AIA, there is a place in the course evaluation survey to input your AIA member number.
AIA CES Provider statement
IIBEC is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider G024. All registered AIA CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs. Any questions or concerns about this provider or this learning program may be sent to AIA CES (cessupport@aia.org or (800) AIA 3837, Option 3).
This learning program is registered with AIA CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product. AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.
Objectives
At the conclusion of this activity, the learner will be able to:
1. Discuss ASTM D3746, Standard Test Method for Impact Resistance of Bituminous Roofing Systems, and its procedures and parameters.
2. Describe a process called “image analysis,” which uses a computer program to analyze high-resolution photographs to identify features of interest, particularly granules and exposed bitumen.
3. Recognize variations in modified bitumen membranes of various ages including granule quantities and exposed bitumen area.
4. Explain the differences observed between roofing samples containing gypsum and wood fiber cover boards regarding hail impact.
Certificate
By completing/passing this course, you will attain the certificate On Demand_AIA HSW and IIBEC CEH 2025
Learning credits
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